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Australian Maurice Saxby, academic and internationally renowned expert in children's literature has stated:
In classrooms around Australia and beyond, whenever I have questioned elementary school children about their reading preferences, the vote has always been, overwhelmingly, in favour of 'adventure'. Fast-moving stories with well defined heroes and heroines as models seem to be popular with both sexes - which is hardly surprising when one watches children at play, risking life and limb with little thought of the consequence.
Maurice Saxby. Books in the Life of a Child. p. 225 |
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| The 2000 OECD Programme for Student Assessment (PISA) survey emphasised the importance of engaged reading in developing literacy. Taking this into consideration together with Saxby's experiences, promoting the adventure genre to students in Middle Childhood is a good tactic. The aim is to develop children's love of reading so that they come to choose reading as a pleasurable and worthwhile activity throughout life. |
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Adventure is a broad genre that can encompass thrillers, spy stories, crime, mystery, fantasy quests and tales of survival, providing something to light the imagination of all readers. Moreover, the fact that this genre is often presented as a series is an added bonus, inviting readers to seek out further adventures of favourite characters. Reading the familiar helps youngsters to consolidate skills and develop confidence to become engaged readers.
Select one or two of the focus books below for classroom serial reading and literature-based activities. Ensure that a wide variety of other appealing titles are available to entice students to read widely. Share your enthusiasm for favourite books and encourage 'book talk' among students.
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| Possible Activities |
- Encourage independent reading through Literature Circles that allow students to share their responses to books.
- Compare a novel such as The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe or The Magic Pudding to the movie version.
- Role Play/Interview - eg. a student takes on the role of a character in a novel such as Remote Man or The Long Walk and is interviewed by another student.
- Collect interesting words and phrases that can be used to describe frightening characters or create suspense in students own writing.
- Write a newspaper report describing the events in Lion Boy or Shatterbelt.
- Create a webpage to support a favourite book or series.
- Present a persuasive book talk to encourage others to read a favourite title.
- Read sample reviews & discuss elements of good reviews. Write reviews to publish in a class book, library display, on the school intranet or in the school newsletter.
For sample reviews browse:
YARA [Aust]
Reader's Cafe [English Online NZ]
- Read Journey to the River Sea. Locate the Amazon River on a map. Research the region. Present information as a segment on a television travel program such as Getaway to entice visitors to the area.
- Compile Top 10 charts for students' favourite adventure stories and/or for different genres
- Use the online teacher's notes, supporting websites or webquests (listed on the side menu) to develop a literature-based unit.
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NOTE: For more detailed information about the books click on the title.
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ABELA, Deborah.
Max Remy Super Spy: In Search of the Time and Space Machine
[Max Remy Super Spy; 1]
Alex is an angry eleven-year-old whose parents are divorced. In order to cope with rejection and life, her alter ego Max Remy, lady detective, takes over and an exciting summer holiday ensues. A bright eye-catching cover and a sprinkling of cartoon-like illustrations lend interest to the fast-paced readable text.
BAUM, Frank. Illustrated by Michael Foreman.
The Wonderful Wizard of Oz
Illustrated Story. Classic. This timeless story of Dorothy and her companions who set off on a dangerous quest along the yellow brick road in search of the elusive Wizard of Oz, has delighted many readers for years.
BRUCE, Mary Grant.
A Little Bush Maid
Novel. Australian classic first published in 1910. This is the first of eighteen adventure stories about Jim and Norah who live with their widowed father at Billabong, a Victorian cattle and sheep station. Reflects the attitudes of the times. Sequels include Mates at Billabong, Norah of Billabong.
CARROLL, Louis.
Alice's Adventures in Wonderland
Classic. Novel. First published in 1865. An unabridged edition of the classic story of Alice and her adventures after she follows a white rabbit down a hole, illustrated with a contemporary approach in Oxenbury's distinctive style. Winner Kate Greenaway Medal 2000 for book illustration this edition is highly recommended. [other editions available]
CORDER, Zizou. Lion Boy
Novel. In the near future when petrol is only available to the very rich and asthma is in epidemic proportions, Charlie Ashanti arrives home to an empty house and the realisation that his scientist parents have been kidnapped. Charlie knows that he must use all his courage and skills, including his rare ability to speak Cat, to find out where they are being taken and why. So begins his amazing journey down the Thames to Paris with the 'finest circus in the world'.
Sequels: Lionboy: The Chase
Lionboy: The Truth
DAHL, Roald.
James and the Giant Peach
Novel. James, an orphan lives with two wicked aunts. His wretched existence is changed when he is taken on an unbelievable journey after receiving magical crystals, which he inadvertently spills on a peach tree. Wonderful to read aloud, this book is a perennial favourite with both boys and girls.
DAHL, Roald.
The Witches
This is a truly scary story about a young boy and his grandmother and their attempt to foil the evil plot of the witches to rid England of all children.
D'ATH, Justin. Crocodile Attack
[Extreme Adventures; 1]
Novel. The stories in this series have essentially been written for boys although girls who enjoy action-packed adventures will also enjoy them. In this title, Sam and his cousin are kidnapped by a robber during a tropical cyclone. When the getaway car crashes into the Crocodile River, Sam and Nissa have to fight for their survival as the flood water rises and the crocodiles close in.
Also: Bushfire Rescue
DIVAKARUNI, Chitra Banerjee.
The Conch Bearer.
Novel. When 12-year-old Anand shares a cup of tea with a beggar in an Indian market, his life changes forever. The old man reveals that he is a member of the Brotherhood of Healers who needs Anand's help to return the magical conch shell to the Brotherhood's home in the high Himalayas. A fast-paced fantasy adventure set in India.
FIENBERG, Anna. Pictures by Kim Gamble
Horrendo's Curse.
Horrendo's first twelve years of life are too good to be true, much to the chagrin of his parents. However, it is his unfailing positive nature and good cooking that win the day when he is taken away by pirates.
FLANAGAN, John. The Ruins of Gorlan.
[The Ranger's Apprentice; Book 1]
Novel. On Choosing Day, fifteen-year-old Will is rejected from Battleschool because he is too small. None of the other Craftmasters want him and it seems that he must be content to be a farmer until Ranger Halt says he will take him. Will knows little about the secretive Ranger service, but he has no other choice. Although Halt is strict, Will soon realises that skills that got him into trouble in the castle are essential to become a good Ranger. This first book in a quartet is an undemanding masculine version of Tamora Pierce's popular Alanna series.
Sequels: The Burning Bridge, The Icebound Land, Oakleaf Bearer
FORRESTAL, Elaine. Deep Water.
[An Eden-Glassie Mystery; 1]
Novel. Tori and his family are staying on a vineyard property known as Eden Glassie, when an unexpected flood sweeps the family dogs away. Tori refuses to accept that his dog has drowned and risks a midnight swim across the river to search for him. This fast-paced story with its well-rounded characters is the first title in a new series set in Western Australia.
Also: Black Earth, Stone Circle, Wild Wind.
GREENWOOD, Kerry. The Long Walk
Novel. Set in Victoria during the Great Depression, this moving story tells of 13-year-old Isa's courageous decision to leave Melbourne with her three younger siblings to find their father who is working in a 'susso' project to build the Great Ocean Road.
HONEY, Elizabeth
What do You Think Feezal?
Novel. Bean, the only child of frenetically busy parents, has an incredible imagination and is resourceful and positive. As the result of ineptitude by some would-be industrial espionage rivals of her father, Bean is accidentally kidnapped and has an exciting time as she extracts herself and the bumbling security guard from the clutches of the criminals.
HONEY, Elizabeth.
Remote Man
Novel. Remote Man contains high adventure and intrigue as the characters, using their Internet skills, battle against a gang of animal smugglers. The story also concerns the importance of relationships in families and between friends.
HOROWITZ, Anthony.
Stormbreaker [Alex Rider book 1]
The first title in the popular Alex Rider adventures, Stormbreaker is a contemporary, undercover, spy novel, driven at a fast pace and sprinkled with enough suspense and action to captivate the reader.
IBBOTSON, Eva.
Journey to the River Sea
Novel. Maia's guardian arranges for her to join relatives in Manaus, on the Amazon River and so starts the journey of her life. This skilfully crafted adventure, will keep readers captivated until the last page.
LEWIS, C.S.
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
Novel. Classic. The best known of the popular Chronicles of Narnia, a series of timeless fantasies set in Narnia a land behind the wardrobe. Can be read as a simple adventure or as an allegory.
LINDSAY, Norman.
The Magic Pudding: Being the Adventures of Bunyip Bluegum and his Friends Bill Barnacle & Sam Sawnoff
Novel. Classic. This is a wonderful example of Australian humour. With exciting adventures related in rich, textured language and splendid characters that burst into song at the slightest provocation, it begs to be read aloud. It relates the story of three noble adventurers, Bunyip Bluegum, Bill Barnacle and Sam Sawnoff, a magic pudding named Albert and two wicked puddin' thieves. The book of the film, The Magic Pudding, was released to coincide with the movie, and while it will be popular, it lacks the richness of language and the story has little in common with the original version. A comparison of the two books would be a valuable exercise.
LORD, Gabrielle.
Monkey Undercover
A gripping novel in the crime genre, Monkey Undercover is a story full of risk, danger and humour, culminating in the smashing of an international smuggling ring. It is a fast-paced novel for upper primary and lower secondary students from one of Australia’s leading writers of crime fiction for adults.
McCALL SMITH, Alexander.
Akimbo and the Elephants
Early Novel. Akimbo is a young boy who lives on the edge of a game reserve in central Africa. His adventures evolve out of his love of wild animals and the need to preserve them in their natural environment. In this story Akimbo joins a group of ivory poachers in order to trap them. His daring plan which he manages to pull off single-handed will have children on the edge of their seats and asking for more.
Also: Akimbo and the Lions, Akimbo and the Crocodile Man
NORRINGTON, Leonie.
Barrumbi Kids
Novel. Set in outback Northern Territory, this humorous tale of friendship between Tomias, an Aboriginal boy and Dale, his Non-Aboriginal mate, relates the many exciting and dangerous adventures they share. This is a thought-provoking novel that crosses cultures and immerses readers in the boys' adventures.
PRIOR, Natalie Jane.
Lily Quench & the Dragon of Ashby
Novel. Lily Quench belongs to a family of dragon slayers who have protected Ashby since the time of Mad Brian. When a dragon arrives in Ashby, Lily is forced to fight it and soon finds herself on a desperate magical quest to save Ashby from destruction and restore the rightful heir to his throne. This is the first title in an engaging fantasy adventure series.
PULLMAN, Philip.
The Scarecrow and his Servant
Novel. Old Mr Pandolfo makes a scarecrow but he is stolen several times and moved further away from his home. When struck by lightning the scarecrow comes to life. He secures the assistance of a young boy Jack, who becomes his servant and together they roam the countryside seeking their fortune.
RODDA, Emily. Rowan of Rin
[Rowan series; Book 1]
Novel. The story of Rowan begins in his home village, Rin, when the stream suddenly dries up. A group of the bravest and strongest villagers is formed to climb the mountain and find the cause. Rowan inadvertently becomes a member of the team through the intervention of a local witch who gives them a map that only Rowan can read and warnings in the form of verse riddles. The first book in this popular series.
RODDA, Emily. Forests of Silence
[Deltora Quest series 1. Book 1]
Part one of an eight-volume series. Until the seven gems from the Belt of Deltora are returned to their rightful place, the people will continue to live in poverty. This classic quest, with a myriad of obstacles to overcome before reaching the ultimate goal, is an enthralling read, popular with both boys and girls.
ROY, James. Illustrated by Rae Dale.
The Legend of Big Red
Novel. Barney and Liam go on a camping trip to catch Big Red, a giant fish and they discover that there is more to Bailey's Swamp than a big fish.
SACHAR, Louis. Holes
Novel. Stanley Yelnats has always longed to go away to camp but digging holes in a dry, baking-hot lake bed is not what he had in mind. His story, intertwined with the Yelnat family history, is peppered with coincidences and draws to a very satisfactory conclusion. A great-read aloud for older students.
SAID, S.F. Illustrated by Dave McKean.
Varjak Paw
Novel. Varjak the Mesopotamian Blue kitten encounters many dangers in the city when he escapes from his home on the hill to find a dog that can save his family from the Gentleman and his two sinister black cats. Sequel: The outlaw Varjak Paw
SVENDSEN, Mark Nestor.
Shadow Snake.
Novel. Three young boys embark on a Huckleberry Finn type adventure with an Australian flavour, camping by themselves in the bush. A mixture of scary stories and mysterious noises keep readers guessing as to what will happen next. This is a very light, easy-to-read book that will have particular appeal to boys. Rights of passage and the whole father/son relationship are viewed in a balanced manner.
THIELE, Colin. The Sea Caves.
Novel. A gripping adventure of two twelve-year-old boys, whose search for treasure results in them being trapped in a cave fall-in.
THIELE, Colin. Shatterbelt.
Novel. When Ellie has a premonition about an impending disaster no-one takes heed of her warnings. Students will keep turning the pages of this gripping adventure about an earthquake in the Adelaide Hills. A great story for serial reading and to capture the interest of reluctant readers. Aftershock is the sequel.
TWAIN, Mark.
The Adventures of Tom Sawyer
Novel. American classic. This is an unabridged, attractive edition of the enduring story of Tom Sawyer and his friends Huckleberry Finn and Joe Harper, first published in 1876. Set on the banks of the Mississippi River it provides insight into small town life, beliefs and attitudes during the mid 1800s. Perfect for class serialisation and to extend competent, avid readers.
WILKINSON, Carole. Dragonkeeper.
Novel. Ping, a young slave girl involuntarily becomes the keeper of the last Imperial Dragon of Ancient China. Charged with protecting the precious dragon stone, and accompanied by the dragon and her pet rat, Ping sets off on a quest to reach the healing sanctuary of Ocean.
Sequel: Garden of the Purple Dragon
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