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Boy 87

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Book Synopsis

Shif is just an ordinary boy who likes chess, maths and racing his best friend home from school. But one day, soldiers with guns come to his door – and he knows that he is no longer safe.

Shif is forced to leave his mother and little sister, and embark on a dangerous journey; a journey through imprisonment and escape, new lands and strange voices, and a perilous crossing by land and sea. He will encounter cruelty and kindness; he will become separated from the people he loves.

Boy 87 is a gripping, uplifting tale of one boy’s struggle for survival; it echoes the story of young people all over the world today.

Our Review Panel says...

A short but harrowing account of how one boy makes the journey to freedom and ultimately safety. Eye opening to anyone who is new to the subject and a must share in classrooms, this is the kind of book that you will find quick to read but slow to forget.

Boy 87 delivers a stark portrayal of a young refugee’s perilous journey through unembellished, first-person narrative. The narrative demands mature engagement, making it a good choice for exploring complex themes like migration and empathy with Key Stage 3 students.

The story is thought-provoking and offers a raw glimpse into displacement. Mature readers able to engage with the book’s themes will also pick up on the sense of empowerment offered through the book. Boy 87 encourages critical thinking about human rights and global citizenship.

Ideal for Year 8, this book’s concise format, relevant themes and relatable protagonist make a quick and powerful impact.

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Boy 87: Teacher Notes

A resource pack provided by the publisher to accompany the book Boy 87.

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Year group(s) the book is most suitable for:

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Does the book contain anything that teachers would wish to know about before recommending in class (strong language, sensitive topics etc.)?

Does the book contain anything that teachers would wish to know about before recommending in class (strong language, sensitive topics etc.)?

Would you recommend the book for use in primary schools?

yes

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