Our Tower
What’s inside...
Our Tower is a captivating narrative that follows the journey of a group of children who discover an ancient, magical tower in their local park. As they explore the tower's mysterious floors, they encounter various challenges and secrets that tie back to their own personal struggles and histories. With each level representing a different story, the children learn about themselves and each other, weaving a tapestry of tales that resonate with the themes of friendship, family, and personal growth. This magical story follows three children living in a high-rise apartment block, as they embark on a fantastical adventure which helps them see their home in a new light. A deeply personal story written by the award winning poet Joseph Coelho, drawn from his own experience growing up in an apartment block and looking for adventure. This story is a celebration of, and a reclaiming of high-rise apartment blocks as a place where magic and adventure can happen. It’s a modern-day fable that shows the children of an apartment block travelling to a strange, magical world inside a tree and meeting an old man with supernatural powers, only to realise that the magic they’d been looking for had been in their block all along. Beautiful illustrations complement the poetic narrative, creating an enchanting story which children and adults alike will fall in love with. This powerful story is about how society separates ‘urban’ spaces from the countryside, but the reality is that nature is everywhere, and everyone should have access to it.
Age
6-10
Length
48 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think the tower represents in the story?
How do the characters' feelings change throughout the book?
Why do you think the author chose a tower as the main element of the story?
What does the tower teach us about working together and supporting each other?
If you could add another level to the tower, what would it represent and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to think deeply about the symbolism of the tower. Ask them how it might relate to real-life situations or feelings.
Discuss the evolution of the characters’ emotions, relating it to personal experiences where they've felt similar emotions.
Highlight the collaborative aspect of the story. Talk about the importance of teamwork and community in achieving goals.
After reading, initiate a creative activity where your child can draw or build their version of the tower, discussing each level's meaning.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of community
Explanation: Through the story of residents coming together to save their tower, 'Our Tower' emphasizes the power and significance of community spirit.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and contribute to the communities they are part of, whether in school, neighborhood, or extracurricular activities.
Example Lesson: Resilience in facing challenges
Explanation: The characters in 'Our Tower' face the challenge of their home being torn down but collectively work to confront this adversity.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to be resilient when facing their own difficulties, understanding that perseverance can lead to positive outcomes.
Example Lesson: Celebrating diversity
Explanation: 'Our Tower' portrays a varied cast of characters, representing different cultures and backgrounds, showing the strength in diversity.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to embrace and celebrate differences in people around them, promoting inclusivity and respect.
Example Lesson: Importance of shared memories
Explanation: The story highlights how shared spaces hold collective memories that are important to community identity.
Real-World Application: It encourages children to value and preserve shared memories within their families and communities, understanding their significance in building bonds.
Example Lesson: Activism and advocacy
Explanation: The residents' active efforts to save their tower highlight the importance of standing up for one's beliefs and advocating for community welfare.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of activism and how their voice and actions can make a difference in the world around them.