The Sky's the Limit Levels- 27-28

The Sky's the Limit presents the inspirational biography of Tony Christiansen, told through an interview with Angie Belcher. Despite losing both legs in a childhood accident, Tony's determination and positive attitude have led him to remarkable achievements. The book uses a photo-album format featuring candid photographs, labels, and authentic memorabilia such as hospital tags and medals to create a deeply personal and engaging narrative. The story is non-linear, inviting readers to explore Tony's life through a dynamic layout that encourages reflection on overcoming obstacles. His humour and resilience shine through, making the text not only informative but motivational. This biography is an excellent tool for discussing personal change, character education, and the power of attitude.

Educational Benefits:

• Enhances understanding of biographical texts and interview formats.
• Promotes discussions about overcoming adversity and personal resilience.
• Develops skills in interpreting visual and textual information.
• Encourages formulation of meaningful questions for research and study.

Classroom Ideas:

• Create a timeline of Tony's life events using clues from the text and photos.
• Discuss how humour can be used to cope with challenges.
• Compare Tony's story with students' own experiences of overcoming difficulties.
• Research other inspirational figures and present findings in a similar format.

Information:

• Ages: 9-12 years
• Reading Level: 27-28 (Ruby)
• Format: Paperback, approx. 56 pages
• Dimensions: 245mm x 205mm