Oxford Reading Tree: Stages 15-16: TreeTops True Stories: Threads of Deceit

Book excerpt: TreeTops True Stories are exciting, motivating non-fiction books which will broaden your pupils' reading experience. They are part of a structured reading programme for juniors. This title takes even further some of the issues explored in I Runned Away to Sea. The setting is the Indian carpet-weaving trade in contemporary times. This compares favourably with the historical example in I Runned as it is very important for children to be aware that childhood slavery still occurs. It is the story of Sanjay, who is sold into bonded labour by his uncle. He befriends a small, helpless little boy called Bapi who carries a burning desire to see his mother again, but can only remember fragments about her. Sanjay and Bapi are eventually discovered and rescued, but the question is whether the tiny Bapi will be able to recall enough information to help in the search for his mother. It is a heart-rending story that does have a happy outcome, but contains some important lessons for children to learn about the injustices meted out to their peers in other countries. This book is also available as part of a mixed pack of 6 different books or a class pack of 36 books of the same Oxford Reading Tree stage. Each book pack comes with a free copy of invaluable teaching notes.