Ostrich Boys
What’s inside...
'It's not really kidnapping, is it? He'd have to be alive for it to be proper kidnapping.' Kenny, Sim, and Blake are about to embark on a remarkable journey of friendship. Stealing the urn containing the ashes of their best friend Ross, they set out from Cleethorpes on the east coast to travel the 261 miles to the tiny hamlet of Ross in Dumfries and Galloway. After a depressing and dispiriting funeral, they feel taking Ross to Ross will be a fitting memorial for a 15-year-old boy who changed all their lives through his friendship. Little do they realise just how much Ross can still affect life for them even though he's now dead. Drawing on personal experience, Keith Gray has written an extraordinary novel about friendship, loss, and suicide, and about the good things that may be waiting just out of sight around the corner. Shortlisted for the CILIP Carnegie Medal 2010, Keith Gray's hit novel features a group of three friends who embark on a remarkable journey from Cleethorpes to Scotland with a stolen urn containing the ashes of their best friend, now adapted for the stage by Birmingham Rep for a production by their Youth Theatre in 2011.
Age
12-18
Length
368 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Blake
Sim
Kenny
Discussion points
How do the characters in 'Ostrich Boys' handle their grief and what can we learn from their experiences?
What does the road trip symbolize in the story and how does it change the characters?
Do you think friendship is portrayed realistically in the book? Why or why not?
Which character did you relate to the most and what would you have done differently in their situation?
How do the different settings in the book affect the story and the characters’ journeys?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their own thoughts and feelings about the book’s events, rather than just recounting the plot.
Discuss the moral and ethical decisions made by the characters, and ask what your child would have done in their shoes.
Relate the characters’ experiences to real-life situations that your child might encounter, enhancing their empathy and understanding.
Use the themes of friendship and resilience in the book to encourage open discussions about personal experiences and challenges your child faces.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of friendship and support
Explanation: In 'Ostrich Boys,' the characters embark on a journey that strengthens their bond and showcases the support they offer each other during difficult times.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of standing by their friends and offering help and support when they face challenges, fostering a sense of loyalty and trust.
Example Lesson: Dealing with grief and loss
Explanation: The story centers around the friends dealing with the loss of a close friend. It addresses the various ways individuals process grief.
Real-World Application: Children understand that feeling sad or confused about losing someone is normal and that talking about these feelings with others can be healing.
Example Lesson: The importance of honesty and facing consequences
Explanation: Throughout their journey, the characters learn valuable lessons about being honest and the repercussions of their actions.
Real-World Application: Children learn that honesty is crucial in building trustworthy relationships and that their actions have consequences.
Example Lesson: Self-discovery and personal growth
Explanation: As the characters travel and face various challenges, they learn more about themselves and grow from their experiences.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to embrace new experiences and challenges as opportunities for personal development and self-discovery.