River Rats Levels- 27-28

River Rats is a gripping personal narrative told in the first person, following two girls as they navigate the thrills and spills of white-water rafting. The fast-paced, high-energy text uses colloquial language, metaphors, and personification to convey the emotional highs and lows of the adventure. Present tense narration and dynamic verbs such as "spin", "jam", and "whip" enhance the sense of immediacy and danger, while curved, blurred images amplify the movement and speed of the raft. This text offers a rich exploration of narrative techniques, including figurative language, character emotion, and visual storytelling. Students are invited to consider how language and layout work together to immerse readers in a real-life experience of risk and resilience.

Educational Benefits:

• Develops understanding of first-person narrative and pacing.
• Explores figurative language including metaphors and personification.
• Strengthens visual literacy through photographic elements.
• Encourages emotional engagement and empathy with characters.

Classroom Ideas:

• Write a personal narrative about an adrenaline-fuelled experience.
• Identify and illustrate metaphors used in the text.
• Recreate the rafting course using a map and directional language.
• Discuss how visual effects support the reader's understanding of action.

Information:

• Reading Level: 27-28 (Ruby)
• Suitable for ages: 11-13 years
• Format: Paperback
• Page size approx.: 210mm x 148mm