Fiction: Upper Key Stage 2
We are thrilled to announce "Beetle Boy" by M.G. Leonard as the Class Audiobook of the Month, a perfect choice for Upper Key Stage 2 students. This engaging and imaginative story offers a unique blend of adventure, science, and the importance of friendship, making it an excellent addition to the classroom.
"Beetle Boy" follows the story of Darkus Cuttle, a young boy whose life takes a dramatic turn when his father mysteriously disappears from a locked room at the Natural History Museum. Forced to live with his eccentric uncle Max, Darkus soon discovers a world he never knew existed—one teeming with extraordinary beetles that possess remarkable abilities. Teaming up with his new friends Virginia and Bertolt, Darkus uncovers a sinister plot involving the villainous fashionista Lucretia Cutter, who has a peculiar interest in the beetles. Together, they embark on a thrilling quest to rescue Darkus's father and thwart Cutter's evil plans.
Ideals for Class Discussion
Themes of Friendship and Loyalty: Discuss how Darkus, Virginia, and Bertolt's friendship develops throughout the story.
Science and Nature: Discuss the importance of insects in our ecosystem and what students can do to protect them.
Courage and Resilience: Discuss examples from the book where characters show resilience in the face of adversity.
Classroom Activities
Beetle Research Project: Have students choose a beetle species from the book and research its real-life counterpart. They can present their findings to the class, focusing on the beetle’s habitat, diet, and unique traits.
Creative Writing Exercise: Ask students to write a short story or a diary entry from the perspective of one of the beetles. How do they perceive the human characters and events?
Art and Craft: Encourage students to create their own beetle models using recycled materials. They can design their beetles based on descriptions from the book or their own imagination.
"Beetle Boy" is more than just a captivating story; it is a springboard for rich discussions and creative projects that can enhance the learning experience for Upper Key Stage 2 students.
By delving into this audiobook, students will not only be entertained but also inspired to think critically about the world around them. Happy listening!
These picks by the Voxblock Schools team are chosen each month to highlight our favourite audiobooks for classrooms. If you have a favourite book which you have listened to as a class we would love to hear from you schools@voxblock.co.uk
Don’t forget schools get a 10% discount on all audiobook purchases. Just contact the Schools Team to receive your exclusive discount code.
