‘This is a real
belter of a book and one which will appeal to
both girls and boys. It can be read on a variety
of different levels.’ Head
of English
Shortlisted for
the
Carnegie Medal
Teaching
points
An unusual and readable
book which will appeal to girls and boys alike
Can be read on a variety
of levels – more able readers will be
able to analyse literary references, the less
able will enjoy the suspense and excitement
Synopsis
Jacob wakes in the middle of a field with no recollection
of how he came to be there. The only thing he can clearly
remember is his name. Is he alive or dead? Jacob is
then taken by Virgil, a mysterious guide, to a featureless
place named Locus. He is given a grey uniform and becomes
part of a mass of young people, all resigned to their
fate and struggling to piece together memories of their
previous existence.
With two companions, Jacob sets out on a journey back
towards the life he has left. The journey is uncertain;
there is no guide, nor any advice as to decisions that
have to be made. Challenges, temptations, fearful encounters
with strange characters and creatures lead him to the
Palace of Remembrance, the gateway back to the real
world, where a final (or is it a first?) choice awaits
him.
Cross-curricular links and themes
RE – discussions
on the afterlife
Citizenship and PSHE
– taking responsibility for our actions
English –
links with other ‘quest’ literature
Themes: the
consequences of our actions, cause and effect; the
‘quest’; life and death
ISBN
9780340941430 £5.99
January 2007
208pp
The Teacher’s Resource will be available to
download in March 2007
