Street Child by Berlie Doherty tells the story of a young, poor boy in Victorian London who is searching for a family and a home. Here are seven reasons why it is a fantastic book to read with KS2 pupils.

1. Links to history.

The story is set in Victorian England so teaches history in an engaging way. Aspects of Victorian history, such as poverty, child labour, the workhouse and Dr Barnardo are all explored in this book.

2. Fantastic characters.

The main character, Jim, is relatable for KS2 pupils. He is an ordinary boy who faces extraordinary hardship and cruelty. As such, children really root for him. The people Jim meets on his adventure, good or bad, are all vividly described and unforgettable.

3. Gripping story.

The novel keeps children on the edge of their seats throughout. Jim encounters danger after danger with potentially devastating consequences.

4. Full of tragedy and hope.

The author does not hold back when it comes to tragedy, so it can be a shocking and emotional reading journey. However, the story is also full of hope due to the inspirational characters it contains.

5. Builds empathy.

This story helps to build empathy in readers as they hear about the various hardships Jim faces. It gives them the opportunity to walk in another person’s shoes and think about the effects of poverty, loss and loneliness.

6. Opportunities for discussion.

Through discussion of the various characters’ situations and choices, pupils can develop their sense of moral responsibility.

7. Opportunities for writing.

Pupils enjoy writing from the point of view of the characters in this story, such as the hero Jim, his friend Shrimps, Rosie the cook and even cruel Grimy Nick. Writing ideas include diaries, character profiles, letters, dialogues, playscripts and predictions.

Street Child WAGOLL Example Text Pack BUNDLE