3rd class
Balaclava Boy by Jenny Robson Highlights
Short school novel exploring ideas of prejudice and acceptance
T H I R D C L A S S
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Summary
Short novel with an intriguing story Entirely set in a school so perfect for class reading Appeal to reluctant readers Line drawings throughout Award-winning author
Why is the new boy at school wearing a balaclava? The other kids are intrigued and come up with all sorts of theories, but every single one is wrong. As their curiosity grows, Tommy’s new friends think of a plan to reveal his secret, but they’ll never guess what it is.
‘A delightfully undidactic fable of tolerance and acceptance’ – Robert Dunbar, The Irish Times
Every reader who loves a mystery will want to know why Tommy wears a balaclava to school. And everyone who finds out will have come to understand something profound about identity, self-esteem, bullying, solidarity and the right to be who we are, no matter what anyone thinks.
‘A fresh, contemporary and very engaging read … the reader is swept along at a rapid pace. When the reason is finally revealed, readers will quickly realise that in the course of the narrative they have learned profound lessons about identity, self-esteem, bullying, solidarity and the right to be who we are’ – Books for Keeps
Author Biography Jenny Robson was born in South Africa and now lives in Botswana. She has won many important awards for her children’s books, including the UNESCO Prize for Children’s and Young People’s Literature in the Service of Tolerance.
Reviews
Price: €6 ISBN: 9781908195913 BIC: YFQ, 5AJ Binding: Paperback Format: 198 x 129mm Extent: 98 pages
‘Funny, fresh and utterly contemporary, this is a real find – great for 7–10-year-olds and with a brilliant (nonpreachy) message about acceptance and difference.’ – The Bookseller ‘For ages seven to eight and older, try Balaclava Boy – one of the best books about tolerance and friendship that I’ve read in a long time… Beautifully written in simple yet eloquent prose, this is worth buying for the fiendishly clever twist alone.’ – Sarah Webb, Irish Independent 4
Little Island Books
Edco - The Educational Company of Ireland