English
Autumn 1
Star of Fear, Star of Hope by Jo Hoestlandt
An inspiring journey of courage, friendship, and resilience.
In Star of Fear, Star of Hope, young readers embark on a moving, unforgettable journey with a courageous girl named Sara, living in Nazi-occupied France during World War II. When Sara’s best friend, the kind-hearted and brave Lea, is suddenly taken away by soldiers, Sara is left alone to navigate a world filled with fear and uncertainty. But amidst the darkness, a light of hope shines through.
With the guidance of her family and a series of powerful acts of kindness from strangers, Sara learns what it truly means to stand up for what is right, even when it seems like all hope is lost. As Sara discovers hidden truths, deep friendships, and the strength within herself, the story unfolds as a beautiful reminder that even in the toughest times, love and hope can lead the way.
This touching story not only introduces young readers to the reality of historical events but also ignites conversations about resilience, bravery, and the power of compassion. With its accessible language, rich historical context, and uplifting themes, Star of Fear, Star of Hope is a perfect read for families to enjoy together, sparking important discussions about empathy, courage, and hope in the face of adversity.
Our Writing Outcome: To write a story with a flashback from another character’s point of view.
Mastery Keys:
- Use expanded noun phrases to convey complicated information concisely (recap
from Y5)
- Use passive verbs
- Link ideas across paragraphs using a wider range of cohesive devices
- Integrate dialogue to convey character
Our class read:
An Eagle in the Snow by Michael Morpurgo
A powerful tale of bravery, sacrifice, and standing up for what’s right.
In An Eagle in the Snow, readers are taken to the heart of World War II, where a young British soldier named Charles is caught in the chaos and cruelty of war. On a snowy battlefield in France, Charles faces not only the terrifying realities of combat but also a choice that will change the course of his life forever. Amidst the fear and uncertainty, Charles discovers the true meaning of courage as he encounters an enemy soldier whose actions challenge everything he thought he knew about loyalty, honor, and humanity.
This gripping story delves deep into the complexities of war, but at its core, it is a celebration of personal integrity and the quiet strength it takes to do the right thing, even in the face of overwhelming odds. As Charles navigates the battlefront, he finds that sometimes, the most heroic acts are the ones that go unnoticed, and the most important victories are those of the heart.
An Eagle in the Snow is an unforgettable tale that will spark important discussions about bravery, moral choices, and the powerful impact one individual can have on the world. With its rich historical backdrop and compelling characters, this novel is perfect for families to read together, encouraging deep reflection on the lessons of history and the timeless values of courage and compassion.