Exploring themes & issues in novels A visual introduction Year 8 English Boy Overboard

Introduction A theme is an idea that an author wants us to think about An issue is a topic that the author feels strongly about and wants to explore in their writing The novel Boy Overboard explores an interesting themes and some challenging issues Using the blurb on the next slide, and your own background knowledge about the novel, try to brainstorm what themes and issues may be discussed in Boy Overboard

A theme is an idea that an author wants us to think about

An issue is a topic that the author feels strongly about and wants to explore in their writing

The novel Boy Overboard explores an interesting themes and some challenging issues

Using the blurb on the next slide, and your own background knowledge about the novel, try to brainstorm what themes and issues may be discussed in Boy Overboard

Blurb A story of adventure, ball control and hope. Jamal and Bibi have a dream. To lead Australia to soccer glory in the next World Cup. But first they must face landmines, pirates, storms and assassins. Can Jamal and his family survive their incredible journey and get to Australia? Sometimes, to save the people you love, you have to go overboard.

A story of adventure, ball control and hope.

Jamal and Bibi have a dream. To lead Australia to soccer glory in the next World Cup.

But first they must face landmines, pirates, storms and assassins.

Can Jamal and his family survive their incredible journey and get to Australia?

Sometimes, to save the people you love, you have to go overboard.

What themes and issues are suggested in the blurb? A story of adventure, ball control and hope. Jamal and Bibi have a dream. To lead Australia to soccer glory in the next World Cup. But first they must face landmines, pirates, storms and assassins. Can Jamal and his family survive their incredible journey and get to Australia? Sometimes, to save the people you love, you have to go overboard. Conflict/war Survival Family Different cultures Friendship Refugees/boat people Human rights The journey

A story of adventure, ball control and hope.

Jamal and Bibi have a dream. To lead Australia to soccer glory in the next World Cup.

But first they must face landmines, pirates, storms and assassins.

Can Jamal and his family survive their incredible journey and get to Australia?

Sometimes, to save the people you love, you have to go overboard.

Task description In pairs … Look at the pictures on the following slides Decide whether or not each picture represents the concept or idea of a ‘journey’ You must have reasons for each decision You should try to reach an agreement through co-operative debate and deciding on criteria to make your decisions We will discuss each pair’s decisions as a whole class

In pairs …

Look at the pictures on the following slides

Decide whether or not each picture represents the concept or idea of a ‘journey’

You must have reasons for each decision

You should try to reach an agreement through co-operative debate and deciding on criteria to make your decisions

We will discuss each pair’s decisions as a whole class

Journeys in Literature An enduring theme throughout literary history: Many stories are concerned with the question of personal transformative change Comes from the human need to make sense of our experiences The German word is bildungsroman, literally translated as “coming of age” “ a novelistic form which concentrates on the spiritual, moral, psychological, or social development and growth of the protagonist usually from childhood to maturity.” ~Wikipedia

An enduring theme throughout literary history:

Many stories are concerned with the question of personal transformative change

Comes from the human need to make sense of our experiences

The German word is bildungsroman, literally translated as “coming of age”

“ a novelistic form which concentrates on the spiritual, moral, psychological, or social development and growth of the protagonist usually from childhood to maturity.” ~Wikipedia

Let’s take the first steps…

What is a journey?