In this lesson, pupils explore how Malorie Blackman encourages readers to empathise with characters facing impossible choices. Students evaluate how empathy is created through narrative voice and emotional detail, analyse the moral dilemmas confronting Sephy, Callum and their families, and investigate how vulnerability is revealed through internal thoughts. Through close reading, discussion and annotation, pupils deepen their understanding of how the novel builds emotional connection and moral complexity.

Lesson Objectives

Evaluate how Blackman creates empathy by analysing narrative voice, emotional detail and character motivation.

Analyse the moral dilemmas characters face through key scenes where characters must choose between loyalty, safety and justice.

Investigate how vulnerability is shown through internal thoughts by examining moments of fear, doubt and emotional conflict.

This lesson is emotionally rich, analytical, and perfect for developing empathy, helping pupils understand how Blackman humanises characters living under extreme pressure.
Some visuals in this resource were made with AI to help bring ideas to life and support student understanding.