Gunpowder plot, English Reformation, Catholics, Protestants, 17th Century Britain
Black Powder
by Ally Sherrick
Key information
Author: Ally Sherrick
Illustrator: Alexis Snell
Release Date: 4th August 2016
Book type: Chapter, 320 pages
Star rating: ★★★★
Reader level: Confident reader
Age: Year 5+
Overview
In a time of secrets and suspicion, twelve-year-old Tom Garnett is thrust into a deadly conspiracy that could change the fate of England.
When his father is arrested for hiding a Catholic priest, Tom flees his home and crosses paths with the mysterious Falcon—a man with dangerous plans and powerful enemies. Drawn into the heart of the Gunpowder Plot of 1605, Tom must make an impossible choice: save his father from execution or stop a plot that could kill hundreds.
With danger at every turn, Tom’s courage and loyalty are put to the ultimate test in this gripping historical adventure.
Key concepts/themes
- Historical events - gunpowder plot
- Moral dilemmas
- Loyalty
- Suspense
- Character development
- Discrimination
- Persecution
- Right and Wrong
- Law
Considerations
- Hanging
- Execution
- Physical assault
- Death of sibling
Curriculum links
History - Gunpowder plot, religious conflict, English Reformation, King Henry VIII, King James I of England
Additional teaching opportunities
1. Writing
- Newspaper report - Hanging
- Newspaper report - 17th Century Britain
- Newspaper report - persecution of Catholics
- Balanced argument - Capital punishment
- Debate - Capital punishment
- Non-chronological report (English Reformation, gunpowder plot)
- Debate - Was Guy Fawkes evil?
- Diary - Witnessing execution
- Persuasive writing - Stop persecution of Catholics
- Letter - To Tom's Mum/Dad/Uncle
- Letter - From The Falcon to Tom
- Character description - Cressida/Tom/Falcon
2. Creativity
- Role play The Falcon and Tom/Cressida and Tom/Law enforcers
- Mock debate between faction supporters
3. Reading lessons
- Viscountess expression and personality
- Tone and expression of Cressida
- Explore history of religious conflict
- Oracy opportunities throughout (moral dilemmas, decisions)
4. PSHE
- Moral dilemmas
- Identity
5. Geography
- 1600s London
Vocabulary
| Tier 2 | Tier 3 |
|---|---|
Key words
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