When the Sky Falls
Winner of the British Book Award for Children's Fiction.
1941. War is raging. And one angry boy has been sent to the city, where bombers rule the skies. There, Joseph will live with Mrs F, a gruff woman with no fondness for children. Her only loves are the rundown zoo she owns and its mighty silverback gorilla, Adonis.
As the weeks pass, bonds deepen and secrets are revealed, but if the bombers set Adonis rampaging free, will either of them be able to end the life of the one thing they truly love? Inspired by a true story.
If you would like to be invoiced for this product (or would like a different quantity), please email julia@chestnutbooks.co.uk with an order number and we’ll be happy to help.
Winner of the British Book Award for Children's Fiction.
1941. War is raging. And one angry boy has been sent to the city, where bombers rule the skies. There, Joseph will live with Mrs F, a gruff woman with no fondness for children. Her only loves are the rundown zoo she owns and its mighty silverback gorilla, Adonis.
As the weeks pass, bonds deepen and secrets are revealed, but if the bombers set Adonis rampaging free, will either of them be able to end the life of the one thing they truly love? Inspired by a true story.
If you would like to be invoiced for this product (or would like a different quantity), please email julia@chestnutbooks.co.uk with an order number and we’ll be happy to help.
Winner of the British Book Award for Children's Fiction.
1941. War is raging. And one angry boy has been sent to the city, where bombers rule the skies. There, Joseph will live with Mrs F, a gruff woman with no fondness for children. Her only loves are the rundown zoo she owns and its mighty silverback gorilla, Adonis.
As the weeks pass, bonds deepen and secrets are revealed, but if the bombers set Adonis rampaging free, will either of them be able to end the life of the one thing they truly love? Inspired by a true story.
If you would like to be invoiced for this product (or would like a different quantity), please email julia@chestnutbooks.co.uk with an order number and we’ll be happy to help.
We love this book because it is:
an incredibly moving story
a different perspective on the challenges brought about by war
set against the backdrop of the Blitz
about friendship & trust
Learning opportunities:
History: WW!!
Geography: London
Diary entry: Bert being grabbed by Adonis
Writing: write a description of being caught in an air raid
Debate: is it right to shoot Adonis?
DT: create your own black-out curtains
Science: research Silverback Gorillas
DT: design and build an air raid shelter
PSHE: Adonis is grieving. Discuss the ability of animals to grieve.
PSHE: starting a new school & encountering prejudice & discrimination
English: research dyslexia & think about changes that could be made in your classroom
PSHE: discuss the use of the phrase: ‘boys will be boys’.
Gardening: Dig For Victory
Visit Phil Earl’s website to share videos with your class and to access free teaching resources: Phil Earl's Website
