Cloud Busting: Puffin Poetry

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The book touches on many important topics, bullying at it’s forefront, something children need to learn about.

I really liked the way that it was written from Sam's point of view because it showed how much of a decision he had to make with his friends. Although the subject matter is a bit gloomy, ultimately it is a story with a positive message and you will feel optimistic when you finish the book.A touching story, written in verse, which celebrates friendship and individuality – from the award-winning author of Noughts and Crosses . In their independent activities, children are challenged to predict what will happen next in the story, based on their knowledge and understanding of both the characters and the events so far. In 2005 Malorie was honoured with the Eleanor Farjeon Award in recognition of her distinguished contribution to the world of children’s books. A gripping, touching story by any measure, however, what I found most fascinating about this book, was its superbly creative presentation. It's one of those books that could engage a whole class because pretty much all abilities should able to access it.

But gradually a close relationship develops between them as Davey opens Sam's eyes to a whole new world: one that is alive with words, rhythm, music and colour, and the boys become Best Friends - but only in secret. Throughout these six lessons, your class will become familiar with the main characters in the story.

If you are lucky enough to have a dry but cloudy day prior to starting the book, the opportunity for children to experience “cloud busting” for themselves is an ideal way to promote immediate engagement. My only criticism is it's just not long enough; I wanted more of the story - it does feel a bit 'half done'.

Have children generate their own questions, and explore them independently and with adult facilitation. At the start of this lesson, children will discuss the secret shared by Davey and the promise made by Sam at the end of the last chapter they read together, as well as their predictions for what might happen next. I would love to use this in class with KS2 children, it would make a great class book and lead to lots of writing frameworks, PSHE concepts, and storytelling.When they are thrown together, Sam finds that Davey's way of looking at the world makes living a whole lot more fun, until something happens that disrupts their new friendship. Piecing together all clues from the cover and blurb, children are likely to infer the meaning of the phrase in physical terms, and may also be able to offer an hypothesis as to its metaphorical meaning – its hint at the opposing themes of conformity and imagination; friendship versus bullying.

You should read this book because its a non rhyming poem but also very meaningful, how two people build a friendship. We honour Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples' continuous connection to Country, waters, skies and communities.Children further explore this in their independent activities, where they identify what they have personally learnt from these themes in the story. The central themes of bullying, friendship and difference are not so unusual, but the remarkable use of poetic forms, perfectly matched to the mood of each story section, has a profound effect. This is one of the first novels in verse that I have ever read and an extremely powerful one at that. Told in verse, in first person, the story of an extraordinary friendship that changes two boys’ lives forever – an uplifting tale that truly sings out.