Teacher+Reads


 * We have finished reading the book 'Once' last term. The next book is called 'Then'. I will not be reading the sequel to this book. Your child may want to read the next book. I recommend parents read through this book first before you let your children read this.**


 * Under the Mountain by Maurice Gee **

This term I intend to read the children 'Under the Mountain' by Maurice Gee. Maurice Gee is a well known NZ author who has written both children and adult novels. Under the Mountain was a TV series when I was around ten years old (yes, many years ago now). This book is being made into a movie at the moment. The old house that features in the book is part of the set that has being built on the shore of the lake in Takapuna. ABOUT THE BOOK: //Beneath the extinct volcanoes that surround Auckland, giant slug like creatures from another galaxy are waking from a spellbound sleep that has lasted thousands of years. When they are released they start to devour the earth, turning the planet into mud.// //Twins, Rachel and Theo, are saved from death by a kindly and mystical stranger and eight years later when they visit Auckland, find they have been chosen for a momentous task against the forces of evil - they must save the world from the terror under the mountain.//

[|Click here to read an interview with Maurice Gee.]

ONCE by Morris Gleitzman (Term 3 Book) **Introduction **  Once is an amazing and harrowing story. It is 1942 and Felix begins his story from an orphanage – where he thinks his parents have placed him until they sort out their ‘troubles’. Felix knows //‘things got difficult for Jewish booksellers’ //but is not sure why. One thing he is certain of is that he will return to his lovely old life one day, with his books and his parents - once they come for him or once he finds them. But what Felix begins to see and experience after making his escape challenges his youthful naiveté and brings an end to his innocence in the most brutal of ways. The novel follows Felix on his quest to find his parents.  Throughout the novel, Felix’s talents as a story teller highlight the humour, courage and strength this character draws on to help himself and support those around him.

Books, stories and Felix’s own special notebook are integral to his life and serve as symbolic links in many parts of Morris Gleitzman’s novel. During his journey, Felix forms an friendship with Zelda, a young girl he rescues in a devastating scene when her parents have been killed. He too is rescued at a later stage by Barney, a mysterious adult whom he comes to know and appreciate very deeply.

Many times in the novel it is overwhelming to imagine the impact and implications of events Felix has lived through. Towards the end of the novel - as Felix comes up with yet another scheme to alleviate the suffering of those around him – this child has now become aware of Death camps, hatred towards the Jews, the role of Adolf Hitler, enforced labour and separation of families.

[|Click here to view Morris Gleitzman's website.] 