We love this book because it is:
a briliant twist on our climate emergency
a time-travelling adventure
an excellent introduction to non-linear texts
beautifully written with lots of figurative language & rich vocabulary
tackles modern issues: climate, social media & bullying
Learning opportunities:
Science ~ climate change & extreme weather events
Science ~ water: creation of reservoirs & water usage
History ~ research local reservoirs. Are there any flooded villages nearby?
Geography ~ plot the channel swim and calculate the shortest route
PE ~ swimming lessons
Debate ~ should the reservoir be built?
Writing ~ autobiography of Gertrude Ederle or Captain Matthew Webb
Reading ~ create a Venn diagram to compare Polly & Nellie
Writing ~ write a newspaper article about the spire becoming visible
Writing ~ write a diary entry as Nellie the night before her swim
Writing ~ write a letter from Lena to Nellie when she discovers she completed the swim