About This Book
Gene Kemp's Carnegie Medal-winning novel, The Turbulent Term of Tyke Tiler, follows the adventurous and often mischievous twelve-year-old Tyke during their last term at Cricklepit Combined School. Tyke is fiercely loyal to best friend Danny Price, who has a speech defect and is often misunderstood by teachers and other students. The story explores themes of friendship, justice, and challenging societal perceptions, particularly around disability and gender stereotypes. The narrative cleverly withholds Tyke's gender until the very end, prompting readers to reflect on their own assumptions. It's a rich, engaging read perfect for sparking discussions on empathy, identity, and standing up for what's right.
Tyke constantly gets into trouble helping his friend Danny, whose speech defect does not prevent him from finding adventure.
Concepts
Friendship & LoyaltyJustice & FairnessEmpathy & KindnessSelf-Confidence & IdentityResilience & PerseveranceFear & BraveryHonesty & IntegrityLove & FamilyTeamwork & CollaborationCuriosity & WonderAnger & FrustrationGood vs. EvilBeing DifferentMaking FriendsPeer PressureGrowing UpSibling RivalrySchool LifeFriendship & SocialFamily & Siblings
bullying
peril_danger
Scary Scenes
Discussion Prompts
1
What assumptions did you make about Tyke's gender throughout the story? What does this tell us about how we perceive people?
2
How does Tyke show loyalty to Danny? What does it mean to be a good friend?
3
How are people with disabilities, like Danny, sometimes misunderstood? How can we be more understanding?
4
Tyke cheats on a test to help Danny. Was this the right thing to do? Why or why not?
5
What does this book teach us about challenging authority and standing up for what you believe in?
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