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| During Middle Childhood, students'
sense of themselves and their world expands. They
begin to see themselves as members of larger communities.
They are interested in and like to speculate on other
times, places and societies. They begin to understand
and appreciate different points of view and develop the
ability to think in more abstract terms. |
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An odyssey is a particular form of Journey consisting
of a long series of wanderings. The word originates from The
Odyssey, an epic Ancient Greek poem describing the ten year
wanderings and adventures of Odysseus returning home to Ithaca
after the Trojan War.
Literally, an odyssey can be interpreted to mean a long
journey, expedition, exploration or migration. As well, it can
be viewed on a metaphorical level as a personal journey of self-discovery
or growth. While children in Middle Childhood are beginning
to think in less concrete terms this more subtle meaning can
be explored in greater depth and capture wider interest with
students in the Early and Late Adolescence Phases of Development
when issues of identity come to the fore.
Children in Middle Childhood are moving beyond an interest in
their own family and neighbourhood to a larger world view. This
is therefore, an ideal time to introduce students to the timeless
stories of Greek mythology using one or more of the excellent
retellings of Homer's Odyssey listed below.
It would be interesting to follow these tales from Ancient Greece
with traditional Australian stories such as Percy Trezise's
Journey of the Great Lake series which is based on Aboriginal
oral history. By comparing these sagas from different cultures
students gain an appreciation of the universality of odyssey
narratives.
With their growing ability to empathise with others and to appreciate
differing viewpoints students in Middle Childhood relate well
to stories about survival. Acquaint children with realistic
classic animal journeys and inspiring journeys undertaken by
children. Similarly, quests in fantasy will enthrall and enliven
the imagination of readers and listeners of any age.
Depending on the needs and interests of their students, teachers
can concentrate on one of the suggested approaches to the theme
Journeys or offer students a broader perspective to encourage
wide reading.
Click on the approaches listed below
for learning ideas and fiction titles to get you started.
- Learning Ideas
- Stories About
- Search Journeys
- Fiction in the CMIS Resource Bank
for a complete list of related stories. [Use the Middle
Childhood restrictor to just see titles appropriate
for this phase]
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Students
can:
- Compare Homer's
Odyssey with Percy Trezise's
Journey
of the Great Lake series.
- Prepare a story map for an Odyssey/journey
story.
- Play an online Odyssey
game from Jenny Stubbs' hotlist at:
- Present a booktalk with the aim
of encouraging others to read their favourite
book/author from the journey list.
- Make a class mural of the journey
of Odysseus illustrating highlights of his journey.
- Research an author/Illustrator
of one of the journey stories and present findings
for a class display.
- Read a number of reviews from
different sources. Discuss and list the essential
elements of a good book review. Write a thoughtful
review of a favourite odyssey story.
- In groups write and illustrate
a journey story. Each student in a group could
be allocated a specific role: author, illustrator,
editor.
- Find and read other books by
their favourite author from those listed here.
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The
Adventures of Odysseus
Retold by Neil Philip and illustrated by Peter Malone
Orion Children's, 1997
Based on Homer's Odyssey, this retelling is a most attractive
presentation. It contains eleven stories about Odysseus and
his travels following the sacking of Troy and leading up to
his eventual return to Ithaca, his faithful wife Penelope and
son Telemachus. The stories have lost none of their fire and
bloodthirsty vengeance and Peter Malone's illustrations, reminiscent
of ancient Greek wall murals, are bold and brightly coloured,
lending new appeal to these classic tales. The language is descriptive
and the style of writing easy to read.
AMERY, Heather and Edwards, Linda.
Usborne
Greek Myths for Young Children
Usborne, 1999
A retelling of some of the most common Greek myths that uses
a fresh and interesting approach. The illustrations are bright
and colourful and each story, comprising three pages, is written
in easy-to-understand language. The collection includes The
Adventures of Odysseus and Jason and the Golden Fleece
useful to support a Journeys theme.
The
Odyssey
Retold by Adrian Mitchell and illustrated by Stuart Robertson
Dorling Kindersley, 2000
Homer's epic about Odysseus is retold here in this beautifully
illustrated book. Included are fact-filled columns that reveal
insights into the culture of the Ancient Greeks and a map showing
the possible journey of Odysseus. The lively and exciting retelling
by the author and the interesting pictures will make this Ancient
Greek myth more acceptable to present-day readers.
NORMAN, Lilith and SVETLANOV, Maxim. Aphanasy
Random House Australia, 1994
Picture Book. Aphanasy, the bold and wise son of a merchant
in old Russia, is chosen to sail to India to discover its many
treasures. Along the way he is imprisoned, rescued by a princess
and has rich gifts bestowed upon him. His journey is an exciting
adventure with all the twists and turns of a true folktale.
The superb illustrations recall Russian icons and Persian miniatures,
combining fine detail and excellent use of gold and silver highlights
to create interest. Based on a story by Svetlana Svetlanova,
it provides a delightful insight into Indian culture and Russian
beliefs. An excellent book to read aloud Aphanasy is
useful to support the topic of myths and legends and journeys.
The
Odyssey of Homer
Retold by Barbara Leonie Picard and illustrated by Joan Kiddell-Monroe
Oxford University Press, 2000
This classic tale tells of Odysseus' long and exciting journey
home from Troy. Students may recognise some of his adventures,
each of which may be read as a separate episode. Ideal for introducing
the concept of an odyssey.
The
Wanderings of Odysseus: The Story of the Odyssey
Retold by Rosemary Sutcliff and illustrated by Alan Lee.
HarperCollins, 1995
A companion volume to Black Ships before Troy, this continues
Homer's story with the adventures of Odysseus on his long voyage
home. The tales of the Cyclops, Calypso, Scylla and Charybdis
and all the other perils encountered are retold by a skilled
storyteller. Alan Lee's dramatic paintings are compelling and
convincingly add to the excitement of the stories. With a very
useful section on how to pronounce Greek names and a map of
the Mediterranean world of Odysseus, this is ideal for reading
aloud or for individual reading and is a wonderful introduction
to these timeless tales.
TREZISE, Percy.
Home
of the Kadimakara People
Angus&Robertson, 2000
Based on Aboriginal oral history, the first book in the Journey
of the Great Lake series, Home of the Kadimakara People
is set about 30,000 years ago. It tells the story of how three
children become lost while fishing on the vast freshwater lake,
Balanorga or Lake Carpentaria. Information about the Dreamtime
and Aboriginal culture is included in the story-line and the
richly coloured paintings which spread over a page and a half,
extend the written text. This book sets the scene for further
books in the series which follow the children's long journey
through the lands of many other people back to their homeland.
Other titles in the series are:
- Land of the Snake People
- Land of the Dingo People
- Land of the Magpie Goose People
- Land of the Emu People
- Land of the Kangaroo People
The
Illiad and The Odyssey
Retold and illustrated by Marcia Williams.
Walker,1996
Homer's tales of The Illiad, the story of the war between
the Greeks and Trojans, and The Odyssey, in which Odysseus
meets the Cyclops, the Sirens and other creatures on his voyage
back home, are simply and entertainingly retold and illustrated
by Marcia Williams in comic-strip style format. The text beneath
each frame relates the story, while the colourful drawings and
comments in the speech bubbles add interest and humour. This
appealing picture book with its decorative borders and end pages,
invites children to investigate these stories from Greek mythology.
BURNFORD, Sheila. The
Incredible Journey
Hodder Children's, 1995
Animal adventure. Timeless story based on a true event, where
two dogs and a cat travel thousands of miles to be reunited
with their master.
OPPEL, Kenneth. Silverwing
Aladdin, 1999
When Shade, a young Silverwing bat, becomes separated from his
flock during a fierce storm he begins the most incredible journey
of his young life. This moving story describes his encounters
with other bats, some friendly some not. The complex plot and
thorough development of characters enables the book to maintain
the reader's interest throughout. This absorbing fantasy/adventure
will appeal to older readers but will easily hold the attention
of younger students if read aloud.
THIELE, Colin and GOULDTHORPE, Peter. Pannikin
and Pinta
This story for independent readers, in picture book format,
begins with the flooding of Lake Eyre. Attracted into the dry
interior, a pelican family faces great hardship after the lake
dries up and are forced into long migration to the coast. The
imagery in the text and artwork will stir readers, while the
interplay between humans and nature raises issues for discussion.
Shortlisted CBC Book of the Year 2001: Younger Readers.
Teachers' notes are available at no charge on request from the
publisher.
WELLS, Rosemary and JEFFERS, Susan
Eric
Knight's Classic Story Lassie Come Home
Puffin, 1998
Picture Book. First published in 1940, Eric Knight's classic
tale of endurance and devotion is retold by Rosemary Wells.
The story of Lassie, the collie dog sold by her owners when
they fall on hard times, has lost none of its attraction. Indeed,
this version, with its wonderful illustrations, breathes new
life into the story, making it accessible to a new generation
of readers. This book is suitable to read aloud to younger children
while more independent readers will enjoy the detail in the
illustrations and appreciate the depth of plot.It takes a walk
through history showing the harshness of the time and place.
DICKINSON, Peter. The
Kin
Macmillan Children's, 1998
Set in Africa this is an epic tale about the first humans. A
group of children become separated from their main kin and they
traverse the country taking responsibility for their own survival.
Their story is told in four books each from the point of view
of a different child. The language is accessible and this engrossing
story will provide reflective readers with many issues to discuss
regarding what it means to be human.
Shortlisted for the 1999 Carnegie Medal.
Also available as four separate paperback
volumes:
Suth's Story
Noli's Story
Ko's Story
Mana's Story
DOYLE, Malachy and GORMLEY, Greg.
12,000
Miles From Home
Watts, 1999
After being told their mother has died, Lucy and Jack are sent
with other children to Australia. Upon their arrival they are
separated and forced to do menial work. Neither Lucy nor Jack
can stand the harshness of being separated and eventually they
are reunited, planning one day to return to England. This novel
presents a brief overview of child migration, which began early
in the nineteenth century and continued until 1967. It depicts
a grim picture of the conditions which many children endured
when they were sent to Australia and in particular Bindoon.
FARRER, Vashti. Ned's
Kang-u-roo
Lothian, 1997
Following an argument at home when his father wants to send
Ned labouring, we meet twelve-year-old Ned Wattrous who has
run away to sea and joined Captain Cook's ship Endeavour.
It is at the point of his journey to Australia when the ship
runs aground on the Great Barrier Reef, that readers join him
in his adventures and reflection on his journey, his life and
companions.
HEST, Amy and LYNCH, P. J. When
Jessie Came Across the Sea
Walker, 1997
Picture Book. Set in the nineteenth century, this heartfelt
story vividly describes, in words and pictures, Jessie's sea
journey to America, her life there and her longing to be reunited
with her grandmother.
Kate Greenaway Medal 1994.
HOLM, Anne. I
Am David
Heinemann, 1991
Adventure story about David's journey across war-torn Europe
to find his family in Denmark.
THIELE, Colin. Jodie's
Journey
Lothian, 1997
Jodie, who has rheumatoid arthritis, is home alone when a bushfire
breaks out.
TROTTIER, Maxine and GALOUCHKO, Annouchka
Gravel. The
Walking Stick
Stoddart Kids, 1998
Picture Book. As a young boy in Vietnam before the war, Van
finds a branch which has fallen from a great teak tree. His
uncle, a monk helps him to transform it into a walking stick.
Van treasures the walking stick and it journeys with him and
his family as they seek refuge in another country. Later, Van's
grown-up daughter travels to Vietnam with the walking stick
to discover her heritage.
VOIGT, Cynthia. Homecoming
Collins, 1999.
When Dicey and her siblings are abandoned by their mother, they
battle their way across America to reach their grandmother's
house.
Newbery Medal 1983.
DAHL, Roald and
BLAKE, Quentin. James
and the Giant Peach
Puffin,1995
James' wretched existence is changed when he is taken on an
unbelievable journey.
Gulliver's
Travels by Jonathan Swift
Retold by James Dunbar and illustrated by Martin Hargreaves
Dorling Kindersley, 2000
This well-known classic, satirical story of an English country
boy who becomes a ship's doctor and travels to strange lands
like Lilliput, land of midgets, makes for a tale of wonder and
excitement. Illustrations are eye-catching and include captions
explaining historical facts.
HIRSCH, Odo and McLEAN, Andrew.
Bartlett
and the Ice Voyage
Allen & Unwin, 1998
This is an enchanting story about a young and impatient queen
who rules seven kingdoms and is often sent a variety of exotic
gifts by her faithful subjects. However, she longs to taste
the melidrop, a fruit from one of her most distant countries,
that spoils very quickly and is best eaten the day after it
has been picked. The explorer Bartlett and his friend Le Grand
are commissioned to bring her a melidrop, a task which requires
all their inventiveness, desperation and perseverance. Carefully
crafted and written in vivid, witty and lyrical language, the
story is perfect for reading aloud.
LAWRENCE, Michael and INGPEN, Robert.
The
Poppykettle Papers
Pavilion, 1999
A follow up to The Voyage of the Poppykettle and The
Unchosen Land, the tale of the Hairy Peruvians continues
with an account of the journey across the Pacific to Australia.
On the way the five travellers become involved in a quest and
face many dangers. The illustrations support the text well and
the short chapters are suitable for daily reading to a whole
class.
NICHOLSON, John. Paper
Chase: A Frantic Dash Around the World by Land Sea and Air
Allen & Unwin, 1993
Picture Book. As Jack livingstone is on his way to the store,
the wind blows his mother's shopping list into the Murray River.
Leaping on to a paddle-steamer, Jack sets out on a fantastic
journey which takes him all over the world on many forms of
transport, in pursuit of the elusive piece of paper. This superb
book will stir the imagination of even the most reluctant reader.
A world map on the endpapers enables readers to follow the journey.
RODDA, Emily. The
Forests of Silence
Scholastic Australia, 2000. (The Deltora Quest series 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 enthralling series
is an excellent introduction to the fantasy genre for young
readers who will readily identify with the characters. It is
a classic quest, with a myriad of obstacles to overcome before
reaching the ultimate goal. Readers can follow the progress
of the journey by referring to the map at the front of each
book.
Notable Series in Children's Book of the Year Awards 2001:
Younger Readers
Other Titles:
The Lake of Tears
City of the Rats
The Shifting Sands
Dread Mountain
The Maze of the Beast
The Valley of the Lost
Return to Dell
RODDA, Emily. Rowan
of Rin [Audiocassettes]
Read by Caroline Lee.
Louis Braille Audio, 1996
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 the local witch who gives them a map that only
Rowan can read and warnings in the form of riddles. This is
a wonderful story to share with a class. Beautifully read, it
is full of drama and suspense and is the perfect way of introducing
children to fantasy novels.
Titles
in the Rowan series:
Rowan of Rin
Book of the Year: Younger Readers in 1994
Rowan and the Travellers
Rowan and the Keeper of the Crystal
Honour Book, Book of the Year: Younger Readers, 1997
Rowan
and the Zebak
Shortlisted, Book of the Year: Younger Readers, 2000
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