In the Tent
on Goodreads (23)
What’s inside...
In the Tent is a gripping thriller by David Rees that follows the story of a group of friends who go on a camping trip and find themselves in a life-threatening situation. As they struggle to survive in the wilderness, they must confront their deepest fears and secrets. The tension builds as they face the harsh realities of nature and the darkness within themselves. With unexpected twists and turns, In the Tent keeps readers on the edge of their seats until the very end. Tim, a 17-year-old Catholic boy, finds himself conflicted between his daydreams of the English civil war and his inner turmoil. When his friends need a fourth person for a camping trip in the Lake District and Cumbrian mountains, Tim volunteers. However, unexpected storms force the group to take shelter in a tent, leading to them becoming lost and uncertain about their supplies and situation, revealing that nothing is certain amidst their struggle for survival.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
8-12
Length
160 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What did you think about the characters' adventure in the tent?
How do you think the characters felt when they were inside the tent?
Can you imagine what you would do if you were in the tent with them?
What part of the story did you like the best and why?
If you could add another character to their adventure, who would it be and what would they do?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by listening to your child's initial reactions to the story before diving into deeper questions.
Relate the characters’ experiences in the tent to your child’s own experiences, such as a family camping trip or building a fort at home.
Encourage your child to describe the setting of the story, asking questions about the sights and sounds they imagine in the tent scene.
Ask your child to draw their favorite scene or character from the book, fostering their creativity and enhancing their connection to the story.
As you discuss the book, point out the feelings and reactions of the characters in different situations to help your child understand emotional expressions.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Teamwork and Cooperation
Explanation: Through the story of friends sharing adventures and solving problems together in their imaginative play in the tent, the book demonstrates the importance of working together.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by participating in group activities at school or in playdates, learning to collaborate and value each other’s contributions.
Example Lesson: Imagination and Creativity
Explanation: The children in 'In the Tent' use their creativity to turn a simple tent into a space of endless possibilities, showing how imagination can transform the ordinary into the extraordinary.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to use their imagination in play, arts, and even in problem-solving scenarios to see the world in multiple ways.
Example Lesson: Courage and Adventures
Explanation: The characters face various challenges and unknowns in their imaginative play, teaching children to be brave and curious about exploring new things.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to try new activities, explore new areas in their environment, and ask questions about the world around them.
Example Lesson: Sharing and Friendship
Explanation: The characters share the space and their ideas, highlighting the value of sharing in building strong friendships.
Real-World Application: This lesson can be applied in everyday interactions by sharing toys, time, and activities with peers, fostering stronger, empathetic relationships.