Toby Jenkins, a quiet, homesick boy, always hates going back to his boarding school at the start of term. This term he forms a friendship with a new boy, Simon Christopher, who confides a great secret in him. Simon tells Toby he is the next Jesus and Toby becomes his first disciple. Whether Simon is who he says or not, he instils in his friends a belief in themselves and they find life suddenly begins to go their way. Then things start to turn ugly. There has always been rivalry between the 'toffs' at school and the 'oiks' in the village, and this escalates into open fighting. Simon and his disciples vow to end the violence, and finally succeed, but at a terrible price. In powerful closing scenes, Simon's claim to be Christ is discovered by the staff, he is expelled and the group is humiliated before their school. In a sudden final twist, we learn just as Simon Christopher leaves that a girl he couldn't seem to heal has just begun to get better.
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About the Author
Michael Morpurgo: The Master Storyteller. Former Children's Laureate Michael Morpurgo needs no introduction. One of the most successful children's authors in the country, and loved by children, teachers and parents alike. Michael has written more than forty books and won the Whitbread Award, the Smarties Award, the Circle of Gold Award, the Children's Book Award and has been short-listed for the Carnegie Medal four times. His novels have been adapted for film (My Friend Walter, Why the Whales Came) and stage (most recently, Kensuke's Kingdom for the Polka Theatre and Why the Whales Came by for Alibi.)
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
9 of 9 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
Toby Jenkins hates his boarding school and dreads going back, but this term there is a new boy who makes all the difference. Christopher is self-possessed, in control and sure that he is the second coming of Jesus Christ. Toby is taken on as his first disciple, his "Peter" after Christopher performs a miracle. Toby thinks he has found salvation, but then the trouble begins. It is impossible to describe how clever and intricate this book is. The story itself is simple enough and gripping enough for any child to enjoy. It is not overtly religious, but it throws up many complex questions. It shakes our beliefs and makes us question things we hold to be true. It examines the nature of faith and doubt. It draws interesting parallels with the Bible throughout the story, yet not in an overt or showy way. It shows Christopher as Christ the healer, performing miracles, bringing peace, being scorned and turned away by the authorities. It is a book that works on many levels. It is brilliantly written and I keep thinking about it despite having finished reading it days ago.
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
By Surreybloke
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
This is a very accurate portrayal of certain aspects of traditional prep school life before the 1980's. It was a survivable world but not without intense emotional issues to it. The author may be writing from his own experience to some extent; it seems very much like an insiders view.
The story line about a boy who thinks he is Jesus Christ is unusual even for a prep school, though some pupils did have strange ideas, but it is the description of everyday prep school life that makes the most impression on me. The more intense moments in the story are very emotional to read.
At least there is a happy ending.
The story line about a boy who thinks he is Jesus Christ is unusual even for a prep school, though some pupils did have strange ideas, but it is the description of everyday prep school life that makes the most impression on me. The more intense moments in the story are very emotional to read.
At least there is a happy ending.
By Alan Briggs
Format:Paperback
Surprised by the content, initially. A thoroughly good and different story for older children. (I bought it for my 11 year old granddaughter, at her request.)
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
3.0 out of 5 stars
Good book, interesting read!
I reads this book a few years ago and I enjoyed it. When Simon first claims to be Jesus I wasn't sure if I'd like the book because, as a christian, I felt the idea of someone... Read more
Published on 1 Nov 2006 by Poppy Mariposa
3.0 out of 5 stars
Strong themes, but dated story
The War of Jenkins' Ear is a children's novel following children at a boarding school, specifically homesick Toby Jenkins and new boy Simon Christopher. Read more
Published on 21 July 2003
3.0 out of 5 stars
Strong themes, but dated story
The War of Jenkins' Ear is a children’s novel following children at a boarding school, specifically homesick Toby Jenkins and new boy Simon Christopher. Read more
Published on 21 July 2003
3.0 out of 5 stars
Strong themes, but dated story
The War of Jenkins' Ear is a children's novel following children at a boarding school, specifically homesick Toby Jenkins and new boy Simon Christopher. Read more
Published on 21 July 2003
4.0 out of 5 stars
Uplifting and relaxing
The Summer Birds is a wonderful children’s novel in which a mysterious young boy teaches a whole class to fly like birds. Read more
Published on 21 July 2003
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