Cloud Busting facts for kids
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| Author | Malorie Blackman |
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| Country | United Kingdom |
| Language | British English |
| Genre | Children's |
| Publisher | Doubleday |
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Publication date
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2 September 2004 |
| Pages | 146 pp |
| ISBN | 978-0-385-60796-4 |
| OCLC | 56642254 |
| LC Class | PZ7.B532337 Clo 2004 |
Cloud Busting is a cool children's book written by Malorie Blackman. It came out in 2004. What makes it special is that it's written like a long poem! Each part of the story uses a different style of poetry, which is pretty unique.
This book was a big hit! It won the Silver Award at the Nestlé Children's Book Prize. It was also considered for the famous Carnegie Medal, which is a really important award for children's books.
The Story of Cloud Busting
The story begins with a homework assignment. Mr. Mackie, the teacher, asks the class to write a poem. Sam, one of the main characters, decides he wants to write his poem about Davey. This surprises his former best friend, Alex, who makes fun of Sam for it. Sam feels strongly about it, saying he needs to write about Davey because he can't stop thinking about him.
Davey, the New Kid
Davey is a new student at school. He's a bit different, with holes in his jumper and lots of unusual ideas. Most kids, including Sam at first, don't really like him. Sam, who used to be a bit of a bully, often makes fun of Davey. But then something big happens. Davey saves Sam's life by pulling him out of the way of a fast-moving car. After that, Sam and Davey become friends.
A Special Friendship
Sam starts to see how much fun Davey's unique way of looking at the world can be. He learns that Davey has a serious allergy to peanuts. Davey asks Sam to keep this a secret so it doesn't cause a fuss.
One day, Sam accidentally lets Davey's secret slip in front of Alex. Alex, trying to be funny, offers Davey a piece of his sandwich. Unknown to Davey, it has a peanut inside. Davey quickly has a severe allergic reaction. Mr. Mackie has to use an epipen to help him. Davey gets better and is taken to the hospital.
Broken Trust
After the incident, Davey starts to avoid Sam. He seems to lose his amazing imagination and unique way of thinking. Sam feels terrible about what happened.
Sam and Davey had planned to go "cloud busting" together in the park. This was their special way of looking at clouds and imagining shapes. It was meant to be a way for them to become best friends again, this time without any secrets.
But that's not what happened. Sam ends up going cloud busting all by himself. Davey, without telling anyone, slips away. Sam is left alone, thinking hard about everything that has happened.
