Hello BTN, my name is Isla and I'm reporting from Sydney NSW. I go to school at Marist Catholic College, North Sydney and in term 1, 2025, year 5 have been studying Boy Overboard by Morris Gleitzman. Many of us have also read other books by this author, like the One series and Girl Underground.
So, Isla, have you noticed a common theme shared between these books?
I've noticed Morris Gleitzman's books are based on war, refugees, and past events like World War 2.
So, Isla, can you give us a brief summary of what happens in Boy Overboard?
Well, Boy Overboard is about Jamal, a boy living in Afghanistan under the rule of the Taliban. Jamal and his family have to flee, beginning a dangerous journey to Australia. However, Jamal and Bibi also dream of leading Australia to soccer victory.
So, Hali, what is the Taliban?
The Taliban is the government that ruled Afghanistan at the time period that Jamal and Bibi lived in. Due to the Taliban, Jamal and Bibi had to flee after the government found out about their secret illegal school.
The book, Boy Overboard, is based on a true story because the Taliban took control of Afghanistan in 1996 to 2001. When a coalition led by the US defeated the Taliban. However, that's not the end of the story. The US-led coalition had to withdraw from the fight, so the Taliban triumphed in 2021. The one series by Maurice Gleitzman are also based on a true story showing Gleitzman doesn't just write pretty stories for entertainment, but he's educating young adults about the past.
So, Rosie, do you think it's important that we are aware of these past events?
Yes, because if children of our time, know of mistakes of the past, then in the future they can learn from those mistakes and correct them, because they would know their ending scenario after big decisions.
Hi again BTN!
So how do you guys feel reading Boy Overboard?
I felt like it was really entertaining and captivated me and I wasn't bored of reading it.
Sometimes I feel despair and loss for Jamal and Bibi, especially when their parents got separated from them on the speed boat.
I feel really strong joy and happiness for them when they are united with their parents because it is a very touching thing.
Well, there you have it. What we think about Boy Overboard from interesting themes to horrifying experiences, Morris Gleitzman captivates audiences with this spectacularly written story. Honestly, Morris Gleitzman is one of our favorite authors and we highly appreciate all the books he write for young readers.
So Bailey, what do you think about Boy Overboard? That's doggy language for yes, I loved it.
Thank you BTN.
