Life in Thalou
How old is Sidney at the beginning of the story?
He is 13
What breaks while Sidney’s dad is in the kitchen?
He breaks a bowl.
Who is the only person in the Sevil family who speaks a little English?
Martin, the host father
Who hears Sidney singing in his room and is amazed?
Hannah, the hotel cleaner
Who tries to lie to the talent scouts, claiming to be the singer?
Adam
What do Sidney and his family do on Sundays?
They sing together for English Day
Why do Sidney and his family have to leave their home?
They have to leave because war has broken out in Thalou
Why does Sidney feel isolated in the Sevil household?
Because they don’t like his singing and they’re all too busy
What does Hannah give Sidney?
He gives him two leftover VIP tickets to Disneyland
How do the scouts finally realise Sidney is the boy they’re looking for?
He sings in front of them again
What is the weather like in the north of Thalou?
It is hot and dry
What personal object does Sidney find after losing his parents?
He finds his dad's scarf
What dangerous prank happens during dinner at Disneyland?
Karol and Adam swap food, triggering Martin’s peanut allergy
Why does Sidney get the chance to audition?
Because Hannah encourages him and producers hear him singing
How many years after leaving Thalou does Sidney return?
Three years
What kind of clothes do people wear in Thalou?
They wear brightly coloured clothes with gold jewellery.
Where does Sidney spend the night after the bombs fall?
He spends the night in a hole in the ground.
What punishment does Sidney receive after the dinner incident?
He is made to stay in his room
What object does Sidney accidentally leave backstage?
His dad’s scarf
Why is the concert in Thalou historic?
It celebrates the end of the war and is the biggest concert in their history
What is a common characteristic of food in Thalou?
It is spicy
How do the UN soldiers plan to help Sidney?
By contacting relatives in Europe and finding a host family
Why is Sidney blamed for the allergic reaction?
Adam and Karol lie and say he was responsible
Why can’t the talent scouts find Sidney after the show?
He sang under a false name and ran off quickly
What emotional moment happens at the end of the concert?
Sidney reunites with his parents, who were missing but alive