Whoever You Are By J.J. Overell Twelve short stories for children about everyday life which provide both dramatic interest and food for thought. Illustrated by Robin Lawrie. ISBN-13: 9780718830083 Specifications: 215x135mm, 128pp, Paperback with b&w illustrations Price: £7.50 • US$15.00 Publication: November 2000 Order this Title Now

About this Book

From the author of The Thought That Counts comes a new collection of short stories for children. Each tale involves a situation in which children are likely to find themselves at some time, and helps to make clear the often blurred division between what is right and what is not, and shows how problems can be resolved.

Dilemmas include the problems of loyalty and how to act when friendship is challenged, the powers of co-operation in the face of adversity, and learning to see the human behind a disability. These stories help children to establish positive outcomes to difficult situations, and can help carers understand some of the problems being faced by children today.

Attractive line drawings enhance all the stories which are suitable for reading aloud as well as alone, whilst the vocabulary makes the book accessible to every reader of upper junior level.

Contents

The HyperDrive
When his best friend Kevin lets him down, Greg finds a new friend, and learns the importance of keeping one’s word.

Samantha’s Pony
To impress the other girls at Activity Camp Samantha invents a story about having a pony. She is saved from embarrassment by her team leader and by her brother’s broken leg.

Postcards
The dream of a trip with his truck driver father is fulfilled, but the narrator finds reality less exciting.

Willow Cottage
Ellie faces change at the start of secondary school. Even in her grandparents’ familiar home things have changed, but the discovery of a suitcase full of photographs brings her closer to Granddad.

Shiny
Ned takes the blame when his friend Andy, who has learning difficulties, steals a watch.

The Beast of Bedshop
Amy loves her pet rabbit and also the big cat who lives in her area. But what will she do when the cat takes an interest in the rabbit?
Download a Sample Page from this chapter (PDF format, 17 KB).

Josie
The narrator’s sister Josie has died, but his/her faith makes her live on as more than a treasured memory.

ASPEN
Janine’s Christmas play is cancelled but her disappointment leads to friendship with a retired church organist.

6M
John tells how his unconventional Year 6 teacher sets up a situation in their mobile classroom.

Cerise
Stella’s Grandma always gives her unexpected birthday presents. This year’s will save her friend Rachel.

The Border
A group of children work hard for the new school garden. A week before the Open Afternoon the garden is vandalised, but they refuse to be daunted and the effort extends to the wider community.

The Sandcastle
The difficult relations between Fiona and a blind boy are helped when they build a sandcastle.
Download a Sample Page from this chapter (PDF format, 20 KB).

About the Author

J.J. Overell has been a primary teacher for twelve years. He has written several children’s stories for use in schools. He lives in Snodland, Kent.

Robin Lawrie has illustrated books for Kingfisher, HarperCollins, Puffin, and Paragon among others.

Other titles available by J.J. Overell:
The Dancing Flame
The Thought That Counts