In The Dark The worst thing: I don’t even know What I did wrong.
Another thing: I’m meant to know What I did wrong And fix it.
Clair says, ‘Don’t worry about it,’ But I do.
How can I forget it When she won’t let me?
COMMUNICATION After Reading MANAGING MYSELF
Check your understanding 1. How does the narrator feel when she does not win any prizes? 2. The narrator does not know the British national anthem. What does this tell you about the narrator’s background?
LITERACY 3. At what point of this extract did you think it was about bullying? R E E L BEING CREATIVE
4. What is your impression of the narrator, after reading the three sections of the extract?
R E E L MANAGING INFORMATION AND THINKING
5. This extract is divided into three sections: Prize Night Envy, Anyone Else and In the Dark. Explain why you think the author chose these titles based on what you read.
COMMUNICATION R E E L
6. Would you like to read more of this novel? Give at least two reasons for your answer, and refer to the extract to explain your point of view.
WORKING WITH OTHERS MANAGING MYSELF
Understanding a writer’s style
NUMERACY LITERACY
Watch this short interview with the author, Sarah Crossan, as she explains why she wrote her novel in verse novel style.
Link: Sarah Crossan – Why does the verse novel appeal to you as a writer? – YouTube
STAYING WELL BEING CREATIVE
Search Terms: Sarah Crossan – Why does the verse novel appeal to you as a writer? YouTube
MANAGING INFORMATION AND THINKING
1. According to Crossan, in what ways would a verse novel have advantages over a traditional prose novel?
2. Do you imagine that there could be disadvantages to writing a verse novel instead of a prose novel?
WORKING WITH OTHERS
3. Do you think that you would like to read more verse novels? Why or Why not?
