MacB n/e (NEW LONGMAN LITERATURE 11-14)
Longman literature Series
on Goodreads (30)
What’s inside...
A modern adaptation of Shakespeare's Macbeth, set on a school football field. MacB, with the help of his friend Banksie, plots to replace Duncan King as the star striker of their school's football team. After a suspicious bike accident sidelines Duncan, MacB seizes the opportunity to take his place. However, Banksie grows wary of the circumstances surrounding the accident and questions MacB's involvement and the extent of his ambition, fueled by his powerful mother. The play unfolds as MacB's aspirations sour and collapse on the football pitch.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
11-14
Length
144 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think MacB felt when faced with difficult decisions? Why?
What are some ways that the characters in the book show courage or fear?
Do you think the actions of the characters were justified? What would you have done differently?
How do relationships between the characters change throughout the story?
What do you think is the main message of the story? How does it relate to real life?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by reading the book together, or if the child has read it independently, ask them to summarize the story for you. Show genuine interest in their interpretations. Use prompts from their daily life to connect themes from the book, making the story more relatable and the discussion more engaging. After discussing each question, share your own thoughts to encourage a two-way conversation. This helps deepen their understanding and makes reading a shared adventure.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of resilience
Explanation: In 'MacB n/e', characters face various challenges and adversities, demonstrating the need for resilience.
Real-World Application: Children learn that facing difficulties with a strong, unyielding spirit can help overcome obstacles in school and personal life.
Example Lesson: Understanding the consequences of actions
Explanation: Throughout the story, the cause and effect of the characters' decisions are clear, teaching readers that actions have consequences.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to think before they act and consider the potential outcomes of their decisions.
Example Lesson: The value of friendship
Explanation: The protagonist's relationships highlight the significance of trust and cooperation among friends.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by nurturing their own friendships through honesty and teamwork.
Example Lesson: Coping with loss
Explanation: Characters in the book deal with loss and learn to cope with their feelings, which illustrates the process of grieving.
Real-World Application: This can help children understand and manage their emotions when they experience loss in real life.
Example Lesson: The power of integrity
Explanation: As the plot unfolds, the importance of staying true to one’s moral compass is underscored.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of maintaining personal integrity in both easy and challenging times.