Online Children’s Book Club: WHEN THE SKY FALLS

Online Children's Book Club: When the Sky Falls

Welcome to our online children's Book Club for 11-14 year olds.

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Autumn Term Dates 2026

Option A
Time: Sundays 9-9.45am
Dates: 20th September, 27th September, 4th October, 11th October, 18th October, 25th October
Tutor: tbc

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Book Club Reading Information:

When the Sky Falls by Phil Earle

Chapters to read before the lesson:
Lesson 1: Chapters 1-6 (inclusive)
Lesson 2: Chapters 7-16 (inclusive)
Lesson 3: Chapters 17-23 (inclusive)
Lesson 4: Chapters 24-31 (inclusive)
Lesson 5: Chapters 32-38 (inclusive)
Lesson 6: Chapters 39-end (inclusive)

*Please note that we earn a small commission from purchases via this link.

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Book Club Course Details:

Let's buzz with the joy of reading with our fabulous book club! We offer a carefully selected range of books to excite all young readers. 

Our Book Clubs are fully interactive and consist of the following:

• Independent Reading: Every week, the children have a set number of pages to read before the next lesson. This reading is to be done in their own time, in preparation for the lesson.
• Discuss and Debate: To develop speaking and listening skills, we will start each lesson with a discussion of what the children read. We will encourage children to express themselves clearly, sharing different interpretations and beliefs. 
• Quiz Whizz: Next, the children take part in a Kahoot quiz which focuses on different types of comprehension question.
• Word Warriors: To develop children's vocabulary, we pick out ambitious words used in the chapters and the children complete an activity based on these words.
• The Deep Dive: Here, we explore one aspect of the story more closely. This includes story analysis, writing skills, character study, critical and lateral thinking, exploration of feelings, debating dilemmas and exploring themes.
• Scribble or Sketch: The final challenge each week is something creative. Children will be encouraged to upload their Scribble or Sketch work to Google Classroom so that it can be commented on and shared in the following lesson.
  

Book Club General Details:

• Each session is 45 minutes, 6 sessions in total.
• There will be a maximum of 12 children per class.
• The course is led by a highly experienced teacher.
• It takes place online.
• It is fully interactive.
• £80 per 6 sessions (£13.33 per lesson). All course prices are inclusive of VAT. If you are based outside of the UK, the course price (without VAT) will be updated at checkout but you may be subject to additional bank charges, which are determined by your financial institution.
• Please choose to pay via PayPal at the checkout if you would like to pay in instalments.
• Once booked, places are non-refundable as stated in our Terms and Conditions.
• The tutors running our courses are qualified teachers with exemplary references. All course tutors hold an Enhanced DBS Certificate and are signed up to the Update Service.
• Recommend a friend and you’ll both receive a £10 voucher off your next booking. Voucher valid for one future booking each. One voucher per referral.
• We have a specific waiting list for children who are eligible for free-school meals. If we have spaces on a course, these children will be offered a free space. Contact us if you would like to join this waiting list.

When the Sky Falls by Phil Earle

1941. War is raging. And Joseph has been sent to live in the city, where bombers rule the skies. There, he will live with Mrs F, a gruff woman with no fondness for children. Her only loves are the rundown zoo she owns and its mighty silverback gorilla, Adonis. As the weeks pass, Joseph and Adonis become friends, but what will happen when the bombers set him rampaging free?

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Why we chose this book:

We chose this book because it is a powerful and unforgettable story that explores friendship, courage and resilience during the Second World War. With its compelling characters, emotional depth and thought-provoking themes, it offers plenty of opportunities for discussion and reflection. Although set in wartime, the story feels incredibly relevant today, encouraging readers to think about kindness, loyalty and what it means to stand up for others.

What parents say about our book clubs:

"My daughter absolutely loved Bright Light Education’s Book Club! The sessions were engaging, thoughtful, and fun — she really connected with 'The Explorer' and looked forward to every class. The tutor created such a supportive environment that encouraged discussion, critical thinking, and a love of reading. We’ve seen a real boost in her confidence and can’t wait to join the next one!" (Jankhana, Parent)

"My son loved the online book club, he is a reluctant reader but the weekly sessions really helped encourage him to pick up the book and get to the next chapter. The teacher we had was super enthusiastic and the lessons sounded very fun. Thank you for another brilliant course! We will be back soon." (Gemma, Parent)

"My son loves reading, but I was looking for a course where he can develop that love for books even more. For me, it’s not just about reading — it’s important that he builds strong comprehension and understanding of the stories. That’s when I found Bright Light, and I couldn’t be happier with their service and book club. [My son] absolutely loved the book ‘The Bolds’ — such an amazing story for kids! As a mum, I appreciated everything about the program, and we have already registered for the next book club course. Highly recommend for any parent wanting a meaningful reading experience for their child!" (Nirvana, Parent)

"My daughter loves the book club. It is wonderful! She didn’t use to read at all, but this course has inspired her to start reading. The teacher is encouraging, and we’re looking forward to joining the next book." (Joyce, Parent)

Would you like to try out a Taster Lesson before booking? View our upcoming Taster Sessions.
Would you like to see more book clubs? View our upcoming Book Clubs.