This resource, for use with Wilbur Smith’s new book Cloudburst, is suitable for ages 9-11, and includes extracts from the text and corresponding discussion questions and activities.
It covers themes such as conservation, adventure writing, teamwork and betrayal.
About the book
When Jack Courtney’s parents are abducted by mercenaries whilst the family are on a research trip, nobody seems to have any answers.
Jack is pretty sure that it’s got something to do with the nearby tantalum mines, but he needs to prove it.
Along with Amelia and Xander, Jack must brave the jungle to save his parents. But standing in his way is a member of his own family – Caleb Courtney.
There are western gorillas, forest elephants and hippos. But there are also bandits, mercenaries and hostile tribes. The three friends will need their wits about them if they are to save, not only Jack’s parents, but their own lives too.
About the resource
This 13-page PDF resource features four extracts from the book, with accompanying activities:
- Extract 1: Conservation (taken from Chapter 2)
Identify how the issues of conservation and corruption are linked in the text; create an action plan in order to help protect the natural world and wildlife of DR Congo.
Subjects: Literacy, RSHE, geography - Extract 2: Adventure Writing (taken from Chapter 22)
Objectives: Consider the main ingredients of a great adventure story; plan and write your own exciting adventure story.
Subjects: Literacy: reading comprehension and creative writing - Extract 3: Teamwork (taken from Chapter 65)
Objectives: Explore how different characters work together in order to have a positive impact in DR Congo; design a storyboard for a significant extract in the text.
Subjects: Literacy, RSHE, design art and technology - Extract 4: Betrayal (taken from Chapter 66)
Objectives: Act out an important scene from the book in order to explore the theme of ‘betrayal’; write a reflection from the perspective of a character.
Subjects: Literacy, drama, PSHE
