Sam

The Two Sides series explores serious themes faced by young people, with parallel narratives and a reading age of 8–9. It covers family breakdown, identity, domestic abuse, racism, and being a young carer, and is perfect for struggling readers aged 13+.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 40 pages
Publication date: 29 June 2018
Publisher: Badger Learning

Sams friends have been absent for months, leaving him with little company and struggling with his schoolwork. His mother is concerned, but Sam believes she doesn't understand him like his online friends. His father has also left, leaving him with a new family. Sam is hesitant to share his secret, fearing it may tear him apart.

The Two Sides series is a unique and innovative approach to storytelling, featuring two parallel narratives that offer contrasting perspectives on the same situation. These thought-provoking stories follow a linear timeline and read like diary entries, allowing the reader to stay up-to-date with events while gaining a deeper understanding of the characters. The voice alternates each chapter, providing a multi-dimensional insight into the characters' thoughts and emotions.

Written by experienced authors, these captivating narratives tackle serious themes that many young people face today, including family breakdown, identity, domestic abuse, racism, and being a young carer. With approximately 4,000 words and a reading age of 8-9, these books are suitable for struggling readers aged 13 and above, as well as quick reads for more able readers.

Sam's situation is a common one among young people today. With the rise of social media and the increasing importance of online connections, many teenagers find themselves spending more time online than in person. This can lead to a lack of face-to-face interaction, which can have negative effects on their social skills, mental health, and academic performance.

In Sam's case, his online friends have become his primary source of support and companionship. They offer him a sense of belonging and acceptance, which he may not find in his offline life. However, spending too much time online can also be harmful. It can lead to addiction, cyberbullying, and exposure to inappropriate content.

Sam's mother is worried about his online habits, but she doesn't understand the world of online friendships. She believes that they are not real and that they can't provide the same level of support as face-to-face relationships. She also works two jobs, leaving her little time to spend with Sam.

Sam's father has also left, leaving him with a new family. Sam is hesitant to share his secret with his new family, fearing that they may not understand him or accept him. He feels like he is living a double life, with one set of friends online and another set of friends offline.

The Two Sides series explores the dangers of making a judgment about a situation without fully understanding it. It shows how easy it is to be misled by appearances and how important it is to take the time to get to know someone before making a decision. The stories also highlight the importance of communication and empathy, and how these skills can help to build strong relationships.

One of the key themes in the series is the impact of family breakdown on young people. Many of the characters in the stories have experienced the loss of a parent or a sibling, and this has had a profound effect on their lives. The stories explore the ways in which these characters cope with their grief and how they find new ways to connect with others.

Another theme is the importance of identity. Many of the characters in the stories are struggling to find their place in the world, and they are faced with a range of challenges that can affect their sense of self. The stories explore the ways in which these characters can develop their sense of identity and find their true selves.

Domestic abuse is also a major theme in the series. Many of the characters in the stories have experienced domestic abuse, and this has had a devastating effect on their lives. The stories explore the ways in which these characters can seek help and how they can rebuild their lives.

Racism is also a significant theme in the series. Many of the characters in the stories have experienced racism, and this has had a profound effect on their lives. The stories explore the ways in which these characters can challenge racism and how they can work towards a more inclusive society.

Being a young carer is also a significant theme in the series. Many of the characters in the stories are caring for a parent or a sibling, and this can be a challenging and demanding role. The stories explore the ways in which these characters can manage their responsibilities and how they can find support and resources.

The Two Sides series is a powerful and engaging way to explore these themes. The stories are well-written and engaging, and they offer a unique perspective on the world. The characters are well-developed and relatable, and they make the reader feel like they are part of the story.

The series also has a positive message. It shows that there is hope for young people who are facing difficult challenges. It shows that it is possible to build strong relationships and to overcome adversity. It also shows that it is important to be aware of the dangers of making a judgment about a situation without fully understanding it.

In conclusion, Sams situation is a common one among young people today. With the rise of social media and the increasing importance of online connections, many teenagers find themselves spending more time online than in person. This can lead to a lack of face-to-face interaction, which can have negative effects on their social skills, mental health, and academic performance. The Two Sides series explores the dangers of making a judgment about a situation without fully understanding it and offers a positive message. It is a powerful and engaging way to explore these themes and to offer hope for young people who are facing difficult challenges.

Weight: 68g
Dimension: 198 x 133 x 4 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781788373227