Tom Brennan Quotes
Related text for The Story of Tom Brennan
Curriculum Link: Into the World-Module C
Themes in this unit of work: Growing up, life’s journey, transition, change, catalysts
Developing relationships: family, friends, intimate
Themes explored in the novel ‘The Story of Tom Brennan’: * Responsibility * Dealing with consequences * Fear * Drink driving and its effect on families and communities * Family relationships * Dealing with crisis * Friendship * Understanding and empathy * Self esteem
Summary
Contemporary youth themes of excessive drinking, drink driving, lack of responsibility and family fragmentation are addressed in this compellingly suspenseful book. When Tom Brennan's brother, Daniel, drink drives and is involved in a car accident, their cousin is paralysed and two people die. Daniel is convicted and gaoled, and the Brennans are forced to leave town. Tom and his sister have to adjust to a new life. His mother remains in bed, his father struggles with their new situation and the debt of his paralysed nephew. There are no easy answers as Tom and his family search and work towards solutions. This fast paced, multilayered …show more content…
Artistically talented 12 year old Oscar Updike has a lot to deal with. His older sister enjoys honorary membership of a women's group formed by his mother whilst his mother resents his stepmother who shares his love of art. He has a major crush on his sister's best friend which is clearly doomed. After his father's death Oscar's mother sends him to a psychiatrist where he meets another client who shares his love of cricket. Meanwhile, his mother has taken to communicating by sticky notes with new age quotes. Nevertheless, amidst all these complications, the issues of grief, growing up, family, and friendship are combined with a touch of humour in this deceptively astute
Curriculum Link: Into the World-Module C
Themes in this unit of work: Growing up, life’s journey, transition, change, catalysts
Developing relationships: family, friends, intimate
Themes explored in the novel ‘The Story of Tom Brennan’: * Responsibility * Dealing with consequences * Fear * Drink driving and its effect on families and communities * Family relationships * Dealing with crisis * Friendship * Understanding and empathy * Self esteem
Summary
Contemporary youth themes of excessive drinking, drink driving, lack of responsibility and family fragmentation are addressed in this compellingly suspenseful book. When Tom Brennan's brother, Daniel, drink drives and is involved in a car accident, their cousin is paralysed and two people die. Daniel is convicted and gaoled, and the Brennans are forced to leave town. Tom and his sister have to adjust to a new life. His mother remains in bed, his father struggles with their new situation and the debt of his paralysed nephew. There are no easy answers as Tom and his family search and work towards solutions. This fast paced, multilayered …show more content…
Artistically talented 12 year old Oscar Updike has a lot to deal with. His older sister enjoys honorary membership of a women's group formed by his mother whilst his mother resents his stepmother who shares his love of art. He has a major crush on his sister's best friend which is clearly doomed. After his father's death Oscar's mother sends him to a psychiatrist where he meets another client who shares his love of cricket. Meanwhile, his mother has taken to communicating by sticky notes with new age quotes. Nevertheless, amidst all these complications, the issues of grief, growing up, family, and friendship are combined with a touch of humour in this deceptively astute