There are some books that all children should get to experience during their time at primary school. The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane by Kate DiCamillo is one of them.
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Probably my number 1. I have heard some teachers avoid it because of the sadness but that is what makes it special. Every class I have read it to have been transfixed.
One of the local children's librarians recommended this book to me recently, and I loved it. I remember thinking how much DiCamillo leaves between the lines, how much she trusts her readers to read what she left unwritten.
I have found no British book that comes close (Y4): distinct and memorable characters,plot full of cliffhangers, precise vocabulary challenging at key moments, a wise authorial voice that points children in the right direction, a beautifully simple message and an ending which leaves me in floods.
Every other book I have found has left children lost and/or bored because of a combination of: too many characters, rambling plot, uneven vocabulary, trying too hard to be cool, immature narrator, a focus on quantity rather than quality.
Is there any British book from the last twenty years which will grip and fascinate our 8-9 year olds as Edward does? @jonnybid.bsky.social lease advise! (Note: I've been in Y4 for 2.5 years)
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Abilene and Edward for World Book Day a good few years ago. Edward was made by her great grandmother 🥰