This term we have been reading Tom's Midnight Garden by Phillipa Pearce. The book is set in the 1980's, where a boy called Tom has to visit his Aunt Gwen and Uncle Alan's as he needs to quarantine from his brother's measles. When Tom arrives at his Aunt Gwen and Uncle Alan's flat, he becomes to realise it is run by a moody, strict lady called Mrs Bartholomew.  Upon Tom's visit he encounters a suspicious grandfather clock, which strikes thirteen. Tom explores this and encounters a midnight garden. Within this garden he meets a young girl called Hatty, who shares the garden and plays with Tom. Overtime, Tom starts to realise that Hatty is ageing. Tom and Hatty go on multiple adventures together and finally one day, Hatty starts to forget about Tom. Towards the end of their adventures, Tom is approached by Mrs Bartholomew to have a chat. Tom discovers that he has been entering Mrs Bartholomew's dreams, as she is Hatty. They then share many memories and Tom travels home. 

The children really enjoyed this book and felt that they could make connections to certain elements of the book throughout.  Here are a few quotes some children said about the book:

' I recommend this book to people who likes twists and turns. It was a really interesting book and I looked forward to finding out what Tom was going to see in the garden each time. I would give this book 8/10. ' - Alice 5EL

' I would rate this book 4 out of 5 stars. this is because it made me really curious into what Tom would see each time we went into the garden.' - Lucas 5EL

'I would recommend this book, as it is interesting and descriptive. It is a well-written book and has a happy and heart-warming ending'. Abi 5EL.

'Overall, I personally didn't quite enjoy the book, but there were some elements I did enjoy such as: the story plot. I recommend this book to people who are curious and mystical.' Gabby 5EL

This term we have been reading When the Sky Falls by Phil Earle. The book was set in World War 2 and the theme was based on love and loss. It is about a young boy called Joseph, who is sent away by his grandma to live with her friend. He spends his time in the new city adjusting to the new conditions and rules. He befriends an ape called Adonis and confides in him throughout his struggles. The book takes an unexpected twist, when Joseph is attacked by two boys from his school. Adonis comes to the rescue and captures one of the boys and nearly kills him. This then causes the main dilemma, where the council give Mrs F, the woman who is looking after Joseph, a time frame to remove Adonis from the zoo. Due to this being an impossible task, they fall to comply and in the end Adonis is shot. 

The children really enjoyed this book and felt that they could make connections to certain elements of the book throughout.  Here are a few quotes some children said about the book:

"I recommend this book because it is very emotional and sometimes can teach you a life lesson of what you have won't always last." - Precious 5EL

"I recommend this book to anyone that likes World War 2. I enjoyed the book as it was really heart-warming. My favourite character was Adonis as my favourite animal is a gorilla. I would rate it 5 stars." - Lucas 5EL

"The part that I liked of the book is when Joseph makes good friends with Syd and Adonis. I like it when Adonis saves Joseph from the bully. I would rate this book 10/10 because it is emotional and interesting." - Maryum 5EL