SuitabookWhen the Sky Falls
Phil Earle
- Reading
- Try reading a section at a time, pausing to check how the war and the zoo’s difficulties are affecting Joseph. This can make room to discuss the story’s heavier moments as they arise.
- Themes
- Trust across difference: Joseph and Adonis are both angry or volatile, and trust develops between them. Their developing trust helps Joseph heal.
- War, loss and resilience: The Blitz shapes life in the city, while the closed-down zoo faces animal deaths and departures and the characters carry significant losses. The story moves from violence and loss towards resilience and peace.
- Worth knowing
- War brings persistent fear, violence and death; animals are euthanised or sent away, and the zoo’s losses weigh heavily. Joseph also faces bullying at school and has dyslexia.