Writing a book review

To discuss means to talk or write about a subject in detail.

It's good to be able to discuss stories and books with other people and to share views and ideas on them.

When discussing stories you might talk about:

• opinions on the characters and why you think that
• the ending of the story
• writer's hints in a story - why they wrote things in a certain way or clues they have about what was happening

Discussing and summarising are two different things.

Discussing is about a person's ideas and views on a story.

Summarising is summing up what has happened in a story.

Choose one of the questions from the end of the video to discuss.

• Do you think fairy tales should always have a happy ending?

• Do you think fairy tales should still be popular with children?

• What is your favourite fairy tale?

You could write your ideas down or talk about them with someone at home.

Remember to back up your ideas with evidence using the word 'because'.

Watch this video of Paralympic Basketball player and sports presenter Ade Adepitan reading from Tom's Midnight Garden by Philippa Pearce.

Listen carefully. Ade reads some extracts and explains how Philippa Pearce’s writing really captured his imagination when he was younger.

You can write your answers down on paper, or discuss them instead.

1. Why did Ade enjoy reading Tom's Midnight Garden when he was young? Give two reasons.

2. What does Ade like so much about how Philippa Pearce described the garden? (Top tip: Go to 2 minutes and 42 seconds in the video.)

3. Do you think you would like reading Tom’s Midnight Garden? Why?