O'Brien for Schools 2013

for Schools 20 1 3 -2 0 1 4

A comprehensive and easy-to-use guide to O’Brien Press children’s books and how to use them in the classroom

TEACHING A

t The O’Brien Press we realise that reading is a core skill at the heart of the curriculum. We know that each child will present their teacher with individual interests and abilities. We realise that teachers need adaptable, versatile and engaging resources that will help them to plan and develop high-level thinking and communication skills in the classroom.

That’s why we have developed, and are constantly updating, a comprehensive range of FREE resources that support you, the teacher, and encourage children to develop these skills to their maximum potential.

O’BRIEN FOR SCHOOLS CONTAINS: Details of hundreds of FREE TEACHING RESOURCES created by teachers for teachers to support O’Brien Press books  Information on NEW BOOKS from O’Brien Press for all class levels from 4 years to 12 years+

NEW BOOKS Lots of great new books for all reading levels and abilities!

 Four-page comprehensive THEMATIC BREAKDOWN of all O’Brien Press books for ease of use in the classroom  Samples of TEACHING SUPPORT MATERIALS for all reading levels and abilities

READ ON! TEACHING GUIDES Are you choosing a new novel for your class? Or perhaps you are using O’Brien Press novels already.

O’Brien Teaching Guides provide detailed suggestions for getting the most out of your chosen novel, with plot summaries, activities, discussion points and more.

Teaching Guides are available for many O’Brien Press books and more are added all the time.

ts Cave of Secre

17 Martin Street

978-1-84717-207-5 Paperback ISBN 17-385-0 eBook ISBN 978-1-847

Teaching Guide

Cave of Secrets

Fugitives!

Aubrey Fleg

By PETER HEANEY RA T I O N A L E A N D T H E M E S This novel is ideal for use in the senior classes of primary school and junior classes of secondary school because it deals with one of the darkest periods in European history, with themes which are also relevant in contemporary Ireland.

The themes which are woven seamlessly into the fabric of daily life are: Courage Prejudice Bereavement Illness Poverty Friendship Social conscience Loyalty Family support

S U M M A RY The story begins with a prologue – the diary of Renata Stern, a 15-year-old Jewish girl, describing how hard life has become in Berlin under Nazi rule, and her fears at having to travel to Ireland on her own to try and find her father. This sets the scene for the climax later in the story when, as an illegal refugee, Renata has to go ‘on the run’ in Dublin. Meanwhile in Dublin, Ben Byrne’s life is thrown into turmoil when he meets Hetty Golden, his new Jewish neighbour. Despite his father’s prejudice, Ben enters the slightly exotic world of Jewish tradition, observance and family ritual, eventually befriending Hetty.

Ben’s story of courage and loyalty develops against a background of poverty, the terminal illness of his mother and the industrial agitation of neutral Dublin during the ‘Emergency’. Together Ben and Hetty overcome their mutual suspicions to build trust and friendship that bridges the divisions of race and religion. They find common cause in a determination to find

17 Martin Street

ISBN 978-1-8 4717-20

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Teaching Guide

from had returned father William with expensive , finding Tom’s and community to Dublin laden dismissing Tom in his a trip into their family and supported for his sisters while themes of a child’s his presents himself accepted Rationale and crafted present to adult; something th century, with a roughly that he journey from child years of the 17 He also announced eldest supported. hobby horse.

Set in turbulent enjoy a father has never match for his and his family Tom and had made a marriage he hoped would William Flynn bay. parallel lives as that

by Roaring Water Increasingly his between daughter Elizabeth comfortable life the connection and ordered aware of the Tomás fuse until the family fortune father is revealed. he is painfully for a advance s Donal’s Catholic in a nt and As make preparation his mother the the family’s advanceme fortune the servants to challenges for of Richard Boyle, do anything secure the family’s is prepared to In his efforts to great feast in honour unwise alliances Ireland and he arranging will be his guest.

Flynn has made position, including Earl of Cork who completely to a William to secure their his sister to destroy him for his daughter which threaten tries to comfort Donal’s of an When Tom a favourable marriage her age.

Tom persuades at the prospect times and is only when are saved Elizabeth, horrified man who is three rejected to help that they his efforts are is strained, father Muiris with his son arranged marriage, of his father His relationship catastrophe. the attention absences allow from attracts business he and fists, he however his long bay and the swinging to explore the instead. Ducking Tom the freedom appRoach of his father’s wishes. towards the bay. main defiance flees in three in secrets its presented tumble down Tom finds wits after his action The guide is resentment, Gathering his the flow of the a cave and Driven by in the he discovers sections to facilitate the characters and those he meets the cliff slope, a secret in nt of acceptance with a long who is guarding and developme process uncovers meets Donal bay and in the of the cave. themes. the secret. the dark recesses hidden family of the story address a trail from the and him to a safe The main themes s within story of frustration Donal escorts in three the relationship It is a powerful to meet again issues around and feeling The themes include: bay and they agree consequences family loyalty. family and the days time.

Adventure to the they can evoke.

Tom awakens will be effective Next morning Family loyalty of his responses aftermath the group Individual of the Greed devastation in activities however and takes advantage an adult for all the greater Becoming father’s party prime and support visit the bay again. discussion will present the Courage distraction to responses and Donal, s depth to their effectively rendezvous with Forgivenes engage more Returning to learns that opportunity to develops. He Self discovery friendship their and he d relations with the story. is a chieftain Parent-chil his father Muiris sister who Donal’s little 1 and meets Maura, Section charm y with her summaR overwhelms him Storm threats and treatment The Growing Stung by his father’s chatter.

Taking no house. wedding, the her flees pp 11-90 prepares for of him, Tom him, he While Elizabeth of the bay, direction takes in the freedom care where his onto the Tom delights the cliff path teach himself the courage to stumbles from summaRy been even finding Water Bay. beach at Roaring Bay had always to swim. curls up in Roaring Water Donal reveals a way back, he for Tom, however find grows, to territory Unable intervenes forbidden father has As their friendship and when his fate. Destiny and fear of his are smugglers a cave to await Maura, two today, his anger that his family as he races agrees to of Donal and from his mind join them Donal in the shape on the driven caution headlong Tom asks to who are working top until tumbling local children along the cliff trapped speak to his father. he finds himself beach.

Flynn is discovering Tom down the slope means of In Dublin, William introduction, without any apparent Despite a cautious Donal and Maura. in a bay with Teaching Guide becomes friends drawn escape. develops he is 1 As their friendship

By Peter Heaney

ISBN 978-1-84717-125-2 pb

MARILYN TAYLOR

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Morgan Llywe

2-0 pb

Teaching Guid e

and help a German Jewish refugee who is desperately trying to avoid being deported as an illegal immigrant.

A P P RO A CH The themes of poverty, prejudice, courage and loyalty are powerful and compelling, resonating with clarity in both historical and contemporary contexts. Consequently the resources in the story should provide the opportunity for discussion and development of personal opinion.

The book has been divided into five main sections to reflect the important events in the story.

When a window is broken during a street football game, Ben is apprehended. The old man he knocked down offers to pay for the window. Ben can earn the money to pay him back by undertaking to light the fire for a Jewish family every Sabbath.

When the old man gives him the address, Ben realises it is the Goldens’ house and that the old man is Hetty’s grandfather.

Every Saturday, Ben helps the Golden family as their ‘Shabbos Goy’.

D I S CU S S I O N P O I N T S

UNIT 1

New Neighbours at 17 Martin Street PAGES 11-56 S U M M A RY Twelve-year-old Ben Byrne meets Hetty for the first time when he helps her rescue young puppies from the frozen canal.

Weeks later Ben is watching from his bedroom window for the ‘Glimmer Man’.

His thoughts of his mam, ill in bed in the next room, are interrupted when a family arrives to move in next door. Ben realises the youngest girl is the one involved in rescuing the puppies.

At tea he receives a stern warning from his da to give the Goldens a wide berth because they are Jewish, in contrast to his mam’s reminder that Jews and Christians have the same roots.

As the Goldens unpack, Hetty thinks she recognises Ben and wonders to her sister Mabel why he didn’t come down. With the help of relatives bringing food the Goldens’ mother lights the traditional Sabbath candles and the family begin to settle in Martin Street.

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Read pp 19-21: Ben has decided, against his better judgement, to attempt to rescue the puppies. Do you think Ben made a sensible decision?

Why did Ben attempt the rescue? Was it worth the risk?

Read pp 28-31: Ben’s mam and dad have different views about their Jewish neighbours. Whose opinion do you think is the more accurate? What shapes opinions about other people, especially from another religion or culture?

A CT I VI T I E S

1. The Suitcase: Read pp 15-16: Renata has to flee Berlin to escape the Nazis and comes to Ireland to find her father. Her mother helps her to pack. What should she pack and why?

Make a list of each item and the reason for including it.

2. The Ideal Neighbours: Read pp 24-25: When Ben sees his new neighbours moving in he hopes there will be someone that he can be pals with. If new neighbours were to move in beside you, what would your ideal neighbour be like? Write a character profile of your ideal neighbour.

Teaching Guide

By PETER HEANE

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Fugitives! is APPRO ACH a story about how friendshi and loyalties ps The guide can is leading a circumstances. be tested by events and is divided troop to capture into four sections Following reflect the main avoid being his father. To between Norman the tradition to transitions within curfewed in The story itself the town, Con the story. forced to O’Neill, nephew and Gaelic families, Fion is rich with guide them. is opportunities identify and of the Irish He manages escape, but Hugh O’Neill, to examine the chieftain he gets lost to has been consequences taking alternativ in the woods he meets a fostered to Norman De of e actions, and until strange man, the many Cashel family. also provides who looks wonderful beggar though He and the Cashel children, like a moments De characte he’s a poet, James and to relate to him; Con calls rs and events. who directs become like Sinéad, have him ‘Haystac siblings. Sir ks’.

Although the Cashel had Malachy De Sinéad chooses supported story has an Hugh O’Neill this time to historical plot, the themes Battle of Kinsale, prevent the ask Hugh are univers but was pardone at the themse to boys’ duel. al and lend King when She d when lves by is alarmed the the Irish easily to he lets them were discuss ion contemporary However, fight, because doesn’t know Sir Arthur Chichest defeate d. of issues: eg she that the armoure colonialism. refugees and Deputy of er, the Lord them blunted r Ireland, has has The story also given swords. James decided now accessible context extend his offers a child but both boys disarms Fion, influence and to to examine realise that has set about divisions that policy of ‘divide some of the their quarrel over. exist within a and rule’. isn’t modern Ireland.

James, Fion Sinéad seeks and Sinéad out Fion, must decide their loyalties poisoned atmosph and they discuss where UNIT I lie as they the ere. They themselves witness for James has fallen realise that the effects The Secret under the evil of Chiches policy.

War Dr Fenton influence of ter’s . Sinéad PP9–76 confirm s suspicions The main themes their when she of the story discover spying in the Loyalty SUMM ARY are: papers in Hugh’s s Fenton room.

Friendsh As Sinéad confides James De Cashel’s ip her suspicion sleep is troubled Courage Con reaches O’Neill, the s to Hugh, . Hugh the De Cashel Earl of Tyrone, Pride news of Chichest castle with son, Con, and his young the are asleep, er’s approach and James erupts in Honour . The castle their presence a frenzy and the friendsh resents preparat as Hugh Hugh and Forgiven makes ions to leave ip that his own father ess immediately. have.

Refugees At dawn, Con DISCUS SION manages to Greed POINTS slip castle, hoping (Read to visit the Pale. out of the pp20–2 1): further into He is drawn the Pale than Fenton persuaded SUMM ARY has he realises comes face-toJames that and it is acceptab face with tell some of le to Chichester. the truth only.

Sir Arthur James, Fion Do you think and Sinéad it is honoura struggle to ble to deceive their destiny Meanwhile, realise someone by telling part James has of the truth? seventeenth-cent and to survive taken his concerns to his tutor, How do you in think Dr ury Fenton Fenton.

Ireland, a manipulated racked by danger.

Fenton proceed turn James country James so that he accepted s to against Hugh. what he said?

He sends James off to vent Though they What questions do you his frustrati have been think James on on Hugh’s nephew Fion, childhood, friends since asking himself should be who has lived they about their Cashels since with the De they struggle must now take sides (Read relationship? he was a child. as pp28–2 9): to find and O’Neill’s son, When Sinéad save Hugh Though releases the boys have Saoirse into Con. the air, it seems often quarrelle today there she is able The story as if d, to fly with is is driven the bird and by intrigue James’s needling somethi ng differen t escape her determination and a in prison of Fion. Before to save Con can intervene you think Sinéad for a while. Why do from Sir Arthur Chichester.

Sinéad , the boys believes she go quarrel by oned? What is imprisfighting a duel. to settle their do you think she is trying escape from?

In the Pale, to If you were Con discover to dream of escaping, can Fugitives! s that Chichest you describe er would like to escape from? what you

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Check out www.obrien.ie/TeachingGuides

Teaching Guide

RESOURCES AVAILABLE FREE FROM WWW.OBRIEN.IE ACTIVITY SHEETS

YOUR SCHOOL LIBRARY

HUNDREDS of FREE activity sheets, created by teachers for teachers, with the primary school curriculum in mind. Ideal for classroom use, with puzzle pages, suggested activities, language development and visual arts activities and much more. www.obrien.ie/ActivitySheets

Get great advice and suggestions on setting up and maintaining a fantastic library in your school – available FREE at www.obrien.ie/SchoolLibrary

ALFIE GREEN: A STRANGE NEW PLANT Alfie has discovered many unusual plants in Arcania. They are often similar to plants we have here in our own world but don’t be fooled – some of them have very strange characteristics indeed!

Féile Fever

A PICTURE OF ALFIE’S NEW PLANT

Write a description of a new plant that Alfie has discovered. Give it a name and explain what type of soil it likes and what kind of weather conditions it prefers.

Explain any strange characteristics the new plant has as well as describing what it looks like. Will your plant be friendly or dangerous? Try to give as much detail as you can Use the box to the side to draw a picture of what you think the plant will look like and write your description in the box below. Don’t forget to give the new plant a name.

A DESCRIPTION OF ALFIE’S NEW PLANT ...

JOE O’BRIEN

The Sportswriter’s Manager of the Month: May

By PETER HEANEY Mick Wilde has been nominated as one of the contenders for the Sportswriter’s Award of Manager of the Month.

Danny ’s Hidden Words Help Danny to find these words in the box below

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SPORTSWRITER’S MANAGER OF THE MONTH: MAY Nomination form

In order to make sure that they are being fair, the sportswriters try to score the contender’s skills against a set of agreed common skills that they think are important for a manager to have.

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By Peter Heaney. Based on the Alfie Green books by Joe O’Brien. © Copyright reserved. The O’Brien Press Ltd www.obrien.ie

ISBN 978-1-84717-173-3 pb

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Name: MICK WILDE Team:

LITTLESTOWN CROKES G.A.C.

SKILLS

There are five common skills that they will score each manager on and then each sportswriter is allowed to include one extra skill that they think is important too.

SCORE OUT OF 10

THE STORY OF IRELAND

EVIDENCE

TEAM PERFORMANCE

In order to be as fair as possible, they usually ask some of the team players or supporters to complete a nomination form and you have been given the opportunity o complete a nomination form for Mick.

Statues with a Story: Activity 1

KNOWLEDGE OF THE GAME

People are a very important part of any story and many people important people have contributed to Ireland’s Story. Research someone who has made a contribution to the history of your own area.

TEAM MOTIVATOR

Under each heading you will need to give a score out of 10 and provide evidence for your assessment.

Detective Diarmuid has some advice to help you get started ...

“Look for clues in the names of the streets or buildings in your local area. Are any of them named after someone? Is there a local park named after someone? These are usually good places to start ”

ORGANISING SKILLS

(You can include page numbers and a description of what Mick has done.

Remember; the sportswriters will be suspicious if you award 10/10 for every section… you will need to provide good evidence…)

TACTICAL SKILLS (How did he use his players)

You will need to work in groups for this activity. Perhaps different people in the groups could read different sections of the book to find evidence?

ABILITY TO THINK UNDER PRESSURE

When you have finished; the whole class could discuss the scores that the groups have given under the headings and compare them. Each of the groups could then explain their score and the reasoning behind why they awarded the score.

You might prefer to choose someone who is not very well known. They may even be still living. If this is so then it would be a great opportunity to write to them and ask them some good questions.

When you have chosen the person you want to research, you will need to think about why you have chosen them and what effect you think that their contribution has made. Write a short description of the person you have chosen and the reasons you selected them in the boxes below.

WHO I HAVE CHOSEN

WHY I HAVE CHOSEN THIS PERSON

WRITER’S CHOICE OF SKILL

TOTAL SCORE Write one sentence to describe why Mick should be Manager of the Month

You can use the nomination form on the following page:

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Based on the Danny’s Smelly Toothbrush by Brianóg Brady Dawson © Copyright reserved.The O’Brien Press Ltd www.obrien.ie

By Peter Heaney. Based on The Story of Ireland by Brendan O’Brien. © Copyright reserved. The O’Brien Press Ltd www.obrien.ie

THEMES Perhaps you are already using O’Brien Press books in your classroom, or maybe you’re thinking about it. Whatever the case, we realise that teachers need adaptable and versatile resources when choosing and using books in the classroom. That’s why we’re giving you an in-depth list of the different THEMES and TOPICS covered in our books, at all of the different class and reading levels, completely FREE! This unique thematic breakdown offers help and advice when selecting a book or novel, and enables you to get the most out of O’Brien Press books in the classroom.

REAL BOOKS FOR SCHOOLS Check out this fantastic integrated Reading Programme based on over 80 books – make O’Brien Press books work for you. Find out more at www.obrien.ie/ReadingProgramme THE

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Email marketing@obrien.ie today and we’ll send you a selection of colourful posters and bookmarks to brighten up your classroom or school library, completely FREE!

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One Book, One Community

COMMUNITIES all over Ireland, led by schools and libraries, have been coming together to coordinate extraordinary learning experiences for students. Called ONE BOOK, ONE COMMUNITY projects, these diverse and interactive projects range in length, activity and focus but all work towards one goal – encouraging a love of reading.

Built around one specially chosen title, ONE BOOK, ONE COMMUNITY projects combine reading, writing, art, technology, drama and many other aspects of the curriculum to give students a complete literary experience. As well as helping them develop literacy skills, it also gives them a lasting appreciation for the art of storytelling and books.

Nicola Pierce’s debut novel Spirit of the Titanic was chosen for many ‘One Book, One Community’ projects.

Nicola is just one of our authors who takes part in projects, attending launches, readings and workshops.

Some of the fantastic books which schools have chosen for One Book, One Community projects: ISBN: 978-1-84717-196-2 PRICE: €7.99/£6.99 FORMAT: Hardback 80 pages

ISBN: 978-0-86278-685-4 PRICE: €6.95/£5.99 FORMAT: Paperback 160 pages

ISBN: 978-1-84717-279-2 PRICE: €7.99/£6.99 FORMAT: Paperback 256 pages

ISBN: 978-1-84717-190-0 PRICE: €7.99/£6.99 FORMAT: Paperback 240 pages

ISBN: 978-1-84717-286-0 PRICE: €7.99/£6.99 FORMAT: Paperback 208 pages

Looking for a great book for your project?

The O’Brien Press recommends:

For advice, guidance and tips on setting up ONE BOOK, ONE COMMUNITY projects, to request an author to visit or for great promotional materials, contact us today at

publicity@obrien.ie

ISBN: 978-1-84717-172-6 PRICE: €7.99/£6.99 FORMAT: Paperback 240 pages

ISBN: 978-1-84717-190-0 PRICE: €7.99/£6.99 FORMAT: Paperback 240 pages

ISBN: 978-1-84717-579-3 PRICE: €7.99/£6.99 FORMAT: Paperback 224 pages

‘We could not have made the project as successful as we did without the help and support of O’Brien Press’ Mary Collins, Home School Liaison Officer

Bridging Cultures, Building Reading Success

AN EXCITING SERIES OF MULTI-CULTURAL AND INTER-CULTURAL BOOKS FOR CHILDREN, IDEAL FOR CLASSROOM USE The Dreaming Tree by Eithne Massey

Olanna’s Big Day by Natasha Mac a’Bháird

Back home in Brazil, Roberto loved playing the world’s best football! Now he lives in Ireland and he’d really like to have a game with the boys in the park, but he’s too shy. Maybe his granny’s Brazilian story of the dreaming tree can help him!

There’s great excitement when the school band is chosen to march in the Saint Patrick’s Day Parade, but as the big day arrives, disaster strikes! With a little help from her granny back in Nigeria though, Olanna saves the day!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR ISBN: 978-1-84717-158-0 EITHNE MASSEY is the author of the children’s PRICE: €7.99/£6.99 novels The Secret of Kells, The Silver Stag FORMAT: Hardback of Bunratty, Where the Stones Sing and for 32 pages younger readers, Best-loved Irish Legends.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR ISBN: 978-1-84717-171-9 NATASHA MAC A’BHÁIRD is a writer and PRICE: €7.99/£6.99 editor. She is the author of Missing Ellen, for FORMAT: Hardback older readers, and The Irish Bride’s Survival 32 pages Guide.

I Won’t Go to China by Enda Wyley

The Romanian Builder by Peter Prendergast

Chang-ming has been picked for the school team but his family will be in China then, visiting his grandma. It’s not fair! ‘I won’t go to China,’ he decides. But what about Grandma? And isn’t a visit to China the most exciting thing ever?

Joe has so many questions for the new builder and is really disappointed when he finds out that Radu doesn’t speak any English. Now he will never find out about building – or will he?

ABOUT THE AUTHOR ISBN: 978-1-84717-105-4 PETER PRENDERGAST works in Dublin as PRICE: €7.99/£6.99 a teacher. His first work of fiction for older FORMAT: Hardback children, Dancing in the Dark, was nominated 32 pages for the 2011 Bisto Children’s Book of the Year Award.

ISBN: 978-1-84717-159-7 PRICE: €7.99/£6.99 FORMAT: Hardback 32 pages

ABOUT THE AUTHOR ENDA WYLEY is an author, poet and teacher.

Her book for young readers, Boo and Bear, is in the O’Brien Panda Cubs series and she has also written The Silver Notebook for readers aged 10+.

A NOTE FOR TEACHERS Bridges celebrate Ireland’s ethnic and cultural diversity, shedding light on our common and contrasting experiences. These beautiful full-colour hardback books with high-quality stories and engaging illustrations can help children with their understanding of other cultures and of the many different experiences of living in Ireland today. The series collectively won a Reading Association of Ireland Award.

‘These thought-provoking books will be of immense value to teachers, parents and of course children’ Inis Magazine

FOOD REAL CHINESE available in just those that are

few ingredients, usually garlic, Chinese cooking uses sauce, sesame oil, ginger, eg soy sauce, oyster cheap, cook every Chinese kitchen are easy to grow, are Five Spices. Vegetables go well spring onions and full of nutrients, and hot woks, are tasty, southern China. in a short time in very food, especially in an important staple in northern with rice which is from wheat, especially staple food, made people a Noodles are another feasts as a way of wishing birthday at served and duck or China, but are also at special banquets, is expensive and served long life. Seafood at very special meals. goose would be used

st) Mainland (communi Chinese New Year. th Both in Ireland usually celebrate Day is 10 October.

Chinese people living Taiwan’s National and the Chinese n is 1st October and at home or in restaurants National Day of Celebratio r from rs hold their own parties and invites the ambassado Taiwanese and Mainlande Year parties in restaurants e holds annual New Chamber of Commerc thin pancake. a in others. wrapped and Duck, slices of duck the People’s Republic dumplings, famous dishes is Peking of jiaozi (wrapped One of Chinas’s most – families make hundreds would keep a few meat in much of China past many families Pork is the favourite Eve feasts, and in the pork) for New Year’s with filled usually meat for festivals. be killed to provide pigs which would

by Enda Wyley.

Won’t Go To China Wong. Based on I Recipes from Lucy Ltd www.obrien.ie The O’Brien Press © Copyright reserved.

The Dreaming Tree

ISBN 978-1-84717 -158-0

hb

Eithne Massey Teaching Guide

By PETER HEANEY RATIONAL E A N D THEMES

BRIDGING CULTURES, BUILDING READING SUCCESS

Roberto finds the confidence to adapt to and participate in ACTIVITIES his new surroundings, and is able to offer his own gifts and 1. A Friend for Roberto talents without fear of rejection.

(Read pp 8 – 9) Roberto The approach should wants to be emphasise that friends with the other everyone has both children in his talents and the class; however he potential to contribute is not sure how to effectively, begin. Can you help especially where him? What sort of circumstances might things should he say limit or discourage or do and what participation as was should he not do? the case with Roberto.

Use a class brainstorm Whole class strategies to make a list of all and discussion-led the things you think group work should might help him and provide an effective then in small groups focus to examine pick the three things the issues from the that you think will story. help the most. You could make a little DISCUSSIO N POINTS DO & DON’T CARD (Read P5): Fergus never asked for him and decorate it with a helpful Roberto to play. Do picture. you think he was being mean or did he just not think about asking him 2. The Cúpla Focal to play? What do you think Roberto (Read p 7) Roberto should have done can speak two himself and why do languages, English you think he did and Portuguese. How not do it? many languages are spoken in your (Read pp school?

13 – 15): Amanda was a good dancer and Roberto thought If you had children in your school who that she was ‘showing did not speak English, off’. His mum what do you think said that she wasn’t the five most useful ‘showing off’ and phrases that you that it was OK to be proud of things could learn to say in another language that you can do. Who to make them feel welcome do you think is would be? right? When do you think that being Do you think that proud of something you could get the you can do phrases translated becomes ‘showing and write them out off’? on a chart with a picture to show what is (Read p16): Why do you think being said? Do you think that you could Roberto hated to look different from practise them until you could say them everyone else? How easily? did he try to hide his embarrassmen t? Can you think of other ways 3. Five Gold Stars that people might behave if they were embarrassed?

(Read pp31 -32) Roberto pulled off What could you do his if you thought jacket to show his green and yellow that someone you knew was jersey with the five gold stars – his embarrassed about something?

Brazilian football top. Today he is playing as a striker for Ireland.

Can you use your imagination to write a short match report to describe what is happening?

The Dreaming Tree is a gentle story, which examines how insecurity in a new and strange environment can limit the opportunities for integration and participation.

The essence of the story falls within the SPHE range of issues and examines the way self image can dictate how we perceive our circumstances . The story also shows how support and encouragement can energise a positive self image and provide the courage to take control of any circumstances.

The themes include: Self image / perception

Bridges can be used as the basis for projects or class learning about different cultures. They are an invaluable resource for the Resource Teacher, the Learning Support Teacher and the EAL Teacher, and equally to the classroom teacher engaging with the mainstream curriculum.

See the full range of Bridges resources at www.obrien.ie

Courage

Cultural pride Integration & participation

Anxiety

Avoidance strategies Support and encourageme

Taking the initiative.

nt

SUMMARY

Roberto is unable to take the first step towards integration with his new environment. His younger sister, Amanda, has already begun to make new friends, but Roberto is finding it more difficult. It is only when he speaks on the telephone to his granny in Brazil, and she reminds him of the Legend of The Dreaming Tree and the Jaguar King, that he finds the courage to seek his own Dreaming Tree. This sets in motion a chain of events that lead to him achieving his ‘heart’s desire’.

APPROACH

Roberto’s story is a universal tale of loving family support; with his family’s support,

The Dreaming Tree

1

Teaching Guide

First Class/Year 2: Reading Level 5+

are specially designed to introduce the beginner reader to the wonderful world of books.

With exciting stories, lots of illustration and simple text, pandas have proven highly popular with young readers, both in Ireland and abroad.

With quirky characters and original stories, pandas are also perfect for older readers who may have difficulties learning to read.

For more great

see www.obrien.ie

‘… These easy stories with their simple texts and lively illustrations should encourage even the most recalcitrant reader’ Sunday Independent

ISBN: 978-1-84717-195-5 PRICE: €5.99/£4.99 FORMAT: Paperback/64 pages

Emma the Penguin is written by bestselling author Sarah Webb

‘Should appeal to children learning to read, including older children who are struggling.’

The School Librarian

Check out all the great ABOUT THE AUTHOR BRIANÓG BRADY DAWSON works as a primary school teacher. Her first book, Granny’s Teeth, was published by The O’Brien Press in 1998 and became a No.1 bestseller. She has now written 11 Panda books, including Danny’s Pesky Pet and Pageboy Danny. In 2011, Fiacla Mhamó and Danny’s Smelly Toothbrush also became No. 1 bestsellers.

by Brianóg Brady Dawson featuring the mischievous Danny who always ends up in trouble, even when he’s trying to be good!

First Class/Year 2: Reading Level 5+

‘O’Brien Legends series provide an exciting introduction to Irish legends for the young child. They are guaranteed to capture and sustain the interest of the emergent reader’ InTouch Magazine

Like all O’Brien pandas, are ideal for beginner readers, with exciting stories and illustrations throughout.

With new tales and old legends retold, are truly magical!

PRICE: €5.99/£4.99 FORMAT: Paperback/64 pages

TEACHING RESOURCES

For lots of great books at this reading level, visit www.obrien.ie/PurpleFlag

Activity Sheets

At The O’Brien Press, we recognise the importance of teaching support especially at younger reading levels.

That’s why we have hundreds of FREE Activity Sheets available, including nearly 40 different specialised Activity Sheets to support the panda series, so when you choose an O’Brien panda you know you’re not just getting a book; you’re getting a whole teaching support package. O’Brien Activity Sheets are created by teachers for teachers, with the primary school curriculum in mind. They are ideal for classroom use, with puzzle pages, language development and visual arts activities and more. www.obrien.ie/ActivitySheets Reading Programme Our Reading Programme includes inter-disciplinary teaching ideas for 20 Panda books. Available FREE at www.obrien.ie/ReadingProgramme

ACTIVITY SHEET

ISSUED FREE. Created by Gillian Perdue Based on Conor’s Cowboy Suit by Gillian Perdue ISBN 0-86278-778-5 © Copyright reserved. The O’Brien Press Ltd www.obrien.ie

Read pages 50-59

ACTIVITY SHEET NO 9

A Cowboy’s Clothes

4. Why do you think Sinead

was very happy to see this fireman?

1. What surprise did Tom

and Sinead get when the fireman took off his helmet?

Read pages 11-13

2. What do you think Tom

meant when he said, ‘That’s not a real at all!’?

ACTIVITY SHEET NO 3 fireman

5. Can you remember what is now used to describe a fireman?

ACTIVITY SHEET

6. Would you like to become

a firefi refighter when you grow up?

Why?

Katie’s Mum decorated the birthday cake with four Can you find the following words in the wordsearch: spurs chaps, hat, scarf, boots, belt, guns, lassoo, jeans, waistcoat, different colours of icing sugar. It looked so bright and colourful that she called it a ‘Rainbow Cake’. Look at R G P G K D O E L C the cake below. Can you decorate it using the same 3. How were Sinead’s Mum L A S S O O E W H Q and four colours that were mentioned in the story?

Dad proved wrong?

S A V A F C H A P S

F H I L J U

T H B O O T

I G T I U Q

N S M G U N

G P T S V P

X U Z C Y A

N R A A O S

E S C R B A

B D K F O J

M T L E B N

word

ISSUED FREE. Created

by Brianóg Brady-Daw son Based on Danny’s Sick Trick by Brianóg Brady-Daw son, illustrated by Michael Connor ISBN 0-86278-689-4 © Copyright reserved.

The O’Brien Press Ltd www.obrien.ie

Can you find the

Maze way to Aunt Bessie’s

house?

By John Doherty. Based on Fireman Sinead by Anna Donovan.

ISBN 0-86278-529-4 © Copyright reserved. The O’Brien Press Ltd www.obrien.ie

By John Doherty. Based on Katie’s Cake by Stephanie Dagg.

ISBN 0-86278-617-7 © Copyright reserved. The O’Brien Press Ltd www.obrien.ie

are ideal for the early stages of learning to read

For lots of great books at this reading level, visit www.obrien.ie/OrangeFlag today

Second Class/Year 3: Reading Level 6+

O’Brien Yellow Flag books are ideal for First & Second Class/Year 2 (P2) & Year 3 (P3)/Key Stage 1. These books are perfect for children who can read stories with chapters and slightly longer sentences. They capture the imagination of young readers with humour and illustrations which go beyond simply showing what is in the text, for a more complete reading experience.

Rea

CHA PTER 2

I kept lookin g at hi somet m. Th hing ere w stran as couldn ge ab out hi ’t wor m, bu k out tI what.

Then ‘Grand I got ad!’ I it. said. differe ‘Your nt. Th glasse ey ’re s are square roun d inst !’ ead of

gy Gog gles Gra nda d’s Dod around outside,

Featuring the hilarious Mad Grandad books from award-winning Irish children’s author and illustrator Oisín McGann.

Lenny’s grandad isn’t like other grown-ups.

He’s just a little bit mad – which means they go on great adventures together!

We walked posters. It was sticking up the the umbrella very wet, but I held he stuck them as over Grandad up.

15 16

‘The lively characters keep the Mad Grandad series enthralling’ BookFest

PRICE: €5.99/£4.99 FORMAT: Paperback/64 pages

‘Zany illustrations and crazy fun’ Primary Times

more O’Brien Flyers s t o l r o f e i . .obrien e challenge can take on th ho Visit www w s er ad re t nfiden ‘Ideal for co pendent y’ Sunday Inde of a longer stor e of ers a real sens at will give read th s rie se lly jo ‘A arian The School Libr achievement.’

TEACHING RESOURCES Activity Sheets We’ve got lots of teaching support materials for O’Brien Flyers and Mad Grandad books including over 45 Activity Sheets, available to download for FREE from www.obrien.ie/ActivitySheets Reading Programme The O’Brien Reading Programme has detailed classroom notes and helpful suggestions and ideas for working with Yellow Flag books: download for FREE from www.obrien.ie/ReadingProgramme THE DISCOVERY CHALLENGE

THE DIS

Conor McHale

Flyer 8 ISBN 0-86278-705-X

When Granny Lambert opens the wrong box a crocodile pops out and wreaks havoc on all around it…

• Pretend you are a journalist and write a story that will make the front page, telling your readers what happened when Granny opened the box.

• Challenge: try writing your full report in only 50 words!

• A sub-editor usually writes the headlines, but you can think of your own and write it in big bold letters. Remember that the headline refers to the most important bit of the story.

BU

• Design: Think about the layout of the front page, and about how your story will actually appear on the front page.

• Think of a photograph that would appear alongside the story too. Can you find a suitable photograph in an old newspaper or magazine?

EXTRA

Pandora, a character from an ancient Greek story, also opened up a box that caused a lot of trouble.

Find a book of Greek myths and legends, or look in an encyclopaedia, or log on to www.greekmythology.com, or www.mythweb.com and read Pandora's story. Can you tell Pandora's story in your own words?

You might tell the rest of the class your version of this story.

EXTRA Construction: make the crocodile from the story!

You can make your own crocodile by pasting egg boxes for the body and tail to a long piece or length of card; make the head from a triangle of egg box lids and paint your crocodile in gruesome greens – easy!

Audrey Devereux is a resource teacher in a Dublin school.

THE DISCOVERY CHALLENGE

LL FOR SALE!

Murphy. .ie Big Fight by Frank Ltd www.obrien Based on The O’Brien Press reserved. The

By John Doherty.

1-4 © Copyright ISBN 0-86278-45

COVERY CHALLENGE

Don't Open That Box

T NO 2

ACTIVITY SHEE

sell his bull. Design has decided to buy it.

Imagine that Ailill ge someone to would encoura you a poster that qualities would describe it? What it?

How would you you expect for much money would in mention? How the space below poster or use own your Design bull. and draw Ailill’s which to describe

Re Bo

0DG *UDQGDG $FWLYLWLHV

+HOS /HQQ\ V ROYH WKLV :RUGVHDUFK 3X]]OH &DQ \RX ILQG DOO WK HVH ZRUGV"

*UDQGDG /HQQ\ 6SDFHVKLS 5RERW *XQ 7 6KLUW .OHSWR %DOG $OLHQ -XQNILVK

Second Class/Year 3: Reading Level 6+

Magic and adventure with d by Recommende ergy Bord Gáis En r Book Club fo er 2012 Read Togeth

Selected ading for the UK Re mer m Su ’s Agency nge le al Ch g Readin 2011

Shor tlisted ok for the Irish Bo 10 20 ds ar Aw

Alfie’s magical book gives him special powers and opens up a whole new wonderful world. Read about his adventures with his friend Fitzer, his journeys to Arcania, and how Whacker Walsh just can’t get the better of him!

Winner e Book Best Chocolat rmand ou G d, in Irelan ok World Cookbo 10 20 ds ar Aw

‘gorgeous books beautifully illustrated, perfect for 6–7 year-olds’ Sunday Independent

ABOUT THE AUTHOR JOE O’BRIEN is an award-winning gardener who lives in Ballyfermot in Dublin. He is the author of nine Alfie Green books as well as, for older readers, Little Croker, Féile Fever, Tiger Boots and Beyond the Cherry Tree. He has appeared on RTÉ’s The Den and TV3’s Ireland AM and is a regular contributor to local radio shows.

TEACHING RESOURCES

There are lots of great teaching support materials for the Alfie Green series – check out these Activity Sheets and lots more at www.obrien.ie/schools – free to view and download!

ALFIE GREEN Gang and the Bee-Bottle

7-054-5 ISBN 978-1-8471

pb

JOE O’BRIEN

Teaching Guide Heaney

By Peter Fitzer ambush Alfie and Next morning they the way to school in the park on SUMMARY them for freeing the for N D THEMES kept after school determined to punish RATIONAL E A of Alfie has been As he heads home the magical world bees. dreaming during maths.

These books present the that the they create a top of the bottle of the park, he discovers Alfie unscrews the Alfie Green. Together there is an world of through A Hebe bush explains Bee’s perfume and bees are in uproar. wonderfull y humorous trapping Queen dark cloud of and animated angry buzz as a children have been exaggerated characters all ominous is the that some now that nowhere. magic and from the to kill them bees appears flora. Woven through child bees in bottles the park warrior mischief that every threatening to leave bees launch a stinging essential thread of and the bees are The squadron of take Alfie is irrepressible, and his gang who will identify with. of for good. attack on Whacker they tackle a series and yelling.

Fitzer, Alfie discovers with his friend Fitzer, to their heels whooping Later in the park with comic invention. his gang are the Fitzer and and Walsh zany adventures with Alfie gone, that Whacker With the danger a successful bee are aimed at the the Hebe bush smiles culprits. Alfie mounts Although the books he head for school and safe sees him and now themes are universal the bees are now rescue, but Whacker younger reader, the quietly knowing that and vibrant resource prospect of an angry and Fitzer face the and will create a rich from the Bottle gang. and activities, for revenge. for class discussions to Whacker looking themselves and Old Plant for help particularly lending Alfie asks the Wise DISCUSSIO N POINTS all drama, visual arts visit the Queen of development through The Bee Bottle Gang he suggests that Alfie main themes are: Read pp.12–14. lives in Honeycomb and literacy. The bees in bottles and the bees. She are trapping the bereavement and fierce warrior Dealing with This is very cruel.

Mountain, in Arcania, letting them die.

Wise Old Plant gives means?

The cruel Bullying her. being guard bees to What do you think to introduce him humans have the Supporting others Alfie a note in a bottle with Do you think that strategies her for her help species any way we Developing coping her and to ask right to treat other gang. of any examples of Whacker and his Emotional well-being like? Can you think to animals? How reach Honeycomb Trust / Self esteem humans being cruel Before he can should treat animals? must travel through Keeping rules do you think we Mountain, Alfie for an animals we use With the help of What about the Feelings Firethorn Valley. broom, a flight over food? accommodating flying is now to be the best option. pp.23–25. Whacker the valley seems APPROACH freeing little matter Read of go smoothly and a to punish Alfie for series don’t a as Things determined written them These books are broom almost has Alfie can ask the Wise the bees. Luckily of dirty fuel for the Each is a discrete the adventures for Alfie.

Have you ever been valley floor among the character to Old Plant for help. barbequed on the of the richness the However What would you story. For bushes. in a similar situation? deadly Firethorn a series approach to his jets just in time. you know where develop, however, Activities and do if you were? Do bush manages to clear to do if what her should be considered. know you queen, each the get help? Do are suggested for When Alfie meets to someone are discussion points fierce warrior guards are suggested at you saw this happening awesome size and book and overall activities however she smiles else? who have read a number very intimidating, terrified. He is the end for those note and gives him pp.49 – 53. Alfie is when she reads Alfie’s to Read of books in the series. firethorn valley with warning perfume hurtling down into some of her warrior characterisation within thorns flying up at The pace, plot and Whacker. to showers of blazing help him deal with enough for them side. What frightens gang the books are versatile him from every readers or to Whacker and his Budsville, individual in as Back either be used waiting for them. as a group. have a nasty surprise be read to the class Teaching Guide Alfie Green and the

Bee-Bottle Gang

1

ALFIE GR EEN: A STRANG NEW PL E ANT

Alfie has discovered many unus plants in Arcania. ual They are similar to often plants we have here our own world but in don’t be some of fooled – them have very stran character ge istics inde ed!

Write a descriptio n of a new that Alfie plant has disco vered. Give name and it a explain what type it likes and of soil what kind condition of weather s it prefe rs.

Explain any stran ge character the new plant has istics as well as describing what it looks like. your plan Will t be frien dly or dangerou s? Try to give as muc detail as you can h Use the box to the side to draw picture of what you a think the will look like and plant write your descriptio n in the box below forget to . Don’t give the new plan name. ta

ALFIE GREEN ler and the Monkey-Puzz

A PICTURE

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ALFIE GR EEN: MY FAVOUR MEMORY ITE MY FAVO

URITE MEM

ORY IS

PLANT

...

The Wise Old Plan t has told Alfie to collect some thing from every story to help him to remembe r what happened , and then each objec bury t beneath Crooked the Tree.

Teaching Guide

By Peter Heaney

OF ALFIE

By Peter Heaney. Based © Copyri on the Alfie ght reserve d. The O’Brie Green books by Joe O’Brie n Press Ltd www.obrien.ie n.

’S NEW

coming from upstairs tiny monkey feet as Fitzer hides, Alfie disturbs them and shed and the Wise of the heads for the potting announced the arrival of The music no the magical world However this was Old Plant. circus to Budsville.

These books present monkey circus, they create a tells him to call the circus. This was a The Wise Old Plant Alfie Green. Together from world of ordinary were monkeys to delay the circus police and then where all the performers it was free. wonderfully humorous and animated arrive. He must reason leaving until they and for some strange exaggerated characters the magic is the to climb the Monkey for the performance challenge Edison flora. Woven through about child Alfie and Fitzer arrive is not too happy mischief that every seated behind Puzzle tree. Alfie themselves essential thread of that find and and early the tree reassures him Alfie is irrepressible, the show begins this plan, but the will identify with. will of Whacker. When leaves on the tree they tackle a series amazing; juggling, the sharp pointed with his friend Fitzer, climb monkeys are simply on comic invention. for the monkey to walking and flying make it impossible zany adventures with clowning, tightrope the simple plan defeats circus is free, Alfie are aimed at the up. Sure enough, trapeze. Since the Although the books pocket their are universal the spend themes to Edison. the and Fitzer are able younger reader, fizzy arrive and the Monkey and vibrant resource of popcorn and With this the police money on a feast and will create a rich all and activities, softly to Alfie that whispers discussions tree class Puzzler drinks. for tree themselves to are hiding in the Prize’ is announced, the monkey thieves particularly lending When the ‘Big softly on the hair from drama, visual arts of the name is drawn out beside him. Blowing development through a Boggins’ conjures are: Principal Alfie main themes Edison, the most the Wise Old Plant. and literacy. The hat to challenge that swirls in the air to ask bereavement sparkling blue banana the world. He has Dealing with intelligent ape in of a temptation for he can’t answer. and proves too much Bullying along him a question that fall out of the tree is very the thieves, who Supporting others maths question of stolen goods.

The principal’s bags strategies and their it with coping answer is able to Developing Jack difficult but Edison is arrested and Boggins is to ride The ring master Emotional well-being circus the forfeit for Principal wearing a from Dumbkins dazzling tricycle, esteem tiny a Self Dumbkins / on a ring as Trust

around the to his circus In the uproar of offers Alfie two tickets Following rules pair of frilly pink knickers. that follows Alfie reward.

Feelings cheering and chanting drink all over Whacker knocks Fitzer’s fizzy to flee the Big Top DISCUSSIO N POINTS and they both have to APPROACH Everyone was asked angry Whacker. of Read pp.15–16. chased by a very written as a series the and address to These books are safely to Alfie’s empty give their name Each is a discrete They just make it what personal adventures for Alfie. know Whacker as to you shut Do door circus. of the character is house and bang the Do you think it story. For the richness to the gate. Eventually information is? a series approach comes pounding up type of information develop, however, to wash himself and sensible to give this Activities and Whacker heads home If someone that should be considered. each relief, Alfie spots to anyone who asks? are suggested for as they sigh with for your name or are discussion points strange. There you don’t know asks are suggested at do? something very you empty book and overall activities out of all the address, what should who have read a number had monkeys climbing man the end for those Principal Boggins bags. The strange Read pp.36-38. houses carrying bags dress up in frilly of books in the series. collecting all the to do a forfeit and from the circus is characterisation within thought that it was The pace, plot and to knickers. Everyone from them.

Principal enough for them Do you think that is just the books are versatile circus hilarious. or to the that readers individual Alfie suddenly realises of be used either as of thieves. The sound as a group. a cover for a gang be read to the class N D THEMES RATIONAL E A

A DESC

RIPTION

OF ALFIE

7-022-4 ISBN 978-1-8471

JOE O’BRIEN

’S NEW

PLANT

...

SUMMARY

Teaching Guide

A PICTURE

OF WHA

T I WOU

LD REME

MBER IT

BY ...

Do you have a favo urite memory of your own? Writ a descriptio e n of your favourite memory in the first box.

If you could choose one thing to remembe r it by, what woul d that be? picture of Draw a the speci al objec you woul t d choose to in the second box.

By Peter Heaney. Based © Copyri on the Alfie ght reserve d. The O’Brie Green books by Joe O’Brie n Press Ltd www.obrien.ie n.

1 Book Title

For more great books at this level, visit www.obrien.ie/YellowFlag today

Title Here Second Class/Year Third & Fourth Class/Year 4 & 3: 5: Reading Reading Level 6+ 8+

Introducing Marco Moonwalker

by Gerry Boland

The latest adventure with Marco, a rather remarkable bear! When Patrick discovers that Marco is a musical genius, he has a great idea.

They form a band, The 3Ms, and Marco, in cape and mask, becomes a huge star! But then disaster strikes ...

Irish Book Award Nominee

Chosen for gy Bord Gáis Ener Club Online Book 2012

ISBN: 978-1-84717-301-0 PRICE: €7.99/£6.99 FORMAT: Hardback/64 pages

These beautifully illustrated, heart-warming stories are perfect for sharing with the class or for independent readers.

‘Very touching and well written tales’ The Irish Times ‘Great humour and an easy to read story’ Inis Magazine

ABOUT THE AUTHOR GERRY BOLAND is a writer, teacher and committed environmentalist. His first children’s book, Marco Moves In, was nominated for an Irish Book Award. The sequel, Marco, Master of Disguise, was chosen for the Bord Gáis Energy Online Book Club 2012.

Marco Moonwalker is the latest adventure with this rather remarkable grizzly bear.

The O’Brien Press and Children’s Books Ireland teamed up again to give the country’s young illustrators a chance to see their design on a book cover. The fifth annual ‘Design-a-Cover Competition’ was a huge success with thousands of entries. Winner Nina Fitzgerald Graham created this colourful cover for the brand new edition of Gillian Perdue’s award-winning Adam’s Starling.

A big well done to all who took part!

Adam is having a hard time at school with bullies picking on him. Can his little starling friend help him find the courage he needs?

ISBN: 978-0-86278-685-4 PRICE: €6.95/£5.99 FORMAT: Paperback 160 pages

Want to see your design on the cover of a book? Then enter our 2013 competition! This year’s title is Wolfgran by Finbar O’Connor. Full competition details at www.childrensbooksireland.com

Title Here Second Class/Year 3: Reading Level 6+

M GLEN

LLEY A V E OR

LLEY A V E R New GLENMO

A wonderful new series of fun and informative stories all about farming and country life!

Ideal for younger readers and for reading aloud.

Colm’s dad is a sheep farmer and Colm loves to help out with lambing. His friends Molly and Daisy come to visit – they have never seen baby lambs before! But when the children find a little lamb all alone in the field, they will need to work together to save the new arrival!

ISBN: 978-1-84717-339-3 PRICE: €7.99/£6.99 FORMAT: Paperback/32 pages

rgy

Club

The local agricultural show is coming up and everyone in Glenmore is very excited. Lisa works hard preparing her calf, Maeve, for the big show – she really wants to win a prize. But it’s a big challenge, and Maeve can be a bit unpredictable!

New ISBN: 978-1-84717-340-9 PRICE: €7.99/£6.99 FORMAT: Paperback/32 pages

ABOUT THE AUTHOR ANNA McQUINN was born in County Kerry, where she spent many happy hours helping her dad on the dairy farm where he grew up. She studied English and History at UCC and taught English for several years before moving to the UK where she worked in children’s publishing. She now divides her time between developing new book ideas, writing stories and giving talks and readings for young readers.

Fifth & Sixth Class/Year 6 & 7: Reading Level 10+

O’Brien Press Blue Flag books offer a wealth of fiction from award-winning authors with everything from adventure, fantasy and historical fiction to stories of love, friendship and family life.

Many books have won awards and have been translated into a wide range of foreign languages, a true testament to their quality and popularity.

ALSO BY BRIAN GALLAGHER

New friends. Old differences.

Twins Dylan and Emma Goldman move from Washington to Belfast when their journalist father is sent to cover the turbulent early days of the civil rights movement. They strike up a friendship with Maeve and Sammy, children from different sides of the divided city.

But when the simmering tensions in Northern Ireland erupt into violence it threatens not just their friendships – but their very lives.

New

ISBN: 978-1-84717-350-8 PRICE: €7.99/£6.99 FORMAT: Paperback/256 pages

Free Teaching Guides available from www.obrien.ie

ABOUT THE AUTHOR BRIAN GALLAGHER is a full-time writer whose plays and short stories have been produced in Ireland, Britain and Canada. He is a scriptwriter for RTÉ television and is the author of four novels for adults. His latest book is the eagerly-awaited Stormclouds.

His books have been chosen for many ‘One Book, One Community’ projects. Across the Divide is set during the 1913 Dublin Lockout.

Journey on board the ill-fated Titanic in this thrilling adventure

ISBN: 978-1-84717-190-0 PRICE: €7.99/£6.99 FORMAT: Paperback/240 pages

Free

Fifteen-year-old Sam plunges to his death whilst building his beloved Titanic. Now as the greatest ship the world has ever seen crosses the Atlantic Ocean, Sam finds himself on board – as a ghost.

His spirit roams the ship, and he shares the excitement of Jim, Isobel and their children – on their way to a new life in America. Disaster strikes when Titanic hits an iceberg. As Titanic sinks to her icy grave, Jim and his family are trapped behind locked gates … Can Sam’s spirit reach out to save them?

Teaching Guide available from www.obrien.ie

Truth is stranger than fiction ...

In May 1915, during the First World War, the huge liner, the Lusitania, sank off the Cork coast. But, unlike the Titanic tragedy, this was no accident.

The ship was torpedoed by a German submarine.

Rumour had it that there were spies, arms and gold on board the Lusitania.

These rumours were true.

In this thrilling new novel, thirteen-year-old Finbar Kennedy runs away from home in Queenstown (Cobh) to follow his sea-captain father onto the Lusitania. On the return journey from New York, Finbar works as a deck-hand, and running messages gives him a lot of information. He begins to understand that something strange is happening. But what can he do? And whom can he trust?

ISBN: 978-1-84717-190-0 PRICE: €7.99/£6.99 FORMAT: Paperback/240 pages

New

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

NICOLA PIERCE is a writer from Dublin. Her first novel for children, Spirit of the Titanic, has been a huge hit with readers since it was first released.

Nicola regularly travels to schools and libraries around the country giving talks and readings.

KEVIN KIELY has had several collections of poetry published, had plays broadcast on RTÉ and is engaged in literary journalism and editing. His first book for children was A Horse Called El Dorado.

Fifth & Sixth Class/Year 6 & 7: Reading Level 10+

Introduce your class to Big Jim and The Great Lockout ...

New ISBN: 978-1-84717-306-5 PRICE: €14.99/£12.99 FORMAT: Paperback/80 pages

The story of James Larkin and the events of Dublin 1913 are brought to life in two gripping new graphic novels, which mark the 100th anniversary of the 1913 Lockout.

For the ordinary family in 1913, daily life was a hungry round of toil and want while the prosperous lived a life of comfort with fine food, servants, new electric trams and even motor cars.

‘Big Jim’ Larkin sprang upon the city, urging and organising workers into unions. Opposing him was a powerful business world, led by William Martin Murphy. The Lockout was organised

by Murphy against those joining Larkin’s union – it was all-out war as the workers of Dublin took on the might of the employers.

But could there be any winners?

The story of one of the most significant social and political events in Irish history told in thrilling graphic novel form.

New

ISBN: 978-1-84717-583-0 PRICE: €14.99/£12.99 FORMAT: Paperback/64 pages

Visit www.obrien.ie for more great historical fiction Fantastic FREE teaching materials available for all these titles and more

A new school, a new sport, an old mystery ...

Eoin’s just started a new school … and a new sport. Everyone at school is mad about rugby, but Eoin hasn’t even held a rugby ball before! And just who is this guy, Brian, who looks so out-of-date, but gives great rugby advice?

ISBN: 978-1-84717-333-1 PRICE: €7.99/£6.99 FORMAT: Paperback/208 pages

To see the full range of free Blue Flag teaching resources, visit www.obrien.ie/schools

Soccer, rugby, GAA ...

You’ll find it all at www.obrien.ie Visit www.obrien.ie for more great sports fiction including:

Fifth & Sixth Class/Year 6 & 7: Reading Level 10+

From bestselling children’s author Judi

Curtin

The fantastic follow-up to the smash hits Eva‛s Journey, Eva‛s Holiday and Leave it to Eva!

New

ISBN: 978-1-84717-347-0 PRICE: €7.99/£6.99 FORMAT: Paperback/272 pages

Eva Gordon’s great at solving problems, but surely even she can’t fix something that went wrong in the past? When Eva and Kate find an old diary, written long ago by a girl their own age, they end up determined to right old wrongs.

If you’ve got a problem, just leave it to Eva! Winner Best Family/ okbook Children’s Co rmand ou G d, an el Ir in ok bo ok Co World Awards 2010

Nominated ok for an Irish Bo 10 20 d Awar

‘Ireland’s answer to Jacqueline Wilson’ Irish Independent ABOUT THE AUTHOR JUDI CURTIN is a former teacher who grew up in Cork. She now lives in Limerick where she is married with three children.

Judi is the bestselling author of eight books about best friends Alice and Megan: Alice Next Door, Alice Again, Don’t Ask Alice, Alice in the Middle, Bonjour Alice, Alice & Megan Forever, Alice to the Rescue and Alice & Megan’s Cookbook, the popular Eva series, as well as See If I Care, with Roisin Meaney. Judi is also the author of three novels for adults: Sorry, Walter!, From Claire to Here and Almost Perfect. Alice & Megan Forever was nominated for an Irish Book Award.

When you don’t know who to trust ...

The exciting sequel to The Demon Notebook

New

ISBN: 978-1-84717-296-9 PRICE: €7.99/£6.99 FORMAT: Paperback/256 pages

A wicked enchantment, a test of loyalty, and a true friendship. Has witch apprentice, Grace, learned enough to smash an ancient spell and save her friends – and herself?

ISBN: 978-1-84717-295-2 PRICE: €7.99/£6.99 FORMAT: Paperback/256 pages

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Erika McGann grew up in Drogheda and now lives in Dublin. Her first book, The Demon Notebook, was published in 2012.

Fifth & Sixth Class/Year 6 & 7: Reading Level 10+

Fantastic FREE teaching materials for Marita’s books are available at www.obrien.ie

Marita Conlon-McKenna

Marita Conlon-McKenna is one of Ireland’s most popular children’s authors and has written many bestselling books for children. Her first novel, Under the Hawthorn Tree, became an immediate bestseller and an international success when published. It was translated into 12 languages and over 200,000 copies have been sold in Ireland alone. It won the International Reading Association Award (1991), the Reading Association of Ireland Premier Award (1991) and the Österreichischer Kinder- und Jugendbuchpreis (1993). Its sequels, Wildflower Girl and Fields of Home, complete the Children of the Famine trilogy. Marita’s other children’s novels include The Blue Horse, No Goodbye, Safe Harbour, A Girl Called Blue and In Deep Dark Wood. The cover of Under the Hawthorn Tree/Faoin Sceach Gheal was designed by award-winning illustrator P.J. Lynch. A new edition of Faoin Sceach Gheal was published in 2012.

Scéal éachtach ar an Drochshaol, agus ar thriúr óga a sháraíonn gach guais lena linn.

ISBN: 978-1-84717-653-3 PRICE: €7.99/£6.99 FORMAT: Paperback/176 pages

ALSO BY MARITA CONLON-MCKENNA

All three titles in the Children of the Famine trilogy presented in a beautiful collectable set.

ISBN: 978-1-84717-292-1 PRICE: €14.95/£12.99 FORMAT: Paperback/256 pages

For more details on these and other great novels from O’Brien Press, visit www.obrien.ie/BlueFlag

DVDs Bring fiction and history to life in the classroom

The Oscar Nominated Film!

Now on DVD! Film treatment of Marita Conlon-McKenna’s acclaimed novel, produced

by Young Irish Filmmakers.

A free study guide to this film and the book is available for download on www.obrien.ie

Film is a fantastic learning resource, especially when it complements great works of historical fiction, such as Under the Hawthorn Tree by Marita Conlon-McKenna or The Secret of Kells by Eithne Massey.

Combine these DVDs with the books for a complete story experience!

History, myth and legend collide in The Secret of Kells from Cartoon Saloon

ISBN: 978-1-84717-318-4 PRICE: €14.99/£12.99

ISBN: 978-1-84717-249-5 PRICE: €19.99/£18.99

TEACHING RESOURCES We’ve got hundreds of FREE teaching resources created specially for teachers by teachers to support O’Brien Press novels in the classroom.

The O’Brien Reading Programme for Schools TEACHING GUIDES O’Brien Press Teaching Guides are invaluable offers detailed suggestions on how to use real classroom assets offering support to ‘guided books in the classroom in a cross-curricular and reading’ in the classroom. integrated way. Written by primary teachers, it They offer: offers teachers variety and choice and helps to: • Select real books for your classroom • Overviews of the major themes addressed • Section summaries • Plan oral work for language classes • Suggestions for development activities • Plan cross-curricular work • Discussion points • Develop interesting and worthwhile extension All O’Brien Press Teaching Guides are available work based on class reading material Taking Sides

ISBN 978-1-84717-279-2

Brian Gallagher

Teaching Guide

By Peter Heaney

Rationale & themes

Ireland is split between those who support the Treaty negotiated by Michael Collins and those who reject it outright and have resorted to violence in their opposition to the new government. Robust response from the government escalates the tensions and a bloody civil war ensues.

When Annie Reilly wins a scholarship to

Cave of Secrets

Morgan Llywelyn Teaching Guide

By Peter Heaney

Rationale and themes

th Set in turbulent years of the 17 century, William Flynn and his family enjoy a comfortable life by Roaring Water bay.

into their family and community, finding himself accepted and supported in his journey from child to adult; something his father has never supported.

As a Catholic he is painfully aware of the challenges for the family’s advancement in Ireland and he is prepared to do anything to secure their position, including arranging a favourable marriage for his daughter to a man who is three times her age.

His relationship with his son is strained, however his long business absences allow Tom the freedom to explore the bay and its secrets in defiance of his father’s wishes.

Driven by resentment, Tom finds acceptance with those he meets in the bay and in the process uncovers a long hidden family secret.

It is a powerful story of frustration and family loyalty. The themes include:

FREE to download at www.obrien.ie/ TeachingGuides

Adventure Family loyalty Greed Becoming an adult Courage Forgiveness Self discovery Parent-child relations

summaRy Stung by his father’s threats and treatment of him, Tom flees the house. Taking no care where his direction takes him, he stumbles from the cliff path onto the beach at Roaring Water Bay. Unable to find a way back, he curls up in a cave to await his fate. Destiny intervenes in the shape of Donal and Maura, two local children who are working on the beach.

Despite a cautious introduction, Tom becomes friends with Donal and Maura.

As their friendship develops he is drawn

Cave of Secrets

Increasingly his parallel lives as Tom and Tomás fuse until the connection between his mother and Donal’s father is revealed.

In his efforts to secure the family’s fortune William Flynn has made unwise alliances which threaten to destroy him completely and is only when Tom persuades Donal’s father Muiris to help that they are saved from catastrophe.

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The guide is presented in three main sections to facilitate the flow of the action and development of the characters and themes.

The main themes of the story address the issues around the relationships within a family and the consequences and feeling they can evoke.

Individual responses will be effective for all the activities however group discussion will prime and support greater depth to their responses and present the opportunity to engage more effectively

Paperback Eccles ISBN Street978-1-84717-207-5 convent school friendship and ISBN 978-1-84717-385-0 eBook circumstances propel her into the privileged

world of Susie O’Neill, her brother Tommy and his friend Peter Scanlon.

As the Civil War rages and the rebel occupation of the Four Courts is broken by artillery, life for the friends seems untroubled. However, Peter has become gripped by republican fervour and, unknown to his friends, is being drawn into a web of deceit, complicity and an Tom’s father William had returned from escalating role in supporting their cause. a trip to Dublin laden with expensive Tom five while dismissing When thesisters government for his executes presents child’s present of a as crafted Annie is kidnapped a roughly part of withrebels, that hehow announced a reprisal plotalsoand horse. He Peter realises hobby for his matchwith his friendship made a marriage hadcynically hereldest has been Elizabeth that he hoped would manipulated. daughter the family fortune and ordered advance Recognising what he has done, hefor mounts a to make preparations thea servants single-handed rescue and tragedy is feast in honour of Richard Boyle, the great averted. However he must leave Dublin of Cork who will be his guest.

Earlpermanently to ensure his safety and, as his sister to comfort tries splutters Tom War When the Civil to an end, each of an at the horrified Elizabeth, of the friends must nowprospect follow their own marriage, his efforts are rejected arranged destinies. and he attracts the attention of his father The themes include: instead. Ducking the swinging fists, he Trust flees towards the bay.

Courage his wits after his tumble down Gathering Friendship slope, he discovers a cave and the cliff Loyalty Donal who is guarding a secret in meets Privilege recesses of the cave. the dark Prejudice escorts him to a safe trail from the Idealism Donal they agree to meet again in three and Violence bay

with the story.

Section 1 The Growing Storm pp 11-90 summaRy Roaring Water Bay had always been forbidden territory for Tom, however today, his anger and fear of his father has driven caution from his mind as he races along the cliff top until tumbling headlong down the slope he finds himself trapped in a bay without any apparent means of escape.

1

time. choices Making days Next morning Tom awakens to the in the aftermath of his devastation Taking Sides father’s party and takes advantage of the distraction to visit the bay again.

Returning to rendezvous with Donal, their friendship develops. He learns that his father Muiris is a chieftain and he meets Maura, Donal’s little sister who overwhelms him with her charm and chatter.

While Elizabeth prepares for her wedding, Tom delights in the freedom of the bay, even finding the courage to teach himself to swim.

As their friendship grows, Donal reveals that his family are smugglers and when Tom asks to join them Donal agrees to speak to his father.

In Dublin, William Flynn is discovering

Teaching Guide

Summary

The Treaty compromise has sown division among the former comrades in the War of Independence and as the government seeks to re-establish normality, civil war erupts.

On his way home from playing rugby for his school, Belvedere, Peter Scanlon encounters a rebel at a Black and Tan checkpoint, an event that sparks Peter’s fervour for the Republican cause.

Annie Reilly’s family is delighted when she wins a scholarship to Eccles Street college, promising an education that they could not have otherwise afforded.

In school she meets Susie O’Neill, a carefree girl, who, despite her social status, is without any pretension. They become friends and Annie meets Susie’s brother Tommy and his friend Peter.

During the holidays the group enjoy each other’s company and Annie’s reservations about their social divisions prove unfounded, her friends enjoying a day’s outing organised by her father in his taxi.

But, unknown to the others, Peter has become involved in the rebel cause. As violence escalates and the Four Courts is occupied, he is drawn further into a web of complicity, delivering clandestine messages and finally hiding weapons.

Annie takes a summer job to help pay for her college expenses while the political situation deteriorates with the assassination of Michael Collins.

a courier. When the police intercept the courier and question Peter, he uses Annie as his alibi, much to her annoyance.

Annie’s father has secured work driving government ministers in his taxi, and when five of the rebels are executed, Annie is kidnapped to secure her father’s cooperation in capturing a senior minister.

Peter realises that he has been duped and his friendship with Annie betrayed.

Seizing the initiative, he rescues Annie who warns the police before the plan can be carried out.

When Peter confesses his involvement to his father, arrangements are quickly made for him to go and stay with relatives in Sligo, where he is joined by his family who move there permanently, severing all links to Dublin.

As the Civil War fizzles out, life for Annie and Susie returns to normal and their friendship with Peter is never renewed.

appRoach

The range of themes and the authenticity of the characters offer a broad platform to explore several issues across both historical and contemporary contexts.

The historical events of the Civil War are presented in an accessible way, encouraging debate on their causes and outcomes.

The story also offers the opportunity to consider the influences on their own choices and how inappropriate choices might be avoided.

While delivering a message to a ‘safe’ house, Peter thwarts a raid by government troops and prevents them seizing incriminating evidence.

An effective strategy will include small group discussion and activities that encourage outcomes by consensus.

But his cover is about to be blown. When Annie is invited to a party in his house she discovers him about to deliver a parcel to

The activities have been divided into three sections to reflect the structure of the story.

1

Teaching Guide

The O’Brien Reading Programme is available

FREE to download from www.obrien.ie/ ReadingProgramme

Leabhair Gaeilge

GLAC Sraith leabhar do léitheoirí óga atá maisithe go hálainn. Bealach fíorspreagúil í an tsraith seo leis an nGaeilge a shaothrú sa seomra ranga. Ais iontach í freisin do thuismitheoirí ar mhaith leo léamh na Gaeilge a chur chun cinn sa bhaile.

Age 6+: native speakers/Age 8+: others

PRICE: €5.99/£4.99 FORMAT: Paperback/64 pages

BILLEOGA SAOTHAIR

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Leabhair Gaeilge

An enjoyable and practical way to learn the first essential words in Irish!

• • • • •

Hide and Speak Irish goes further than most picture word books. It offers an effective and simple way to learn over 130 key Irish words following the tried-and-tested method of ‘look, cover and speak’. Using the two wipe-clean flaps at the back of the book to cover the words or the pictures, users can practise speaking or writing the words as many times as they want.

Hide and Speak Irish is organised into 15 popular themes including farm, school, family, colours and food. ‘a good introduction to ISBN: 978-1-84717-147-4 the language for children or adult PRICE: €9.99/£8.99 learners’ Evening Echo FORMAT: Paperback/32 pages with ‘practical, simple and more fun for kids than it wipe-clean fl aps sounds!’ Books Ireland

The ‘Hide and Speak’ system has been established as an effective language learning tool Wipe-clean flaps can be used over and over again Each section has nine key words and picture prompts HIDE AND SPEAK IRISH also contains an easy to use pronunciation guide Engaging, humorous full-colour picture spreads illustrate each theme

The second book in a vibrant and exciting Irish language series from The O’Brien Press for children aged 8+ (native speakers), 9+ (others).

SCÉAL EILE books build on the success of the SOS series for younger readers and are perfect for developing Irish language skills in the classroom.

Cluiche peile ag rang a sé. Buachaillí in aghaidh cailíní.

Deir na múinteoirí nach bhfuil ann ach spraoi!

Dar le hEoghan, áfach, tá i bhfad níos mó ná sin i gceist! Bród! Onóir! Stádas na mbuachaillí!

ISBN: 978-1-84717-245-7 PRICE: €6.99/£7.99 FORMAT: Paperback/64 pages

ALSO IN THIS SERIES: ÉASCA PÉASCA ISBN: 978-1-84717-047-7 PRICE: €6.95/£5.99 FORMAT: Paperback/64 pages

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Scríbhneoir agus léachtóir í Áine Ní Ghlinn. Tá trí chnuasach filíochta foilsithe aici. Bíonn sí ag scríobh freisin don dráma teilifíse Ros na Rún ar TG4.

NUA! Le Gabriel Rosenstock Léaráidí le Alan Nolan

Beirt chailíní agus beirt bhuachaillí, ceathrar a bhfuil misneach, fuinneamh agus samhlaíocht acu, sin iad na Bleachtairí duit. Níl aon rud is mó a thaitníonn leo ná cás deacair a réiteach!

Tá torann aisteach aerach le cloisteáil i dteach duine de na bleachtairí. Cad atá ann in aon chor? An den saol seo nó den saol eile é? Pé rud é féin, ní ghlacfaidh na bleachtairí sos ar bith go dtí go réiteoidh siad an cás!

48 leathanach/B&W €7.99 hb/ISBN 978-1-84717-316-4 Cearta ar fáil W

Rhymes, Stories, Myths and Legends

A captivating and beautifully illustrated collection of the best-loved traditional Irish stories, including ‘The Children of Lir’, ‘How Cúchulainn Got His Name’ and ‘Oisín in Tír na nÓg’. A book to be treasured.

A beautifully-illustrated collection of favourite nursery rhymes known and loved throughout Ireland.

ISBN: 978-1-84717-211-2 PRICE: €14.99 /£12.99 FORMAT: Hardback 64 pages

ISBN: 978-1-84717-313-3 PRICE: €11.99/£10.99 FORMAT: Paperback/96 pages Published in association with the Dyslexia Association of Ireland

ISBN: 978-1-84717-176-4 PRICE: €7.99/£6.99 FORMAT: Paperback/32 pages

ISBN: 978-1-84717-203-7 PRICE: €9.99 /£8.99 FORMAT: Paperback 36 pages

A beautifully-illustrated collection of nursery rhymes from Margaret Tarrant.

ISBN: 978-1-84717-235-8 PRICE: €12.99/£10.99 FORMAT: Hardback/32 pages

Bring history to life with The Secret of Kells picture book.

ISBN: 978-1-84717-122-1 PRICE: €12.99/£10.99 FORMAT: Hardback/64 pages

Traditional Irish legends retold with a fresh approach, brought to life with stunning full-colour illustrations. Ideal for all classes, either as a self-read or for reading aloud.

ISBN: 978-1-84717-237-2 PRICE: €4.99/£3.99 FORMAT: Hardback/64 pages

ISBN: 978-1-84717-881-0 PRICE: €19.95/£16.99 FORMAT: Hardback/96 pages ISBN: 978-1-84717-184-9 PRICE: €9.99/£8.99 FORMAT: Mini Hardback/ 96 pages Irish Children’s Book of the Year (Irish Book Awards 2008) Shortlisted for the Reading Association of Ireland Awards 2009

A fascinating overview of Irish history from the Ice Age to the present day. It’s the ideal book for teaching your class all about the island of Ireland and our eventful and exciting past.

‘Deserves a place in every school and home library’ InTouch Magazine

TEACHING RESOURCES We’ve made it even easier for you to use The Story of Ireland in your classroom – check out all the innovative new teaching resource materials now available FREE from www.obrien.ie/TheStoryofIreland.

Over 25 resources available including History Detectives, Saints and Pagans, The Celts and lots more.

Themes in O’Brien Press Books Why use O’Brien Books in your school? O’Brien books are real books. Written as fiction for young readers, many have won awards and more have been acclaimed by distinguished reviewers.

Why themes? We recognise that teachers have been using our books for many years and this experience has informed our approach to using real books in the classroom. Now, in response to requests from teachers, we have listed below some of the many themes or subject areas dealt with in some of our most popular novels. The topics or themes suggested are just some of the many you will find in our books, and are intended only as a starting point or possible guide when selecting a class novel.

General Books We have included some titles from our general book list where these are accessible and appropriate for use in schools.

Why so few themes for Panda Cubs, Pandas or Flyers? As in-depth exploration of novels generally begins only in the middle and senior classes of primary school, we have not included many Panda Cubs, Panda, Flyer or SOS titles in the lists below. We take these books very seriously: the books in these series are often the first, and therefore arguably the most important, books the very young reader will read independently. Most of the books from these series have strong characters who, with (or despite!) help from family and friends, stretch the limits of their worlds and assert their own independence, often in a humorous and fresh way. We included titles from these series in the lists below only where we felt that a theme was particularly relevant.

ADVENTURE BLACK FLAG (PICTURE BOOKS)

And the Blood Flowed Green Death by Chocolate Destination Homicide Mr Bear’s Picnic Sailor Bear Six Million Ways to Die PURPLE FLAG (READING AGE 5+)

Muckeen and the UFO YELLOW FLAG (READING AGE 6+)

Alfie Green and the Chocolate Cosmos Mad Grandad and the Kleptoes Mad Grandad and the Mutant River Mad Grandad’s Flying Saucer Mad Grandad’s Robot Garden Mad Grandad’s Wicked Pictures RED FLAG (READING AGE 8+)

Charlie Harte and his TwoWheeled Tiger The Great Pig Escape The Big Break Detectives Casebook BLUE FLAG (READING AGE 10+)

Across the Divide The Battle for the Castle Beyond the Cherry Tree The Broken Spell Call of the Whales The Castle in the Attic Cave of Secrets Chill Factor The Demon Notebook Four Kids, Three Cats, Two Cows, One Witch (maybe) Fugitives!

In Deep Dark Wood

The Last of the Fianna Lockie and Dadge The Lost Island Milo and One Dead Angry Druid Red Hugh Secrets and Shadows Shakespeare’s Scribe The Shakespeare Stealer The Silver Stag of Bunratty SOS Lusitania Spirit of the Titanic Taking Sides The Táin Where the Stones Sing The Wish List GREEN FLAG (READING AGE 12+)

Edda The Hidden Gift Million Dollar Gift The Rebel Prince Truth Seeker

ANIMAL LIFE BLACK FLAG (PICTURE BOOKS)

What Are Friends For? Whose Ears?

The World is Full of Babies ORANGE FLAG (READING AGE 4+)

Cinders The Timid Rabbit PURPLE FLAG (READING AGE 5+)

Ducks in Trouble Katie’s Caterpillars My Dog Lively YELLOW FLAG (READING AGE 6+)

Alfie Green and a Sink Full of Frogs Blue, Where Are You?

The Hedgehog’s Prickly Problem!

RED FLAG (READING AGE 8+)

The Great Pig Escape Mo Mhadra Beoga An Rún Mór BLUE FLAG (READING AGE 10+)

Call of the Whales Sky Wings Star Dancer

BOY/GIRL/TEEN RELATIONSHIPS

Benny and Babe Blue Lavender Girl Chill Factor Copper Girl Faraway Home Four Kids, Three Cats, Two Cows, One Witch (maybe) Hazel Wood Girl Johnny Coffin School-Dazed Katie’s War No Peace for Amelia Out of Nowhere See If I Care Sisters SOS Lusitania Star Dancer Taking Sides The Wish List GREEN FLAG (READING AGE 12+)

The Bad Karma Diaries The Chieftain’s Daughter The Cinnamon Tree Epic The Hidden Gift Million Dollar Gift Missing Ellen

The Real Rebecca Rebecca’s Rules Wings over Delft

BULLYING ORANGE FLAG (READING AGE 4+)

Cinders The Timid Rabbit RED FLAG (READING AGE 8+)

Adam’s Starling Walter Speazlebud BLUE FLAG (READING AGE 10+)

Benny and Babe The Blue Horse Dancing in the Dark Eva’s Holiday It Wasn’t Me Just Joshua Lockie and Dadge The Moon King Rugby Spirit Secrets and Shadows Star Dancer GREEN FLAG (READING AGE 12+)

Rebecca Rocks The Bad Karma Diaries

CULTURAL DIVERSITY BLUE FLAG (READING AGE 10+)

Benny and Omar Eva’s Holiday The Gods and their Machines A Horse Called El Dorado Just Joshua GREEN FLAG (READING AGE 12+)

The Bad Karma Diaries The Cinnamon Tree

Themes in O’Brien Press Books DIFFERENCE, PREJUDICE, INTOLERANCE BLACK FLAG (PICTURE BOOKS)

It’s Called Dyslexia ORANGE FLAG (READING AGE 4+)

Emma Says Oops PURPLE FLAG (READING AGE 5+)

The Little Black Sheep Snobby Cat Strawberry Squirt YELLOW FLAG (READING AGE 6+)

Ed’s Funny Feet The Leprechaun Who Wished He Wasn’t RED FLAG (READING AGE 8+)

Animals Don’t Have Ghosts An tUan Beag Dubh BLUE FLAG (READING AGE 10+)

Across the Divide Benny and Omar The Blue Horse Cherokee Eva and the Hidden Diary Eva’s Holiday Eva’s Journey Faraway Home Four Kids, Three Cats, Two Cows, One Witch (maybe) A Girl Called Blue The Guns of Easter It Wasn’t Me Just Joshua Katie’s War Lockie and Dadge Missing Sisters The Moon King My Nasty Neighbours Safe Harbour Secrets and Shadows Sisters Spirit of the Titanic Star Dancer Stormclouds Taking Sides Under Fragile Stone A Winter of Spies GREEN FLAG (READING AGE 12+)

Rebecca Rocks The Bad Karma Diaries The Chieftain’s Daughter The Cinnamon Tree Truth Seeker Wings over Delft

ENVIRONMENTAL CARE BLACK FLAG (PICTURE BOOKS)

Noah’s Ark Póga the Dragon The Story of Creation YELLOW FLAG (READING AGE 6+)

Alfie Green and a Sink Full of Frogs Alfie Green and the Conker King RED FLAG (READING AGE 8+)

Animals Don’t Have Ghosts The Great Pig Escape BLUE FLAG (READING AGE 10+)

Alice Next Door Call of the Whales The Celestial Child Eva’s Holiday A Horse Called El Dorado Sky Wings Under Fragile Stone

FAMILY RELATIONSHIPS BLACK FLAG (PICTURE BOOKS)

It’s Great Being Little Mouse TV (parents/siblings) Mr Bear’s Picnic (father/ children) Mr Bear to the Rescue (father/ children) Owl Babies (mother/children) The World is Full of Babies (parents) PURPLE FLAG (READING AGE 5+)

The Big Brother (siblings) Helpful Hannah (grandmother) YELLOW FLAG (READING AGE 6+)

Anna’s Secret Granny (grandmother) Jigsaw Stew Marco Master of Disguise Marco Moonwalker Marco Moves In (mother/son) RED FLAG (READING AGE 8+)

Adam’s Starling (grandfather) Albert & The Magician (parents and siblings) Jimmy’s Leprechaun Trap (grandfather) Juliet’s Story (grandmother) BLUE FLAG (READING AGE 10+)

Alice Next Door (parents/ children) Amelia (parents) The Battle for the Castle (childminder)

The Battle for the Castle (parents) Benny and Babe (grandfather/ parents/children) Benny and Omar (parents/ children) Beyond the Cherry Tree (siblings/adoptive parents) The Blue Horse (parents/ children) Call of the Whales (father/son) The Castle in the Attic (childminder) The Castle in the Attic (parents) Cave of Secrets (father/son) Cherokee (grandfather) Chill Factor (father/son) Dancing in the Dark (parents, sibling) Don’t Ask Alice! (parent/child) Dream Invader (extended family/cousins) Eva and the Hidden Diary (new families) Eva’s Holiday (mother/daughter, father/daughter, grandmothers) Eva’s Journey Faoin Sceach Gheal (siblings/ extended family) Faraway Home (siblings) Fields of Home (siblings) A Girl Called Blue (foster family/ adoption) The Harvest Tide Project (uncle/siblings) A Horse Called El Dorado (parents/grandparents) In Deep Dark Wood (siblings) It Wasn’t Me (twins) Jimeen (parents) Just Joshua (father/son) Katie’s War (father/daughter/ family) Leave it to Eva (grandmother, parents & children) Lockie and Dadge (foster families) Missing Sisters (sisters) The Moon King (foster families) My Nasty Neighbours (parents) No Goodbye (parental separation, father/siblings) Rugby Spirit (granfather) Safe Harbour (grandfather) Sisters (sisters, new families) SOS Lusitania (father/son) Spirit of the Titanic Star Dancer (mother/son) Stormclouds (father/children) Survivors (siblings) Under Fragile Stone (teens/ parents, uncle)

Under The Hawthorn Tree (siblings/extended family) Where the Stones Sing Wildflower Girl (siblings) A Winter of Spies (father) GREEN FLAG (READING AGE 12+)

The Bad Karma Diaries (sisters, mother/daughter) The Hidden Gift (father/son) Million Dollar Gift (mother/son, father/son) The Real Rebecca (mother/ daughter, siblings) Wings over Delft (family)

FANTASY, OTHER WORLDS YELLOW FLAG (READING AGE 6+)

Alfie Green and the Chocolate Cosmos Mad Grandad’s Doppelganger BLUE FLAG (READING AGE 10+)

The Battle for the Castle Beyond the Cherry Tree The Broken Spell The Castle in the Attic Celtic Magic Tales Celtic Tales of Enchantment The Demon Notebook Dream Invader Éasca Péasca Faery Nights Oícheanta Sí The Gods and their Machines The Harvest Tide Project In Deep Dark Wood Milo and One Dead Angry Druid Out of Nowhere Rugby Spirit Spirit of the Titanic Thar an Trasnán Under Fragile Stone Where the Stones Sing The Wish List GREEN FLAG (READING AGE 12+)

Edda Epic The Hidden Gift Million Dollar Gift The Rebel Prince

FRIENDSHIPS BLACK FLAG (PICTURE BOOKS)

Mr Bear to the Rescue Póga the Dragon What Are Friends For? ORANGE FLAG (READING AGE 4+)

Bertie Rooster

Themes in O’Brien Press Books YELLOW FLAG (READING AGE 6+)

Alfie Green and the Conker King The Leprechaun Who Wished He Wasn’t Marco Master of Disguise Marco Moonwalker Marco Moves In RED FLAG (READING AGE 8+)

The Big Break Detectives Casebook BLUE FLAG (READING AGE 10+)

17 Martin Street Across the Divide Alice in the Middle Alice Next Door Amelia Benny and Babe Benny and Omar Beyond the Cherry Tree The Blue Horse The Broken Spell Call of the Whales Cave of Secrets Dancing in the Dark The Demon Notebook Eva’s Holiday Eva’s Journey Eva and the Hidden Diary Faraway Home Five Alien Elves Four Kids, Three Cats, Two Cows, One Witch (maybe) Four Stupid Cupids Fugitives!

A Girl Called Blue It Wasn’t Me Johnny Coffin School-Dazed Just Joshua Katie’s War Kicking On Leave it to Eva Lockie and Dadge Milo and One Dead Angry Druid The Moon King No Peace for Amelia Out of Nowhere See If I Care Secrets and Shadows Shakespeare’s Scribe The Shakespeare Stealer The Silver Stag of Bunratty Six Haunted Hairdos SOS Lusitania Star Dancer Stormclouds Taking Sides Thar an Trasnán Tiger Boots War Children Where the Stones Sing The Wish List

GREEN FLAG (READING AGE 12+)

The Bad Karma Diaries The Cinnamon Tree Edda Epic The Hidden Gift Missing Ellen The Real Rebecca Rebecca Rocks Rebecca’s Rules Wings over Delft

HISTORY BLACK FLAG (PICTURE BOOKS)

The Story of Ireland BLUE FLAG (READING AGE 10+)

17 Martin Street (World War II) Across the Divide (1913 Lockout) Amelia (suffragettes) Brian Boru (vikings in Ireland) Cave of Secrets (17th century, pirates) Celtic Magic Tales (celtic Ireland) Celtic Tales of Enchantment (celtic Ireland) Faoin Sceach Gheal (Irish famine) Faraway Home (World War II, kindertransport) Fields of Home (Land War) Fugitives! (Flight of the Earls) Granuaile The Guns of Easter (1916 Rising, World War I) The Hunt for Diarmaid and Gráinne (celtic Ireland) Katie’s War (Irish Civil War) No Peace for Amelia (World War I, 1916 Easter Rising) Red Hugh (English rule in Ireland, 16th century) Safe Harbour (World War II, London blitz) Secrets and Shadows (World War II, Ireland’s neutrality) Shakespeare’s Scribe (Elizabethan England, the plague) The Shakespeare Stealer (Elizabethan England) The Silver Stag of Bunratty SOS Lusitania (Lusitania, World War I) Spirit of the Titanic (Titanic/1910s/Belfast, shipbuilding and society) Stormclouds (The Troubles) Strongbow (Normans in Ireland) Survivors (Titanic disaster) The Táin (celtic Ireland)

Taking Sides (civil war/Dublin 1920s) Under The Hawthorn Tree (Irish famine) War Children (Irish War of Independence, 1919-1921) Where the Stones Sing (medieval Dublin) Wildflower Girl (post-famine emigration) A Winter of Spies (Irish Civil War, 1922) GREEN FLAG (READING AGE 12+)

The Chieftain’s Daughter (celtic Ireland) Exploring the Spanish Armada Truth Seeker (viking Dublin and East Anglia) Wings over Delft (the Enlightenment in Holland) The Rainbow Bridge (revolutionary France) In The Claws of the Eagle (Second World War)

HUMOUR BLACK FLAG (PICTURE BOOKS)

And the Blood Flowed Green Death by Chocolate Destination Homicide Mouse TV Six Million Ways to Die WHITE FLAG (ALL AGES)

Beastly Jokes More Beastly Jokes

Benny and Omar Eva’s Holiday Five Alien Elves Four Kids, Three Cats, Two Cows, One Witch (maybe) Four Stupid Cupids It Wasn’t Me Jimeen Johnny Coffin School-Dazed The Leprechaun’s Challenge The Leprechaun’s Riddle Milo and One Dead Angry Druid My Nasty Neighbours Sisters Six Haunted Hairdos Thar an Trasnán The Wish List GREEN FLAG (READING AGE 12+)

The Bad Karma Diaries The Real Rebecca Rebecca Rocks Rebecca’s Rules

INFORMATION BLACK FLAG (PICTURE BOOKS)

All About Gaelic Football All About Hurling Fantastic Far-Flung Facts for Fun It’s Called Dyslexia My Ireland Counting Book The Story of Ireland BLUE FLAG (READING AGE 10+)

Alice & Megan’s Cookbook Granuaile

YELLOW FLAG (READING AGE 6+)

GREEN FLAG (READING AGE 12+)

Alfie Green and a Sink Full of Frogs The Leprechaun Who Wished He Wasn’t The Lough Neagh Monster Marco Master of Disguise Marco Moonwalker Marco Moves In

Exploring the Spanish Armada

RED FLAG (READING AGE 8+)

Animals Don’t Have Ghosts Boom Chicka Boom Charlie Harte and his TwoWheeled Tiger The Great Pig Escape Jimmy’s Leprechaun Trap Leprechaun on the Loose The Big Break Detectives Casebook Walter Speazlebud Wolfgran Wolfgran Returns BLUE FLAG (READING AGE 10+)

Alice Next Door Benny and Babe

ISSUES YELLOW FLAG (READING AGE 6+)

Alfie Green and a Sink Full of Frogs (positive elderly role model) Blue, Where Are You? (moving house) Marco Master of Disguise (loyalty) Marco Moonwalker (absent parents/loyalty) Marco Moves In (absent parents/loyalty) RED FLAG (READING AGE 8+)

Adam’s Starling (financial pressures) Charlie Harte and his TwoWheeled Tiger (unemployment) BLUE FLAG (READING AGE 10+)

17 Martin Street (immigration) Alice in the Middle (friendships)

Themes in O’Brien Press Books Alice Next Door (parental separation) Amelia (financial pressures, women’s rights) Beyond the Cherry Tree (adoption) The Blue Horse (ethnic minority) Cave of Secrets (financial pressures) Cherokee (parenting) Chill Factor (genetic engineering) Chill Factor (life-threatening illness) Dancing in the Dark (death of a sibling) Don’t Ask Alice! (parental separation) Eva’s Journey (unemployment, financial pressures) Faraway Home (refugees) Faraway Home (war) A Girl Called Blue (being orphaned) The Gods and their Machines (terrorism) The Gods and their Machines (domination) The Gods and their Machines (politics) The Harvest Tide Project (control of resources) The Harvest Tide Project (domination) A Horse Called El Dorado (guerrilla activity, domination) It Wasn’t Me (bullying) Just Joshua (being an outsider) Katie’s War (mental illness) Leave it to Eva (absent parent, family illness, blended families) Lockie and Dadge (being outsiders) Lockie and Dadge (foster care) Missing Sisters (being orphaned) The Moon King (being different) The Moon King (foster care) My Nasty Neighbours (teen/ parent relationships) No Goodbye (parental separation) No Peace for Amelia (pacifism) Safe Harbour (serious illness of a parent, war) Secrets and Shadows (war & conflict, loyalty) The Silver Notebook (absent parent) Sisters (death of parent) Sisters (new families)

Spirit of the Titanic (coming of age/bereavement and death/ discrimination) Spirit of the Titanic (honour and duty/courage/loyalty/hope) Star Dancer (social disadvantage) Taking Sides (loyalty/war and conflict) Under Fragile Stone (domination, resources) Where the Stones Sing (death of a friend) GREEN FLAG (READING AGE 12+)

The Bad Karma Diaries The Bad Karma Diaries (blogging/ social networking/ online safety) The Cinnamon Tree (disability) The Cinnamon Tree (landmines) The Cinnamon Tree (the developing world) Edda (power, use of virtual reality, loyalty) Edda (coming of age, control of resources) Epic (elitism) Epic (domination) Epic (control of wealth/ resources) The Hidden Gift (death of a parent) Million Dollar Gift (death of a parent/friends, identity, teen/ parent relationship) Missing Ellen (teen/parent relationships, drink driving, coping with loss) The Real Rebecca (identity) Rebecca Rocks (Teen Relationships) Rebecca’s Rules (friendship, identity, teen relationships) Wings over Delft (science, art and religion) Wings over Delft (class issues)

MYTH AND LEGEND BLACK FLAG (PICTURE BOOKS)

Irish Legends The O’Brien Book of Irish Fairy Tales and Legends YELLOW FLAG (READING AGE 6+)

The Big Fight Here, There and Everywhere RED FLAG (READING AGE 8+)

Jimmy’s Leprechaun Trap BLUE FLAG (READING AGE 10+)

Celtic Magic Tales Celtic Tales of Enchantment

Faery Nights Oícheanta Sí The Hunt for Diarmaid and Gráinne Milo and One Dead Angry Druid October Moon The Silver Stag of Bunratty The Táin Wolf Moon

OTHER PEOPLE AND LANDS BLACK FLAG (PICTURE BOOKS)

And the Blood Flowed Green Death by Chocolate Destination Homicide Six Million Ways to Die BLUE FLAG (READING AGE 10+)

Benny and Omar Call of the Whales Eva’s Holiday A Horse Called El Dorado Just Joshua GREEN FLAG (READING AGE 12+)

Al Capsella and the Watchdogs The Cinnamon Tree Friend of my Heart The Heroic Life of Al Capsella Million Dollar Gift

PERSONAL CHALLENGE BLACK FLAG (PICTURE BOOKS)

It’s Called Dyslexia Póga the Dragon ORANGE FLAG (READING AGE 4+)

Bertie Rooster Boo and Bear Emma Says Boo Emma Says Oops The Timid Rabbit PURPLE FLAG (READING AGE 5+)

Barry’s New Bed Emma the Penguin YELLOW FLAG (READING AGE 6+)

Ed’s Bed Ed’s Funny Feet Going Potty RED FLAG (READING AGE 8+)

Adam’s Starling BLUE FLAG (READING AGE 10+)

Alice Next Door Amelia The Battle for the Castle Beyond the Cherry Tree The Blue Horse Blue Lavender Girl The Castle in the Attic Cave of Secrets

Cherokee Copper Girl Dancing in the Dark Eva and the Hidden Diary Eva’s Holiday Eva’s Journey (moving to a new area/new school) Faoin Sceach Gheal Faraway Home Four Kids, Three Cats, Two Cows, One Witch (maybe) A Girl Called Blue The Guns of Easter Hazel Wood Girl A Horse Called El Dorado In Deep Dark Wood Just Joshua Katie’s War Kicking On Leave it to Eva Lockie and Dadge Missing Sisters The Moon King My Nasty Neighbours No Goodbye No Peace for Amelia Red Hugh Rugby Spirit Safe Harbour The Silver Stag of Bunratty Sisters Spirit of the Titanic Star Dancer Survivors Under The Hawthorn Tree War Children Where the Stones Sing GREEN FLAG (READING AGE 12+)

The Bad Karma Diaries Edda Epic The Hidden Gift Million Dollar Gift The Real Rebecca Rebecca’s Rules Wings over Delft

POLITICS BLUE FLAG (READING AGE 10+)

Across the Divide (1913 Lockout) Fugitives!

The Gods and their Machines The Harvest Tide Project A Horse Called El Dorado Out of Nowhere Secrets and Shadows SOS Lusitania Stormclouds Taking Sides Under Fragile Stone

Themes in O’Brien Press Books GREEN FLAG (READING AGE 12+)

The Chieftain’s Daughter Edda Epic Wings over Delft

SCHOOL LIFE BLACK FLAG (PICTURE BOOKS)

It’s Called Dyslexia PURPLE FLAG (READING AGE 5+)

Emma the Penguin RED FLAG (READING AGE 8+)

Adam’s Starling Albert & The Magician The Big Break Detectives Casebook Walter Speazlebud BLUE FLAG (READING AGE 10+)

Alice Next Door The Blue Horse The Broken Spell The Castle in the Attic Cherokee Dancing in the Dark The Demon Notebook Five Alien Elves Four Stupid Cupids It Wasn’t Me Johnny Coffin School-Dazed Lockie and Dadge Rugby Spirit Secrets and Shadows Six Haunted Hairdos Taking Sides Thar an Trasnán GREEN FLAG (READING AGE 12+)

The Bad Karma Diaries Missing Ellen The Real Rebecca Rebecca Rocks Rebecca’s Rules

SPORT BLACK FLAG (PICTURE BOOKS)

All About Gaelic Football All About Hurling BLUE FLAG (READING AGE 10+)

The Battle for the Castle Benny and Babe Benny and Omar The Castle in the Attic Kicking On Rugby Spirit Star Dancer Thar an Trasnán Tiger Boots

STORIES AND STORYTELLING YELLOW FLAG (READING AGE 6+)

Here, There and Everywhere RED FLAG (READING AGE 8+)

Boom Chicka Boom Juliet’s Story BLUE FLAG (READING AGE 10+)

Faery Nights Oícheanta Sí Four Kids, Three Cats, Two Cows, One Witch (maybe) Shakespeare’s Scribe The Shakespeare Stealer

TRADITIONAL TALES/ NURSERY RHYMES BLACK FLAG (PICTURE BOOKS)

The Adventures of Shamrock Sean Noah’s Ark Nursery Rhymes The O’Brien Book of Irish Fairy Tales and Legends Sally Go Round the Stars The Story of Creation YELLOW FLAG (READING AGE 6+)

Here, There and Everywhere RED FLAG (READING AGE 8+)

Boom Chicka Boom Wolfgran Wolfgran Returns BLUE FLAG (READING AGE 10+)

Faery Nights Oícheanta Sí Sisters The Táin

VISUAL AND PERFORMANCE ARTS PURPLE FLAG (READING AGE 5+)

Conor’s Canvas Conor’s Concert YELLOW FLAG (READING AGE 6+)

Marco Moonwalker (Music) RED FLAG (READING AGE 8+)

Tommy the Theatre Cat BLUE FLAG (READING AGE 10+)

Cherokee Dancing in the Dark Hazel Wood Girl GREEN FLAG (READING AGE 12+)

The Real Rebecca (Music) Rebecca Rocks (Music) Rebecca’s Rules (Music/ Theatre) Wings over Delft

A CHRONOLOGY OF IRISH HISTORY THROUGH O’BRIEN HISTORICAL FICTION FOR AGE 10+ Celtic Pre-History Celtic Magic Tales (celtic Ireland) Celtic Tales of Enchantment (celtic Ireland) The Hunt for Diarmaid and Gráinne (celtic Ireland) The Táin (celtic Ireland)

Vikings & Normans Brian Boru (Vikings in Ireland. Novel and graphic novel available) Strongbow (Normans in Ireland)

14th Century The Silver Stag of Bunratty Where the Stones Sing (medieval Dublin)

16th Century Granuaile Red Hugh (English rule in Ireland, 16th century)

17th Century Cave of Secrets (17th century, pirates) Fugitives! (Flight of the Earls)

19th Century Faoin Sceach Gheal (Irish famine) Fields of Home (Land War) Under The Hawthorn Tree (Irish famine) Wildflower Girl (post-famine emigration)

20th Century Spirit of the Titanic (1910s) Survivors (Titanic disaster) Across the Divide (1913 Lockout) Amelia (suffragettes) SOS Lusitania (World War I) No Peace for Amelia (World War I, 1916 Rising) Blood Upon the Rose (1916 Rising: graphic novel) The Guns of Easter (1916 Rising, World War I) War Children (Irish War of Independence) Katie’s War (Irish Civil War) Taking Sides (Irish Civil War) A Winter of Spies (Irish Civil War) Safe Harbour (World War II, London blitz) Secrets and Shadows (World War II, Ireland’s neutrality) Faraway Home (World War II, kindertransport) Stormclouds (Northern Ireland troubles)

REAL BOOKS FOR SCHOOLS Using O’Brien flags to select books for your classroom

As children start school at different ages under the various educational systems listed here, and also begin formal reading at different stages, this suggested guide to suitability for various ages differs for each system.

REPUBLIC OF IRELAND

NORTHERN IRELAND & SCOTLAND

ENGLAND & WALES

Picture books

BLACK FLAG

Usable throughout the school (but especially Junior Infants)

Usable throughout the school (but especially Year 1 [P1])

Usable throughout the school (but especially Reception)

ORANGE FLAG

Senior Infants (also First Class)

Year 1 [P1]. Key Stage 1

Reception

First Class (also Senior Infants, Reading level 5+ Second Class)

Year 2 [P2]. Key Stage 1

Year 1.

YELLOW FLAG

Second Class (also First Class,

Year 3 [P3]. Key Stage 1

Year 2.

RED FLAG

Third Class, Fourth Class

Year 4, Year 5 [P4, P5].

Key Stage 1 & Key Stage 2

Year 3, Year 4.

Key Stage 1 & Key Stage 2

BLUE FLAG

Fifth Class, Sixth Class

Year 6, Year 7 [P6, P7].

Year 5, Year 6.

Reading level 4+ PURPLE FLAG

Reading level 6+ Third Class) Reading level 8+ Reading level 10+

First Year, Second Year Reading level 12+ (second-level schools)

GREEN FLAG

Key Stage 2

Key Stage 1 Key Stage 1

Key Stage 2

Year 8, Year 9, Year 10 (secondary Year 7, Year 8, Year 9 (secondary schools). Key Stage 3 schools). Key Stage 3

YOUNG ADULT Older and more confident readers Older and more confident readers Older and more confident readers BOOKS

This is a general guide to reading levels.

It will help you to choose books to suit your pupils and their abilities.

Where Can I Find O’Brien Press Books?

1.

BOOKSHOPS AND SUPPLY CENTRES: O’Brien Press books are available in all good bookshops and school supply centres. If they do not hold a given title in stock, they will be delighted to order O’Brien Press books for you.

2.

THE INTERNET: All O’Brien Press books can be bought directly from our website www.obrien.ie. They are also available from online retailers such as www.irishbooksdirect.com, www.thebookdepository.co.uk and www.amazon.co.uk as well as education sites such as www.schoolbooksireland.ie and www.schoolbooks.ie.

3.

BUYING DIRECTLY: Alternatively, orders can be placed by post, telephone, fax or e-mail: The O’Brien Press, 12 Terenure Road East, Rathgar, Dublin 6, Ireland Tel: +353 1 492 3333; Fax: +353 1 492 2777; E-mail: schools@obrien.ie Discounts: a discount of 10% and free postage is available on all class sets bought directly.

Higher discounts are available for bigger orders.

4.

PUBLIC LIBRARIES: All public libraries should have O’Brien Press books. If they do not have a title you’re looking for, they can order it for you.

5.

SCHOOL LIBRARIES: Most school libraries will have many of our children’s books. (Remember, if you do not have a school library, you can use our guide to setting one up: see www.obrien.ie/SchoolLibrary)