When the War Comes In

Big Cat Read On supports fluent readers to improve their reading skills and nurture a love of reading. Consisting of a wide range of engaging chapter books, the Big Cat Read On series improves reading stamina and comprehension, develops vocabulary, and introduces children to more sophisticated narrative structures and themes.

It’s 1944 in Wallsend, Tyneside, and the shipyard at the end of Jack’s street has a new visitor. A massive warship called HMS Warspite is in need of repair and the workers at the yard are working night and day to fix her. The close-knit locals teach the navy lads from the ship a thing or two about football and, when disaster strikes, what true strength and resilience looks like.

Ask the author and Book talk questions invite the reader to think more deeply about the themes in the book and reflect on their reading experience. Online lesson plans provide guidance in using this book in a range of settings, including independent, social and whole-class reading – all designed to support the reader to connect with the book and encourage a positive attitude to reading.