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Emma Barnes - Children's Author

Information for Teachers

School Visits and Events

Emma Barnes is happy to visit schools and libraries to talk to children about her books and to share her passion for writing and children's literature.  Sessions typically cover how she became an author, the writing process, getting ideas and characters and themes from the books, and include readings from the books and children's responses and questions.  She can also conduct imaginative writing exercises/workshops.  Her aim is to encourage creativity and sheer enjoyment in both reading and writing!

She is always delighted to hear from readers about her work.

For information on author visits to schools or libraries please contact EmmaJBarnes@yahoo.co.uk

Themes for Class Discussion and Debate

Sam and the Griswalds 

• Over-protective parents - how much freedom should children have?
• How to assess risk and danger?  Who should decide?
• Citizenship - what does it mean to be a good citizen?
• The Bullocks are supposedly "public-spirited" and the Griswalds break all the rules in the book.  Who are really the better citizens?  Why?
• Friendship - who are the better friends to Sam?  The Griswalds lead him into trouble - does this mean they are good friends or bad?  Which characters would you choose as friends?
• Has Sam's life changed for the better or the worse?

Jessica Haggerthwaite: Witch Dispatcher

• Family Conflict
• What is magic?  What is Science?  Who do you support - Jessica or her mother?
• Which family member do you like best, and why?
• Evidence, proof and scientific experiment - how does Jessica use these in the book?

 Jessica Haggerthwaite: Media Star

•  Celebrity and Fame
•  The Science of Flight
• Environmental issues