James is trying to navigate a world where his parents are divorced and have new partners and in school, his class are on their third teacher of the year. Digger, his dog, is the one thing he can rely on and is his best friend. However, when he finds a lump on Digger's leg, things become very different. James becomes terrified that Digger will end up dying like his Uncle.
James lives with his Mum but struggles with her partner Dave, who seems to have moved in and doesn't seem to like Digger as much - he's no longer allowed to sit under the table during dinner and James really resents that. He knows that things are strained between his parents and, much as he wants to spend time with his dad, he knows that his mum finds it difficult; add to that that his Dad's new partner, Kathy, doesn't seem to want to spend much time with him, and he has much to navigate. Digger is a much needed constant in his life so finding the lump is a terrible blow to him. He is terrified.
At school, the class are getting used to yet another new teacher; however, it quickly becomes apparent that Mr Froggatt is different from their previous teachers, using poetry as a way to get to know the children, to allow them to think about themselves more, and his 'no pressure to share' means that the children don't feel any pressure. The use of poetry throughout the book is lovely and the whole idea of the poetry book homework is one I particularly like and one I may try with my class! He has a relaxed manner with the class but they know exactly where they are with him - he is a great character!
Digger and Me covers a host of topics that will be relevant to many children: parental divorce, changing teachers, grief, illness of a pet, and is perfect for fans of Carlie Sorosiak.
Released on 13th May, I can't wait to share this with my class (it will go in to school on Monday and I know it will be snapped up as soon as it leaves the necessary quarantine period!
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