Overview and Outcomes:

This is a 15-session Literary Leaf for Fly Me Home by Polly Ho-Yen which covers all aspects of the content domains for Upper Key Stage 2.  Children begin by forming plot predictions based on the front cover before looking at specific vocabulary in context.  Alongside reading, children will begin to explain their impressions of characters based on their actions and the ways the author has used language to portray certain plot and character developments.  Children will summarise sections of the story and complete an emotions graph for the main character, as well as comparing themes arising through the text as a whole.  There will be rich opportunities for collaborative discussion and asking questions.

Synopsis of Text:

We chose this book for a Literary Leaf as it is a beautiful book which introduces the power of symbols to the children. The story is an emotional one and there are many opportunities for discussion which may lead onto deeper PSHCE sessions.

Leelu feels lost and alone after finding herself in a new city which is grey, dirty, noisy and cold; a world away from the place she calls ‘home’.  Living in a dilapidated flat in a forgotten part of the city and feeling like an outsider at school, Leelu wishes she could fly the thousands of miles back home to where her dad has had to stay behind.  When her mum takes on a job working nights and her brother starts sneaking out of the house, Leelu begins to feel even more isolated.

But she is not alone… Someone has started leaving strange gifts for Leelu outside her house and they appear to give her magical powers.  As she struggles through school life, making friends, fitting in and being accepted in a new country, these ‘wonders’ may just give her the power she needs to ‘find her way ‘home’.

In her characteristically unique style, Polly Ho-Yen has created a story full of friendship, love and acceptance that deals with difficult themes through the power of belief and just a little bit of magic.

Links:

Immigration, difference, home