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Catcall (novel) facts for kids

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Catcall
Catcall (novel).jpg
Author Linda Newbery
Country United Kingdom
Language English
Genre Children's
Publisher Orion
Publication date
19 October 2006
Pages 179 pgs
ISBN 978-1-84255-125-7
OCLC 70173774

Catcall is an exciting children's novel written by Linda Newbery. It was first published in 2006. This book tells a heartwarming story about family, change, and understanding. It even won a special award, the Nestlé Children's Book Prize Silver Award, showing how much readers loved it!

What is Catcall About?

Catcall introduces us to a young boy named Josh. His family is going through some big changes. These changes include a new stepdad and a brand new baby sister. Such big life events can be tough for anyone.

The Family's Big Changes

Josh's younger brother, Jamie, finds these changes very difficult. He struggles to adjust to the new family setup. Jamie starts to show his feelings in a unique way. He becomes very quiet and stops talking.

Jamie's Obsession with Cats

Jamie also develops a strong interest in wild cats. This obsession becomes a big part of his world. He spends a lot of time thinking about these animals. His quietness and focus on cats worry his family.

Josh's Plan to Help

Josh sees his brother struggling and wants to help. He uses his own special skills to try and reach Jamie. Josh creates a detailed scrapbook filled with information about cats. This scrapbook becomes a key tool in his efforts. He hopes it will help his family understand each other better. Josh's main goal is to help his family heal and become strong again.

Themes in Catcall

Catcall explores several important ideas that many young people can relate to.

Family and Change

The book shows how families deal with big changes. It highlights the challenges of blending families. It also explores how new siblings can affect everyone. The story teaches us about adapting to new situations.

Communication and Understanding

A major theme is how people communicate, even when they don't use words. Jamie's silence shows how hard it can be to express feelings. Josh's efforts to connect with Jamie teach us about empathy. It shows how important it is to try and understand others.

Sibling Relationships

The bond between brothers, Josh and Jamie, is central to the story. It shows how siblings support each other. It also explores the different ways they cope with stress. Their relationship is a journey of growth and discovery.

About the Author

Linda Newbery is a well-known British author. She writes many books for children and young adults. Her stories often explore deep emotions and real-life situations. Newbery is known for creating characters that readers can truly connect with. She helps young readers understand complex feelings and challenges.

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