Killer Virus

Publisher: Phoenix Education
ISBN: 1 876580 40 2

Killer Virus now out as a Louis Braille audio book.

Unabridged edition. Both CD and Tapes.
Reader: Stuart Halusz. Playing time: approx 4 hours.
ISBN 0 7320 2961 9
www.louisbrailleaudio.com

"'Party-Plan'.

Finn's mum was making school lunches. 'Don't expect a birthday party this year,' she told Finn. 'We can't afford it.'

His face fell. 'But I've been to all my friends' parties. I have to invite them back.'

His mother went on placing sandwiches in bags. 'Food, clothes, fuel, car and rates.' Her voice was firm. 'We'll barely manage much else now Dad's lost his job.'

Finn's lower lip stuck out. But his mum looked so fierce, and so unhappy, it seemed best not to argue. He opened the fridge and took out a carton of juice. She grabbed it out of his hand. 'Juice is expensive. If you're thirsty, drink water.'

Finn saw red. 'You're always at me. It's just not fair.'

'Life isn't fair.' She tucked a straggly piece of hair behind one ear. 'You want a party, go earn the money yourself.'

'Right. I will!'

He pounded out of the kitchen into his room where he flopped onto his bed. Above him, cracked plaster radiated out like spider webs. He glanced around. Everything was shabby. The carpet was worn. His wardrobe bulged with clothes that no longer fitted. Finn sighed loudly. He was sick of being poor. And looming up in less than three months was his thirteenth birthday."

Link to Teachers' notes

Killer Virus is one of a collection of short stories suitable for students from Years 6 to 9, but with a special emphasis on subjects which will appeal to boys. Two of the stories have been won the Mary Grant Bruce short story prize.

The stories are:

• Alley Cat
• Party Plan
• Vertigo
• The Glitterland Tapes
• Foto-copier
• Killer Virus
• Everything You Ever Wanted
• The Hedge
• First Kiss
• Swimathon

They cover a range of types of story, for example, adventure, science fiction, fantasy and mixed format, and deal with topics and issues such as:

• overcoming fear
• relationships
• animals
• bullying
• friendship
• romance
• technology

The anthology is accompanied by Notes for Teachers with ideas for follow up lessons and activities, including photocopiable student pages.