The Scavenger's Tale
on Goodreads (18)
What’s inside...
This gripping novel, set in the future, concerns the strength of a family on the run from a harsh, technological state which is putting electronic tags on all its citizens. It is 2015, after the Great Conflagration, and London has become a tourist sight for people from all over the world, coming to visit the historic Heritage Centres. These are out of bounds to people like Bedford and his sister who live in an Unapproved Temporary Dwelling and have to scavenge from skips and bins just to stay alive. Bedford begins to notice something odd about the tourists: when they arrive in the city, they are desperately ill, but when they leave they seem to have been miraculously cured. And then the Dysfuncs start disappearing. It is only when a stranger appears, terribly injured, that Bedford begins to put two and two together. Rachel Anderson is a previous winner of the Guardian Children's Fiction Award.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
12-18
Length
144 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think motivated the main character to go on their scavenger hunt?
How did the characters' relationships change throughout the story?
What would you have done differently if you were in the main character's shoes?
What were some of the challenges the characters faced, and how did they overcome them?
How do you think the story would change if it were set in a different place or time?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to relate the story to their own experiences. Ask them if they've ever been on a scavenger hunt or worked together with friends to solve a problem.
Discuss the emotions of the characters at various points in the story. This can help children understand and express their own feelings.
After reading, ask your child to draw their favorite scene or character from the book. This can help deepen their connection and recall of the story.
Create a mini scavenger hunt at home that mimics the adventure in the book. It can be a fun and interactive way to bring the story to life.
Ask predictive questions as you read to keep your child engaged. For example, 'What do you think will happen next?'
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of teamwork
Explanation: In 'The Scavenger's Tale', characters must collaborate to solve puzzles and navigate through their adventures, highlighting the power of working together.
Real-World Application: Children learn to cooperate with others, whether in school projects or during team sports, appreciating diverse perspectives and skills.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of challenges
Explanation: The protagonist faces numerous obstacles but continues to push forward, showcasing determination and resilience.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to persevere through their own difficulties in life, be it academic struggles or personal setbacks.
Example Lesson: Value of curiosity and learning
Explanation: Characters in the book are driven by curiosity, which leads them to discover important truths and learn new skills.
Real-World Application: Inspires children to seek knowledge and explore the world around them, fostering a lifelong love for learning.
Example Lesson: Understanding and empathy
Explanation: The story promotes understanding diverse viewpoints and empathizing with characters from different backgrounds.
Real-World Application: Helps children to relate to and understand people in their own lives who may come from different cultures or perspectives.
Example Lesson: Importance of environmental stewardship
Explanation: As the characters explore their world, they learn about the importance of taking care of their environment and the consequences of neglecting it.
Real-World Application: Teaches children about the importance of environmental conservation and encourages actions like recycling and conservation in their daily habits.