The Navigators & Finding Freedom Level 25-26

This paired text offers a unique blend of imaginative fiction and insightful non-fiction. The Navigators follows Beeby and Jenna as they pilot a starship and confront a dangerous obstacle in space, calling on their courage and quick thinking. Written in a classic science fiction style with futuristic concepts and rich vocabulary, this story encourages creative thinking and problem-solving. Finding Freedom, the non-fiction partner, explores how visually impaired individuals navigate their environments using tools like Braille, GPS, and sound-wave technology. This highly informative report includes fact boxes, historical context, and captioned photos. When read together, these titles help students appreciate the many forms of navigation-whether fictional space travel or real-world mobility solutions-and provide insight into how technology can empower people.

Educational Benefits:

• Develops comprehension of science fiction and speculative text.
• Expands understanding of assistive technologies and inclusivity.
• Enhances problem-solving and prediction skills.
• Builds empathy and awareness through diverse perspectives.

Classroom Ideas:

• Create a œdesign a future navigation tool activity.
• Explore how accessibility features (like Braille or audio books) help learners.
• Compare navigation in space and on Earth in a Venn diagram.
• Role-play scenarios to explore how blind individuals move through new environments.

Safety & Information:

• Ages: 8-10
• Book size: 200mm x 210mm
• Text type: Fiction (science fiction), Non-fiction (report on accessibility)
• Suitable for discussions on equity, diversity, and technology