Fotinoula and the Christmas Goblin is an excellent choice for reading with 9-12 year olds.
Why Study Fotinoula and the Christmas Goblin?
Below are just a few reasons why this is an excellent choice of book for upper Key Stage 2 study.
Important Life Lessons
The story covers important life lessons such as the development of courage, the importance of family, how first impressions may not be accurate, and learning self-reliance. Told from the point of view of the 11-year old narrator, these lessons are delivered without talking down to the reader.
Being scared from a story is a valuable experience
Although set at Christmas, there is a darkness to the story – the idea of a goblin stealing a young child is a little threatening. However, reading stories about ‘overcoming the monster’ helps children build resilience. Children learn how they might behave in a similar situation and can explore their fears in a safe context. In addition, being scared from a story can be fun, and reading such a story together in class can be a bonding experience.
The Greek setting
The reader is taken to Athens and learns about many aspects of Greece from the perspective of a contemporary 11-year old girl, including:
– Myth and folktale
– Customs, traditions and superstitions
– History
– Music
– Food
– Religion
Review Copy
Please click here to request a complimentary review copy of the book (only available to UK schools).
Teaching Resource Pack
Need ideas for teaching? Please click here for our Teaching Resource Pack (.pdf) / Teaching Resource Pack (.docx)
This resource pack is aimed at upper Key Stage 2 level and starts with comprehension questions for each chapter (answers are provided at the end) followed by some teaching ideas, separated into subject area, with web links to further resources.
Wish to order copies for your school?
Bulk orders can be placed through any wholesaler including Ingram and Gardners, as well as all the major retailers.