Book status: The book for this planning sequence is currently reprinting or out of print and therefore not in stock at most booksellers. If you do not already own the book, we would recommend this planning sequence as an alternative:
Alternative sequence
KS: Upper KS2
Year Group: Year 5
Literary Theme: Belonging & Equality
Author(s): Mira Bartok
This is a 20 session Literary Leaf for The Wonderling by Mira Bartok and covers all aspects of the Key Stage 2 content domain. Children will follow the perilous journey of Arthur who must, against all odds, unravel the mystery of his origins and discover his true destiny. Children will gain experience of answering a range of inference questions, focussing on impressions, character feelings, relationships and motivation. They will be encouraged to make connections with wider literary connections. They will also explore how protagonists change over time by mapping out character arcs. Certain chapters of this story are summarised.
Welcome to the Home for Wayward and Misbegotten Creatures, an institution run by evil Miss Carbunkle, a cunning villainess who believes her terrified young charges exist only to serve and suffer. Part animal and part human, the groundlings toil in classroom and factory, forbidden to enjoy anything regular children have, most particularly singing and music. For the Wonderling, an innocent-hearted, one-eared, fox-like eleven-year-old with only a number rather than a proper name ― a 13 etched on a medallion around his neck ― it is the only home he has ever known. But unexpected courage leads him to acquire the loyalty of a young bird groundling named Trinket, who gives the Home’s loneliest inhabitant two incredible gifts: a real name ― Arthur, like the good king in the old stories ― and a best friend. Using Trinket’s ingenious invention, the pair escape over the wall and embark on an adventure that will take them out into the wider world and ultimately down the path of sweet Arthur’s true destiny.
Belonging, courage, friendship
