HRP 3-4: The Willow Man

Summary:
The Hodder Reading Project Level 3-4 identifies blocks to progression and takes pupils from National Curriculum Level 3 to Level 4. It comprises the Teacher's Resource, Pupil's Book and 6 Readers.

Reader 5, Level 4, The Willow Man by Sue Purkiss.

Tom's life is changed when his younger sister, Sophie, is disabled by a stroke. As the family focuses on their hopes for her recovery, Tom is left to manage his own feelings. He befriends Ash, a classmate who struggles at school and has family problems of his own. Ash offers unexpected inspiration to Sophie who begins to coax her unwilling body back to life, and in return helps Ash with his learning difficulties. Each of them is, in his own way, frozen in his life, looking for a way to break free. Their sensitivity to each other's needs helps them to move forward. The huge willow sculpture of a man in the fields just outside the town becomes a metaphor for their attempts to break free and make a fresh start in their lives.

• Specially selected, motivating reading texts used to develop and consolidate reading skills - appropriate to 'Level'.
• HRP: Accelerates learning and boosts attainment in reading from Level 3 to Level 4.
• HRP: Systematically addresses the needs of pupils working significantly below level.
• HRP: Builds confidence and develops reading strategies through an active, pupil-centred approach.
• HRP: Allows pupils to identify their own targets and track their progress as they work through the scheme.
• HRP: A flexible approach that can be used one-to-one, with small groups or as a series of masterclasses.

Table of Contents:
Bad Things Happen
Like the Wind
Pairs
Crushed
The Angel of the South
Talking to the Man
Not Dancing but Waving
First Steps
Reading
A Bargain
Team Weaving
Barriers
The Homecoming
Falling Apart
Sacrifice
Aftermath
Over the Edge
Rebuilding

About the Author(s):
Sue Purkiss lives in Somerset and divides her time between writing and working as a teacher for a youth offending team. She is also the author of 'Spook School', 'Changing Brooms' and 'Spooks Away'.

Readership:
Pupils