This month’s theme: Freedom and Independence

Interview with Liz Newman – Secondary English Teacher

What is one of your fondest or most favourite reading memories?

I was pretty much the only avid reader in my family growing up, and the first book I remember really loving was Goodnight Mister Tom by Michelle Magorian. It was a book I won after winning a competition in Year 5, and I remember reading it and feeling like it was quite special because my teacher had recommended to me, and that just goes to show the power that recommendations can have for young people as I still remember it now!

Other things that stand out for me include finding a copy of The Beach by Alex Garland, a second-hand copy with no covers on it, and reading it on a very long bus journey to Jakarta when I was travelling alone in Southeast Asia for six months when I was 18. That period was my first experience of proper freedom, of being far away from the environment I had grown up in, and in some sense, maybe made me think about moving here again permanently later in life.

Another vivid memory is reading The God of Small Things by Arundhati Roy in my first year of university and realising that I needed to visit India after reading it. I went on to teach there for six months with the British Council after graduating from my degree, and it was an incredible experience. I have taught this book every year to my IB Literature classes, and despite not all students feeling the same way(!), it remains my favourite book of all time.

Which fictional character would most like/least like to meet in real life and why?

I found this a tricky one. I will go for characters I would not like to meet in real life. I recently read Birnam Wood by Eleanor Catton, which is a very engaging story with some Shakespearean elements to it, but is also a commentary on the world’s political and environmental crisis. Set in New Zealand, there is a billionaire character from the USA called Robert Lemoine who I feel is symbolic of the misuse of power and arrogance that comes with having unlimited resources, so I think he would be a distasteful character to meet in real life.

I would also love to meet the speaker in T. S. Eliot’s poem ‘The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock’ as a kind of cautionary tale of a life not lived, somebody who is filled with regret at the end of their life and wishes they had been a bit more daring and adventurous.

3. What does freedom and independence mean to you? Do you have any book suggestions for this theme?

I think this has changed for me throughout my life. I used to feel that independence and freedom was getting as far away as possible from your normal routine and what you know, but now I think it does not necessarily mean being alone. It means having the freedom to choose your journey, and for me personally, as I have made the decision to move back to the UK this summer and reconnect with friends and family, I feel that independence and freedom can be found with loved ones.

A recommendation I have is a book by Thai author Duanwad Pimwanacalled Bright, which moved me to tears. It is about a young boy called Kampol who is unwillingly abandoned by his parents due to financial circumstances, but he gets looked after by his neighbours, so his independence is supported by his local community who love him.

As a final note, I want to thank my lovely team at Patana. We have shared many amazing memories at our faculty book clubs. Thank you Thailand and Patana, you have certainly been a key part of my literary journey, what an amazing four years!

Foundation Stage and Key Stage 1 Recommendations

Keighley Burton, Year 2 Class Teacher, 2B Class Teacher & Patrick O’Connor, Year 2 Year Group Leader – Pastoral, 2P Class Teacher

We Are All Born Free: The Universal Declaration of Human Rights in Pictures
This beautiful picture book introduces children to the important idea that every person is born free and deserves to be treated fairly and with respect. Through powerful illustrations and child-friendly messages, it helps young readers understand rights such as freedom, safety, equality and having a voice. It is an excellent choice for our theme of Freedom and Independence, encouraging children to appreciate their own freedoms while recognising that these rights belong to everyone, everywhere.

The Hueys in The New Jumper by Oliver Jeffers

In this humorous and thought-provoking story, all the Hueys look and behave in exactly the same way, until Rupert decides to knit himself a new jumper. His brave choice encourages others to think differently and celebrate their individuality. With Oliver Jeffers’ simple illustrations and playful storytelling, this book gently explores the freedom to express ourselves and make our own choices. It is a wonderful book for encouraging children to value independence, confidence and being proudly themselves.

Every Child a Song by Nicola Davies and Marc Martin

This beautiful book celebrates the idea that every child is unique, valuable and deserving of the freedom to grow, learn, play and be heard. Nicola Davies’ lyrical words and Marc Martin’s vibrant illustrations encourage readers to see children everywhere as full of possibility and hope. Chosen for our theme of Freedom and Independence, this uplifting story reminds us that every child has rights, a voice and their own special song to share with the world.

Giraffes Can’t Dance by Giles Andreae and Guy Parker-Rees

Gerald the giraffe longs to dance, but the other animals laugh at him and tell him he cannot. With kindness, encouragement and the freedom to find his own rhythm, Gerald discovers that he can dance beautifully in his own special way. This joyful, colourful story is perfect for our theme of Freedom and Independence because it encourages children to believe in themselves, resist limiting labels and celebrate the confidence that comes from being proudly individual.

Ava Williams, 6F
Home Body by Theo Parish

Home Body is a children’s comic book about a transgender and non-binary person whose name is Theo. For Theo’s whole life they were unsure of what they truly wanted to be. For example, when it was their first day of school, they got detention for not wearing the correct gender uniform. So, Theo lived under other people’s rules for their whole life, unhappy. Theo knew this wasn’t how they wanted to be but for them there wasn’t a choice on how other people saw and made assumptions about them. Theo didn’t know what the term non-binary meant until they got a job. But when they were able to express who they are and who they want to be, they were much happier than before. I enjoyed this book because it shows how anyone could be anything they want to no matter girl or boy.

Siena Green, 6F
Independence: The Struggle to Set America Free by John E. Ferling

I like it because there was a part where people said “Set America Free!” It was about terrorists invading the American mainland and the military team explores the places to protect the America mainland. People were demanding independence from Great Britain. This book covers the intense 30 month political military journey from 1773 to 1776 when American colonists were seeking to demand independence. The chaotic long journey of the American leaders from 1765 to 1776 explored how colonies moved from seeking to declaring independence from Britain. There were political debates, personal stories, and wartime struggles with food, water and shelter. The contentious process was driven by key figures navigating political, social and ideological divides to create a new nation. I liked it because I used to be interested in independence and it would be a super good book for an interest like that.

Akira Tanaka, 6F
The Long Walk to Freedom by Nelson Mandela

This story is about Nelson Mandela and his fight against separation in South Africa. In it, he describes his childhood, years in prison, and determination to achieve equality and freedom. The book highlights courage, forgiveness, and the importance of unity and peace and talks about his life at numerous stages like when he was a lawyer, a prisoner, and activist. It is an awesome book and I highly recommend this book for anyone who is interested in real life stories and in learning more about heroes like Nelson Mandela who fought for the freedom of people no matter if they are different genders or different cultures.

Key Stage 3 Recommendations:

Isabella (Mei Mei) Pitcher, 9S
If Cats Disappeared From the World by Genki Kawamura

If Cats Disappeared From the World by Genki Kawamura is a thought-provoking book that reminds you to always cherish the things you have now, because someday they might just disappear. This story follows a young mailman who is diagnosed with a terminal illness. He thus strikes a deal with a devil which states that in return for one more day of life, he must give up one thing from his life. When the devil decides his cat is next, the postman must decide what matters most. The readers watch him navigate through each day unlocking new anecdotes of his life. With each chapter this book leaves us to wonder how our lives can change with just one thing altered.

Sirianong (Plearn) Devakula Na Ayudhya, 9A
The Bees by Laline Paull

The Bees by Laline Paull is a thought-provoking novel that explores freedom, individuality, and the struggle to break away from society’s expectations. Through Flora 717’s journey from a low-ranking sanitation bee to someone who questions the strict rules of the hive, the novel reflects the challenges of growing up and making independent choices. Flora faces difficult transitions as her relationships, loyalties, and understanding of the world change around her. Paull uses the hive to mirror real-life pressures involving family, community, and identity. Although unusual in concept, the novel is engaging, emotional, and ultimately highlights the importance of courage and self-discovery.

Poonyanuch (Amy) Soontharinka, 8J
A Crane among Wolves by June Hur

A Crane among Wolves is written by Korean – Canadian writer, June Hur. It follows the story of a young girl named Iseul who lives with her grandmother and sister, Suyeon. One day the king abducts Suyeon to make her his concubine and Iseul is left with nobody. Driven by guilt and love Iseul decides to embark on the journey of bringing her sister back from the palace. On the way along the journey Iseul meets many people who guide her on what to do. Amongst those people is Prince Daehyun, King Yeonsan’s half-brother. This story combines both romance and mystery setting a theme of freedom and rebellion as both the lead characters have a urge to act on things they deem aren’t right. The crane in this story is represented by Iseul who doesn’t accept injustice and signifies bravery by fighting for what is fair. The wolves in here though is the corrupt court and King Yeonsan himself as they do what they want and are like predators towards the kingdom. By resisting injustice in their lives the characters carve out spaces of dignity and choices showing a mark of freedom. Through all the themes of resistance, injustice and freedom, June Hur’s A Crane among Wolves reminds us that even in the hardest times there is always a solution.

Key stage 4 and Senior Studies Recommendations: 

Louise Peninon, 10P
The Inheritance Games by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

Avery Grambs has a plan for the future: survive high school, win a scholarship and get out. But her life changes instantly when an eccentric billionaire dies and leaves her his entire fortune. To claim it, she must move into his sprawling mansion filled with secret passages and dangerous grandsons who think she’s a con artist. This gripping mystery offers a thrilling take on independence. Forced into a high-stakes puzzle, Avery must quickly learn who to trust, use her sharp wits, and carve out her own path to survive in a world she never asked to enter.

Rajul Grover, 12L
A Psalm for the Wild-Built by Becky Chambers
Within an uplifting world of solarpunk, a gender-neutral tea monk called Sibling Dex escapes from their comfortable routine to find meaning in nature. In the wilds, they come across Splendid Speckled Mosscap, a robot attempting to solve one mystery: “What do humans need?” This beautifully written novella by Becky Chambers is a sweet yet powerful reflection on the theme of freedom and identity along with the immense weight of finding your “calling.” Ideal for Key Stage 5 students embarking on significant changes, it shows that independence does not have to involve knowing everything, sometimes it can just be acceptance.

Yeonjae Lee, 12W
Americanah by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

Americanah is a novel that follows Ifemelu, a Nigerian student who moves to America for university, separating from her boyfriend, Obinze, who later goes through his own journey in England. Through Ifemelu’s eyes, the novel explores race, identity, and the challenge of figuring out who you are when your world completely changes. I recommend this book because it offers a realistic and unflinching perspective on what it means to be “Black” in America. It also captures the process of self discovery and the feeling of being caught in two very different worlds – which is a theme I think many in our school community would relate to.

Purnima Ghogar, Secondary English Teacher
Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens
Where the Crawdads Sing is one of my favourite reads because of how immersive, gripping and emotionally moving it is. Set in the marshlands of North Carolina, the novel follows Kya, a young girl abandoned by her family who grows up isolated from the rest of society, learning to survive alone in the wild. When a local man is found dead, the story becomes part murder mystery and part coming-of-age journey. Along the way, Kya’s encounters with Tate, a boy who teaches her to read, and Jumpin’, a compassionate local shop owner who quietly supports her, slowly teach her about trust, love, kindness and the importance of human connection after years of loneliness and rejection. The descriptive writing is stunning – the marsh feels so alive that nature becomes a character itself, reflecting Kya’s loneliness, resilience and emotional growth. Kya gradually frees herself from society’s judgement and learns to rebuild her sense of identity, belonging and hope despite years of hardship. This empowering novel leaves us with many lingering questions: can people ever truly free themselves from the past – be it rejection, guilt or loneliness – and begin again? Can nature heal emotional wounds in ways people sometimes cannot?