Picture Book Moss Side

To explore through text from 'Forever and Ever Amen' other people's experiences and be able to think about, express and explain views that are not ones own.

In the 1960s James Phillips lived in Moss Side, Manchester.  He had a very vivid imagination and frequently imagined all sorts of exciting things happening in Moss Side.  This included a plane crashing on to Greenheys School.  He also imagined producing a Winterwonderland Spectacular.  However, on this occasion, he has been asked to go to the shops to buy bread and milk, butter and cornflakes, but on the way his money has been stolen.  He has to face the consequences.

1. Read Denmark Road and Greenheys Lane junction.

2. James is really worried about what's going to happen when he gets home.  Make a list of all the reasons for his worries.

3. Either role play the scene when James arrived home and explained why he hadn't done the shopping

4. Or write a dialogue of the conversation that takes place between James and his parents when he arrives home without the shopping.

5. In this passage James says that Aunty Mary would say, 'It's not like anyone's died,' and  'Worse things happen at sea.' 

(a) What do you think these sayings mean?

(b) Can you think of other similar sayings?

6. When something goes wrong it often reminds you of other times when things have gone wrong and of the consequences you faced then.  Try to remember such a time in your life and describe it.  If you cannot think of such an occasion, use your imagination to make one up.