I think the book is very interesting, and this is an unbelievable story how they did it, and survived after all tribulations. Which can be lots of fun in the dark in front of a movie screen or curled up late at night with a scary book. But I felt it was very unfair of the government and certain media commentators to tell this type of story about people who seemed pretty scared themselves as far as we could glimpse, and miserable and in danger. The novel Boy Overboard, written by Morris Gleitzman, is the story of a young Afghan boy named Jamal fleeing his country along with his family. Jamal and his family and friends all have a longing for freedom, equality and independence, which drives them to find a new life in Australia. This is demonstrated when they find a safe and equal environment for Bibi and her mother, when Jamal’s parents raise money for their journey, when they risk their protection with smugglers, and when Jamal and his friends survive on the boat. Morris Gleitzman (born 9 January 1953) is an English-born Australian author of children's and young adult fiction. [1] He has gained recognition for sparking an interest in AIDS in his controversial novel Two Weeks with the Queen (1990). The latest freebie in the Galarious Goods shop allows students to explore this question through a persuasive writing task. This is a great opportunity to discuss books which might be seen as controversial - and why they are seen that way - and is the perfect accompaniment to a novel or book study or for banned book week. Interested in Teaching Boy Overboard?

Students are facing a different media landscape to the one that existed when Boy Overboard was first published. These days it can be very easy to only engage with media which reinforces your view of the world. By encouraging students to explore the intentions of the author and how that might influence the reader, we can better prepare students to think about and form informed opinions on complex issues in the future. Should Children's Authors Write About Controversial Topics? Gleitzman was born in Sleaford, Lincolnshire. [5] He moved to Australia in 1969 when he was 16. [6]Big and scary accusations. But still we weren’t getting to meet any of the people ourselves. No chance to form our own opinions. There’s no smoke, or nerve gas, or sand-storms. I can’t even hear any explosions. Which is really good. Bomb wind can really put you off your soccer skills.

The novel Boy Overboard, written by Morris Gleitzman, is the story of a young Afghan boy named Jamal fleeing his country along with his family. Jamal and his family and friends all have a longing for freedom, equality and independence, which drives them to find a new life in Australia. Can Jamal and his family survive their incredible journey and get to Australia? Sometimes, to save the people you love, you have to go overboard.This was later proved to be a lie, the most unfair of the nameless faceless fear stories told about the refugees. But at the time it was a powerful story that lodged in the minds of many. It made me all the more determined to write a different story, one that would help readers decide for themselves about the people on the boats. Whether they were monsters or mums, demons or dads. Whether they should be feared, or whether they should be helped. With its witty humor and powerful themes of courage, determination, and the importance of family, Boy Overboard is sure to leave you laughing, crying, and cheering for Jamal and his journey. I ignore him. I decide to shoot low and try for a curve. You have to with Yusuf. He’s really good at diving saves, specially for a kid with only one leg. Morris, Linda (12 February 2018). "Australia's new children's laureate Morris Gleitzman hopes to inspire children in dark, uncertain world". The Sydney Morning Herald . Retrieved 12 February 2018.