YOUNG CITY READS
Francesca Simon’s The Sleeping Army
Project Duration: 6 March – 22 May 2014
‘What a thrill to have all of Brighton & Hove reading THE SLEEPING ARMY and then coming together at the end to discuss it – I can’t wait to talk about the book and meet all my readers at the event in May. What a brilliant way to bring a city together and support reading’ Francesca Simon, Jan 2014
This spring primary school classes from across Brighton & Hove will take part in our ‘Big Read’. Following the success of last year’s project with Michael Rosen which saw 32 local schools share in Emil’s adventure, we return with bestselling author Francesca Simon and an action-packed story for your class to get their teeth into.
The Sleeping Army is the first in a gripping adventure series from the creator of Horrid Henry.
The concept is simple: one book by one author is selected for the whole community to read, discuss, debate and creatively engage with. Primary school classes are being invited to register as a group to read the book together in class and to participate in a range of special activities. Every class that signs up purchases the set of books in their own way, then receives free weekly emails and resources from the YCR team, designed to enhance the shared experience of the story and encourage reading for pleasure. The initiative is most appropriate for KS2 classes, however last year saw children from Years 3 - 8 take part, as well as mixed age extra-curricular groups.
Once you’ve read the book in class you can conclude your adventure by being part of our finale event at Brighton Dome on Thurs 22 May, 1.30pm. Tickets are just £3 and this interactive event is perfect for participating classes!
CLICK HERE TO BOOK TICKETS FOR FRANCESCA SIMON LIVE IN CONVERSATION AT BRIGHTON DOME
‘A terrific journey through the world of the Norse myths, a harsh northern landscape sparkling with magic … plenty of humour … I take my horned helmet off to her’, The Guardian
About the book
The Sleeping Army tells the story of Freya, an ordinary girl living in modern Britain, but with a twist: people still worship the Viking gods. She’s caught in her parents’ divorce, and shuttling between bickering adults is no fun. One evening, stuck with her dad on his night shift at the British Museum, she is drawn to the Lewis Chessmen and Heimdall’s Horn. Unable to resist, she blows the horn, waking three chess pieces from their enchantment; the slaves Roskva and Alfi, and Snot the Berserk. They are all summoned to Asgard, land of the Viking gods, and told they must go on a perilous journey to restore the gods to youth. If Freya refuses she will be turned into an ivory chess piece but, if she accepts her destiny and fails, the same terrible fate awaits her. Brilliantly funny, original and a wholly new take on the Norse myths - and the travails of contemporary family life.
HOW CAN LOCAL PRIMARY SCHOOLS GET INVOLVED?
- To get involved schools need to sign-up to register and simply agree to read The Sleeping Army together in class between (3 March – 22 May).
- It couldn’t be simpler for schools to sign up. The Class Teacher or Head Teacher just needs to complete the sing up form via the link below.
- Throughout the project, participating classes will receive FREE weekly e-bulletins (City Reads Specials) which will include short The Sleeping Army inspired: quizzes, puzzles and activities for pupils to complete during class or at registration.
