City Lights & Expect the Unexpected Level 27-28

This engaging two-in-one book explores contrasting experiences through fiction and non-fiction texts. In City Lights, readers follow Tor as he swaps the vast openness of the desert for the bustling streets of a city during a visit to his aunt. As he adapts to unfamiliar surroundings, Tor gains a deeper appreciation of the differences between urban and remote lifestyles. Through vivid descriptive language, relatable characters, and rich dialogue, this third-person narrative encourages students to reflect on their own experiences with change. In Expect the Unexpected, writer John Bonallack recounts an adventure in Papua New Guinea, where he sets out to support a local school but encounters more challenges than anticipated. This non-fiction recount includes captioned photographs, maps, and fact boxes that invite students to explore real-world journeys and problem-solving in remote settings. Together, the titles promote rich discussion about adventure, resilience, and new perspectives.

Educational Benefits:

• Supports understanding of sequence in narratives and recounts.
• Promotes analytical skills through comparing fiction and non-fiction texts.
• Reinforces vocabulary around travel, culture, and environments.
• Develops skills in interpreting maps and visual text elements.

Classroom Ideas:

• Create a compare-and-contrast chart between Tor's city visit and John's PNG journey.
• Write a diary entry from Tor's perspective reflecting on city life.
• Use the maps in Expect the Unexpected to research Papua New Guinea.
• Discuss students' own œunexpected adventures and how they responded.

Safety & Information:

• Ages: 8+
• Book size: 210mm x 148mm
• Paperback, durable binding for classroom use
• Contains no small parts or hazardous materials