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Ghostscape

Ghostscape

by John Williams (Illustrator), Joe Layburn (Author)

  • Used

    Paperback 2008

    $3.47
Synopsis

When Aisha comes across a pale, skinny boy called Richard in the school washrooms, of all places, she is as surprised to meet a 1940s boy as he is to see a black girl wearing a headscarf. Aisha is transported back sixty years to the time of the Blitz, when her school was a sanctuary for East Enders fleeing the bombing. But Richard becomes more than just a friendly ghost; he helps Aisha confront her difficulties at home with her mother, where she is torn between two cultures, and at school where a tough schoolmate is determined to give her a hard time. Finally, Aisha decides to find out the history of her area during the Blitz, and what she discovers makes her realise that she must warn Richard about what is going to happen - but how...? This title is also available as an ebook, in either Kindle, ePub or Adobe ebook editions

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More Information

Format: Paperback
 Pages: 112
 Edition: First Paperback
 Publisher: Frances Lincoln Children's Books
Published: 02 Oct 2008
ISBN 10: 1845077687
ISBN 13: 9781845077686
Book Overview: * Debut novel for an author fresh from a successful career in television. * Intriguing plot and time-warp theme. * Heroine is a second generation Somali immigrant girl. * East End background based on the author's childhood. * Boys will like the World War II time-warps. * Ghosts always popular with children. * Realistic bullying theme woven into story.

Media Reviews
Once in a while, primary teachers get a break, and here it is: a ghost story with a Second World War setting, based on a true story about a present-day east London school. It has believable contemporary child characters, reflets the cultural mix of inner-city schools and explores themes such as bullying and friendship. Not only that but it's short enought o be read aloud over two lessons. Of course, it was written by a teacher. Times Educational Supplement The balance of friendship and fear that crosses several generations gives this short book an atmospheric realism. The excellent illustrations are by John Williams. Irish Examiner Warm engaging and intensely thought-provoking [with] the power to widen horizons and increase understanding of the richness of contemporary Britain's various cultures. It should be widely read. Carousel This highly original ghost story depicts a touching friendship that spans two different conflicts, cultures and countries. Aisha's first person narrative is immediately accessible to young readers, and Layburn's use of contemporary vocabulary brings a refreshing dose of realism to the dialogue. The themes of bullying and multiculturalism are handled superbly in a very short space of time. This is a great book to keep in the classroom. It's concise enough to read over two lessons and will appeal to both boys and girls. Books for Keeps The story flows and the interchangeable landscape helps to communicate the gelling of time and place and human experience. The language is simple, yet effective. A satisfying denouement makes for a smile and the young reader is left with lots of thoughts to ponder and lots of ideas to discuss: I loved this book. School Librarian It is refreshing to find a time-slip tale with an immigrant protagonist. School Library Journal This is a book I know I'll read over and over. It's had quite an impact on me, more than I expected it to. There's a huge plot twist at the end which first had me gasping, then had me smiling away. nayusreadingcorner
Author Bio
Joe Layburn worked for fifteen years as a journalist and television reporter with BBC, ITV and Channel 4, often working on programmes focusing on children, and has been nominated for the Royal Television Society's home current affairs award. In 2002 he switched to teaching, and started working in East End schools. It was here that he heard the little-known story of South Hallsville School, Canning Town where, during the Blitz, around 500 people fled after their own homes were destroyed - and the school itself was demolished by a bomb. This was the inspiration for his novel, Ghostscape - Joe's first book for children.

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John Williams (1922-1994) was born and raised in Northeast Texas. Despite a talent for writing and acting, Williams flunked out of a local junior college after his first year. He reluctantly joined the war effort, enlisting in the Army Air Corps, and managing to write a draft of his first novel while there. Once home, Williams found a small publisher for the novel and enrolled at the University of Denver, where he was eventually to receive both his B.A. and M.A., and where he was to return as an instructor in 1954. Williams remained on the staff of the creative writing program at the University of Denver until his retirement in 1985. During these years, he was an active guest lecturer and writer, publishing two volumes of poetry and three novels, Butcher's Crossing, Stoner, and the National Book Award-winning Augustus.