Grandpa is dying. He can barely move his hands anymore, but stubborn as ever, refuses to stay in hospital.

He's determined to finish his last painting, 'River Boy', before he goes.

A poignant story that explores the subject of grief and loss in an accessible and affecting way.

Themes: grief, bereavement, testing physical limits, artistic challenge Teaching Focus: * Language rich in metaphor and other rhetorical devices * Strong characterization and sensitive portrayal of relationships * Creation of mood and setting through descriptive language * Key images woven through the narrative and plot Recommended for students in Years 8 and 9