The Boyhood of Burglar Bill
not part of a series
on Goodreads (53)
What’s inside...
In 1953, during the Coronation year in Oldbury, a football competition is organized, and a group of underdogs - including a girl - from the bottom pitch forms a team. Despite low expectations, they are all passionate about football and determined to compete. The story is a humorous and touching tale of friendship and football in an era when streets were filled with children and devoid of cars, appealing to children aged 9+ as well as adults who feel a sense of nostalgia. Meanwhile, a side story unfolds about Archie, a dog who miraculously returns after being run over and lost for a fortnight, adding another layer of wonder to that memorable year.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-10
Length
192 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think made Burglar Bill decide to change his ways?
How do the characters in the book show kindness and understanding to each other?
What would you have done if you were in Burglar Bill's shoes when he found the baby?
How do you think the story would have changed if Burglar Bill had made different choices?
What did you learn about right and wrong from this story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive reading to bring the characters to life, which can help your child understand the emotions and motivations in the story.
Encourage your child to imagine alternative endings for the story and discuss how different actions might lead to different consequences.
Ask your child to relate personal experiences where they had to make a choice between right and wrong, and discuss the outcomes of those choices.
Highlight the importance of change and redemption, discussing with your child how everyone can choose to change for the better at any point in their lives.
Discuss the value of empathy by asking your child how they think Burglar Bill felt during various parts of the story and why.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Importance of Honesty
Explanation: The protagonist learns the value of being honest and the consequences of stealing, which sets a foundational example for readers.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this by understanding the importance of telling the truth and respecting others’ possessions in their daily interactions at school and home.
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: Throughout the book, characters learn to understand each other's feelings and situations, which enhances their relationships.
Real-World Application: Kids can practice putting themselves in others' shoes, encouraging them to be more considerate and understanding towards friends and family members.
Example Lesson: Value of Redemption
Explanation: The story shows that it's never too late to correct mistakes and make positive changes, which reinforces the concept of redemption.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children that making mistakes is part of learning and growth, and it's important to strive for improvement and rectify errors.
Example Lesson: Consequences of Actions
Explanation: The narrative highlights how actions have consequences, whether good or bad, guiding readers to make thoughtful choices.
Real-World Application: Children learn to think about the outcomes of their actions before acting, which is a critical skill in decision-making processes.
Example Lesson: Importance of Family and Community
Explanation: The book illustrates how support from family and community plays a crucial role in personal development and overcoming challenges.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to value and lean on their support systems, fostering a sense of belonging and security.