Tia > Recent Status Updates

It's taking me much longer than usual to get through a book! I'm finding it incredibly difficult to gel with it. However, there are ample opportunities for book talk and cross curricular activities in every chapter which is a real positive! Especially surrounding science, adaptation, and PSHE.

The first few pages have so many different literary techniques ie. Personification of the ocean, short sentences and list of 3. Could be an idea to get children to write a poem based on these techniques and the imagery. The first chapter is a brilliant opportunity for book talk to whet children's appetite.

Chapter 2 was very short but again hinted at more information. Ella begins by writing another diary entry to her dad. The chapter ends with Ella talking about 'when dad was gone'. We still don't know where he has gone. Chapter 3 was slightly longer but what's happened to Ella's dad is still a mystery. We are learning more about the 'strange girl' (Molly) in Ella's class. Great talking points for in the classroom.

Chapter 1 somewhat sets the scene: Ella is your typical moody tween. I think lots of primary children would relate to her thoughts.The book started quite quickly- we have little bits of information but no real explanations.We can make a few assumptions about her. A lot has been said, but not much has been said. Eg, she is writing to her dad, but where is he? Quite an intriguing first chapter!

I'm not sure what happened but I almost feel as if this part of the book is rushed. We've gone from a feud with Esther to finding out some secret mission. In the classroom with children, I think this part of the book will need to be dissected and analysed well in order to encourage full understanding of the plot.

Adore how Carroll is filtering in historical references. There is factual knowledge in what she is making Olive think. Its fascinating though because it's written from a chikds perspective so makes us think how children during the time would actually be feeling.

Also great for primary school children to empathise and envision what it would have been like to live during the war.

Loving the way Carroll has created suspense by dropping subtle details that we don't realise will become relevant (The coat). Almost like its sending the reader on a treasure hunt.