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Pig Heart Boy

By Malorie Blackman- chapter 1

Before Reading
Metalinguistics
On the first page the author uses a peculiar phrase, “roaring silence”. This is
called an oxymoron, when the two words contradict each other. Another
example is “open secret” or “plastic glasses”. Can you work together to think of
any more oxymorons?

During Reading
Read chapters 1 and 2
Use adjectives to describe the two characters Cam and Marlon.
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How do you think you would feel if you were in Cam’s position? Write a few
sentences explain your thoughts.
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After reading
Based on the title, blurb and what you have read so far, what are your
predictions for this book?
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Pig Heart Boy

Chapters 2 and 3
Can you summarise the events of chapters 1, 2, and 3?
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Cameron is at the pool in chapters 1 and 2 without his mum’s

permission. What consequences could he face?
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Metalinguistics
Can you find the definitions of the following words? You might want
to find them in the book and look at the context to help.
Assumption
(end of ch2)

Winced
(start of ch3)

Pros and cons

(ch3)

Deform (ch3)

In chapter 3, mum and dad are arguing. Can you put down what
arguments each person has? What points are in their debates?
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If you were in Cameron’s situation, what would you do any why?

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Pig Heart Boy

Chapters 4 and 5

At the start of chapter 4, the author uses a simile, “Her voice chilled
like liquid nitrogen.” Can you think of 4 more examples of similes?

When Cameron said, “Piggy in the middle,” why was this funny?
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What is your opinion of using animals to help humans?

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In chapter 4, Dr Bryce explains the process of using pig hearts to

transplant into humans. Can you work together to paraphrase this
process?

Why do you think Dr Bryce didn’t want Cameron to see Trudy?

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Pig Heart Boy

Chapters 6 and 7

In the opening paragraph of chapter 6, the author uses a metaphor.

Can you find this metaphor and write it below?
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Who is Medusa? The author uses the name Medusa to describe

Mum’s look. Research who she is and think if this is an appropriate
description for mum.
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Using the descriptions given, can you visualise the entrance to the
hospital?

Now that Dr Bryce has mentioned some of the risks to pig-heart

transplants, what would you do if you were in Cameron’s situation?
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Did your predictions about why Dr Bryce wouldn’t let Cameron see
Trudy come true?
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Pig Heart Boy

Chapters 8, 9 and 10

What clue is there that Andrew asks for Cameron’s homework a lot?
Use a quote from the text to back up your answer.
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What was Cameron embarrassed about at the start of chapter 8?

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Metalinguistics
Feeble

Chronic

Feigned

Scowled

How has the author made chapter 9 different? What effect does it
have?
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Why is Cameron using a camera to record his feelings? Do you think

this is a good idea? Why?
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On the last page of chapter 10, the author uses the phrase “beating
around the bush”. What does this mean?
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Pig Heart Boy

Chapters 11, 12 and 13
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Chapter 11 uses the phrase, “fly on the wall”. What does this mean?
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Would you say Cameron has a positive or negative outlook in chapter

12? What evidence can you find to support your answer? (Remember
to use quotation marks if you take a phrase or sentence from the
book!)

1.

2.

3.

4.

At the start of chapter 13, there is a simile and a metaphor used. Can
you find them?
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Why do you think it would be good for Cameron to get up so soon

after the operation?
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What are dextrose and saline?

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Metalinguistics (chapter 13)

Temporarily

Morsel

Devour

conference

Dismayed

Ruefully

Can you pick one of the words to write your own sentence for?
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Pig Heart Boy

Chapters 14, 15 and 16

Cameron discusses what it means to be fit and healthy. Make a list of

important things you must do to keep fit and healthy.

1. .
2. .
3. .
4. .
5. .
6. .
7. .
8. .

What questions do you think the reporters would be asking outside the
house?
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Metalinguistics

Relentless
Rapt
Din
Spite

How does Cameron feel about coming home? What evidence from
the text gives you this answer?
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In chapter 16, it mentioned Dr Frankenstein. Research this famous

story, and write some interesting facts below.
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Pig Heart Boy

Chapters 17, 18 and 19

In the first paragraph of chapter 17, the author uses the phrase “made
a bee-line for us”. Using the context, what do you think this means?
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If you had been offered money for your personal story, what would
you do? What would the pros and cons be of each decision?
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Cameron mentions that he doesn’t want a lecture from his mum about
money. What else can mums and dads sometimes lecture you about?
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1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Metalinguistics (chapter 18)

Dwindling

Motto

Premises

Monarchy

Fervent

Ceased

Pick one of the words to write your own sentence for.

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Would you forgive your friend? Why?

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How has Cameron changed? Remember to back up your claims with

evidence! From the text!
1.

2.

3.

4.

5.