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Year 6 - English

Introducing the context of 'No Country'

'No Country' and 'Frizzy': graphic novels exploring identity and belonging

Unit Summary

In this unit, pupils read and explore two fictional graphic novel texts, 'No Country' and 'Frizzy'. They discuss the context of both graphic novels. Finally, pupils explore the visual, narrative and contextual elements of specific scenes and discuss the key themes within each text.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to infer what has happened in a visual text by examining details closely.

Key Notes

  • 'No Country' is a fictional graphic novel text written by Joe Brady and illustrated by Patrice Aggs.
  • The text focuses on the lives of one family as they try to navigate the challenges of a civil war.
  • Graphic novels tell a complete story with illustrations in panels; gutters are the spaces between panels.
  • Graphic novels include many features (including callouts) to inform the reader of what is happening.
  • Readers sometimes have to infer what has happened, rather than being told by the author or illustrator.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • graphic novel: a form of text combining words and images in long-form, sequential art panels
  • panel: a distinct section or frame that contains a specific scene or moment in the story
  • gutter: the space between panels
  • inference: to use clues from within the text to draw conclusions

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • The quote on page 3 refers to violence, war and persecution. Pupils may be unsure about some/all of these terms.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

1. Explain this English learning goal in two key points.

'No Country' is a fictional graphic novel text written by Joe Brady and illustrated by Patrice Aggs. The text focuses on the lives of one family as they try to navigate the challenges of a civil war.

2. Define this language term and use it in a sentence. 'graphic novel'

a form of text combining words and images in long-form, sequential art panels.

3. Correct this common English misunderstanding.

Mistake: The quote on page 3 refers to violence, war and persecution. Pupils may be unsure about some/all of these terms. Correction: Depending on the context of the class, appropriate definitions can be provided to better contextualise the introduction to the text.

More Lessons In This Unit

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