Spirit of the Crocodile - Stage 2/3 Novel Study - CBCA Shortlist 2026
This is a comprehensive 150+ page resource bundle for the powerful Australian novel Spirit of the Crocodile by Aaron Fa’Aoso and Michelle Scott Tucker.
Spirit of the Crocodile is a moving and thought-provoking middle-grade novel set on Saibai Island in the Torres Strait. It follows twelve-year-old Ezra as he navigates friendship, family, culture and the challenges of growing up in a rapidly changing world. Rich in Torres Strait Islander perspectives, the novel explores identity, belonging, environmental change, courage and responsibility, while balancing humour, adventure and heartfelt moments.
This bundle has been designed to support teachers throughout the entire novel study and includes a 46-page chapter-by-chapter Teacher Guide. The guide can be used whether you have read the novel in advance or are teaching alongside your students. Each chapter includes:
A clear chapter summary
Key themes
Important quotes and their significance
Character development
Literary devices and author craft
Discussion questions
Cultural sensitivity notes and teaching considerations
Cross-curricular links
Quick teaching ideas
The bundle also includes a chapter-by-chapter comprehension guide, with questions targeting a broad range of comprehension skills including literal and inferential understanding, prediction, summarising, author’s purpose, analysing character development, identifying themes, making connections and critical thinking. A comprehensive answer guide is included for every question.
There is a bank of ten Literature Circle task cards, designed to be printed and laminated for repeated classroom use. These activities promote student choice and independence, making them ideal for reading groups, guided reading or fast finishers. All associated printables are included.
Also included is a Rich Discussion Questions guide, featuring one chapter of thought-provoking discussion prompts for every chapter of the novel. These can be used for whole-class discussions, literature circles, extension activities, fast finishers or higher-order thinking tasks, encouraging students to support their ideas with evidence from the text.
This resource is suitable for whole-class novel studies, guided reading groups, literature circles, independent reading programs and extension activities for upper primary and lower secondary students.
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