Theresa Breslin
About this resource
This footage of award-winning author Theresa Breslin is a valuable classroom resource that practitioners can use to help pupils gain an insight into the crafting of fiction and in particular the crafting of characters that the reader cares about. Theresa, who has penned numerous titles, including ‘The Medici Seal’ and ‘Whispers in the Graveyard’, is no stranger to talking about her work and her creations to young people throughout Scotland.
She gives us the benefit of her experience here, not only as an author but as someone who has worked closely with schools. During the interview, she talks about her writing routine and shares with us some advice that can be used when looking at different elements of the writer’s craft. The interview is interspersed with interesting images from Theresa’s travels and from her home.
The resource includes Theresa reading an extract from 'Divided City', a story set in Glasgow that both entertains and tackles issues of racial and social bigotry. The reading is injected with realism through some gritty film images of the setting and action found in the book. This extract may inspire readers to read the rest of the book, or may be used as a visual and auditory tool to focus on a number of areas such as effective openings, setting, action and the introduction of characters.
Suitable for upper primary and lower secondary, the footage may also be used as a springboard for cross-curricular work, such as English language linked to citizenship, RME or social studies.
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Impact
Theresa talks about how despite having written numerous books, she was taken by surprise by the impact of 'Divided City'.
Why not download Adobe Flash Player and watch the video online?
The reading
This reading from ‘Divided City’ will be a treat for Theresa Breslin fans and will inspire those new to her work to find out more. The reading is from the pivotal opening scene, where one of the protagonists, Graham, witnesses a violent racially motivated attack on his way home from football practice. This opener is a fine example of the use of a tense action-filled scene to draw the reader into the world the writer has created.
Pupils can discuss how the description of the action affects them, how the setting is enlivened by imagery and sound, and how the characters are portrayed through what they say and do. The tension of the opening scene is heightened by some clever camera shots and sound effects. Opportunities for pupils to create effective openings and share them with others can be provided.
If appropriate, pupils can design images or film footage to enhance their written descriptions. This again shows how cross-curricular links can be made, in keeping with the principles of Curriculum for Excellence.