Catherine Johnson is a British author and screenwriter. She has written several young adult novels and co-wrote the screenplay for the 2004 drama film Bullet Boy. I found Captain Childs a very interesting character because, as well as being a determined sailor, he accepted Matthew Henson – the main character – for who he was and what colour skin he had, because most white people wouldn’t have during this time. Matthew is a true and honest character who is an absolute delight to read from start to finish. It is based loosely on the historical tale of the real Matthew Henson - the first man to reach the North Pole - but whose story was kept suppressed because of the colour of his skin. This story opens a positive dialogue with young people about racism, prejudice and discrimination. There are plenty of opportunities to discuss how Matthew is treated by others around him and also the context of the time period. Personally, I was found myself really routing for Matthew throughout the story; I wanted him to be succeed. The narrative is delightfully engaging and educational; a historical tale I wasn't familiar with, so found fascinating to read. Each lesson begins with an exploration of new vocabulary that children will be exposed to in that lesson. Shortlisted for the Hampshire Book Award’Come with me… Join me on a journey far beyond this world… far beyond what is known…’Stella is the ‘Queen of the Night’, a professional spirit-talker. Standing on stage in her gauzy silver cape, looking out with her big brown eyes, she makes people believe she really can talk to the dead.It’s all pretence, of course. Stella couldn’t do it without her guardian, Nana. Then Nana dies suddenly, leaving Stella to survive on her own. And she finds that it can be a lot harder dealing with the living than with the dead..

Race to the Frozen North: The Matthew Henson Story: 1 - AbeBooks Race to the Frozen North: The Matthew Henson Story: 1 - AbeBooks

Based on the story of real-life 19th-century explorer Matthew Henson, Catherine Johnson’s light touch makes this remarkable story an exciting read and sheds important light on the way prejudice has white-washed the way we learn about the past. A super-readable book and printed in a dyslexia-friendly format. Armistice Day: A Collection of Remembrance - Spark Interest and Educate Children about Historical Momentsand some handy recs and my top list of Historical PoC here at the Bibliomanic here and here at The Reading Fangirl But old age is slowing Mother Hopkins down, and she wants to carry out one last con, a con to outdo all the cons that have gone before. And so the gang set about bringing ruin upon Captain Walker, a proud and cruel slave captain, who deserves to be taught a lesson or two . . .

Race to the Frozen North by Catherine Johnson, Katie Hickey

Whilst the story depicts scenes of death and hardship, it is not overall an emotionally difficult book to read (probably due to language and pace), and I believe would be suitable for anyone in Y4+. However, racism is a theme throughout and should, as always, be discussed in a sensitive manner with children. The thing that stood out for me the most from the book was the fact that Matthew got no recognition for reaching the North Pole first until fifty years after doing so. Reading the book, I felt sorry for Matthew and wished he had been praised sooner after making such a huge achievement. I would definitely recommend the book to a friend because it has a great factual plot told with an excellent perspective that shows the innermost thoughts of Matthew through his entire life and of the harsh treatment he endured before becoming the first man to reach the North Pole. Sara and Mina have been best friends for years. So when Sara gets hold of some Tarot cards and suggests they start telling fake fortunes Mina plays along, helping Sara make sure her predictions are right. But soon Sara’s predictions become all too accurate, and she’s dragged in to a dark world of magic and power that she can’t understand. Can Mina save her?This Matthew Henson Reading Comprehension Activity contains a range of printable worksheets which you can use as part of your lesson plan covering the topic of arctic explorers. There are three versions of this reading comprehension activity included in the resource, so you can choose which of these resources best suits the needs of your class. Night Mayor Franklefink has vanished from the Transylvanian Express - and it's up to you to solve the case! Part of the Solve Your Own Mystery seri...