The Burnt Stick

Next week students will be writing a book review on this small novel about the Stolen Generation. I read it to them Friday morning.  The book is called The Burnt Stick by Anthony Hill. Students have taken some  basic notes in their Writers' Notebooks.

Students will be investigating the following questions this coming week.


What caught your attention about the book?
When was the book suspenseful? 
Where there any parts in which you were bored?
Which characters did you like, and why?

Explain how the book as a whole affected you. 
Explain how the author achieved the effects he or she did
Explain the relationship between form and content.
Explain the function of each character in the novel.
Explain the characters' relationships to one another.


Their responses will help them to write their review.

Some artwork happening inspired by The Burnt Stick

Students have a range of pencils to shade with

Using line work

Drafting up book reviews

Reading reviews by other people on the internet and note taking

Today students began their own book reviews on The Burnt Stick. The are three copies of the book available in the room. We discussed in depth what needs to go into a review, the main things being:

The title and author and illustrator
Awards the book has won or been nominated for
A brief outline/taste of the book, but No spoilers!
Mention of significant characters or characters who appealed to you
Discussion of the language and drawings
A recommendation

Below are some drawings inspired by The Burnt Stick