Alfred's Reading Plus Champion hub
We are thrilled to share what Alfred achieves as a Reading Plus Champion this academic year!
Within his role, Alfred has the opportunity to complete a series of exciting reading activities throughout the year, including:
- Reviewing new (and unseen!) texts yet to be added to Reading Plus.
- Sharing his experience of Reading Plus in a blog titled ‘My Reading Plus Journey’.
- Expanding his reading further and reviewing books outside of Reading Plus.
- Collaborating with us on interviews with children’s/YA authors.
As he progresses through his Champion duties, all his tasks will be added here – so look forward to more amazing activities being published soon!
TASK ONE: Book review of Baby Aliens Got My Teacher by Pamela Butchart
This book is about how a teacher in these students’ school is acting really nice, but that is odd because that teacher is usually really mean. So one of the students comes up with the idea that baby aliens went into her ear, took over her body and that she keeps them in this teddy bear that she has, and that is why she is acting so nice, but in reality her husband had just proposed to her so she was feeling good.
My favourite thing about this book was that the students were having that crazy idea about what could have happened to the teacher when in reality it is something normal. That is what I like about Pamela Butchart books because her ideas are so unique.
I would rate this book 4 stars because it is really good and funny, and also talks about some really relatable topics. In addition, I also like and have read most of her other books, and I always end up laughing when I read them.
The main characters in this book are Izzy, Maizie, Zack and Jodi, a group of friends who somehow always get themselves involved in the most random but interesting drama. I love how their ideas seem like they’ve come from a madman and actually make sense. They also have a place that they hang out called the Den, and there is a coffee maker because it used to be a janitor’s closet.
I didn’t learn any facts that would actually help me in real life, but there are some skills that I’ve learnt that would help me if somehow baby aliens invaded my teacher’s body.
I would recommend people read this book because it is very interesting and funny at the same time. Also, it is part of a series and when a book is part of a series then it has to be a good book.
TASK TWO: Book review of The Wrong Shoes by Tom Percival
This book is about a poor kid whose name is Will. He has really nice friends, but one day, a kid who usually bullies him acts nice to him. Will takes that as a good thing and joins his gang of bad people.
In addition, the gang makes him do things that he doesn't want to do, for example stealing, going into the train without a ticket and disrespecting his friends by ignoring them.
I would rate this book three stars as it is very interesting and has a nice story, but on the other hand, it is very violent. On the bright side, it shows how you should act even if you are in a tough situation, and to always keep your hopes high.
I love how the main character's friend – Cameron - is quite relatable and usually makes some funny jokes. Also, with the main character being poor and his friend being rich, it shows that anyone, no matter who they are or where they come from, can still make friends.
The main characters were Will, Mr Prince, Cameron, Kalia and Chris.
I liked Mr Prince - Will's art teacher - because he always gave the best advice and, most of the time, wasn't hated by anyone. Also, he could just bring your mood up in a second.
Others should read this book because it is a really inspiring story on how, even if you are at the bottom of a hole, there's always a way to get back up. It also teaches you to stay with the people that you trust and not to join the wrong group of people, as Will did.
This is definitely a Year 6 book that should not be read by younger years.
What is DreamBox Reading Plus?
Reading Plus is an adaptive online reading development programme designed to accelerate progress, improve results and build engagement.
Benefits of Reading Plus include:
- An efficacy study proved that students using Reading Plus significantly progressed more than non-users (full study here).
- Students are offered choice and control to self-select texts aligned with their interests from a vast online library.
- Regular challenges and initiatives motivate students, encourage reading for pleasure and celebrate successes – like our Reading Plus Champions!
Want to discover if Reading Plus can help your school? Book a call with a Reading Development Consultant to find out more!
