Best-selling author Saviour Pirotta will co-create his latest novel, The Case of the Blue Mask, with thousands of students around the world through the digital educational platform Fiction Express.
The platform, available in English and Spanish, is used in more than 200 schools in the UK, in over 1,500 schools in Spain and 9,000 across more than 60 countries, including the United Kingdom, Spain and Mexico.
Fully digital, the Fiction Express methodology is based on creative dialogue and is designed to connect readers with professional authors through an interactive forum and a voting platform. This empowers students to take control of their reading experience by choosing how the story should unfold.
From this process of reading and co-creation, a variety of assessment tools are offered: the forum, the voting platform, quizzes, project work, and other comprehension and writing activities that develop all aspects of language learning. The aim of the platform is to foster regular reading habits, improve language competence, and encourage creative dialogue, while aligning with the integrated language learning approach.
The Case of the Blue Mask takes place in Malta, where Alex’s mum lands a job as a costume designer on a film set. Alex expects a summer filled with sun, snorkelling, and maybe spotting some celebrities. But things take a dramatic turn when a mysterious crime is committed during the shoot. Together with his new friend Rebecca, Alex must uncover the truth behind the crime, before it’s too late.
Over five weeks, a new chapter will be published every Friday, written according to the readers’ votes. Students will also interact with the author via a dedicated forum, helping to shape the story as it unfolds.
The chapter will be graded to CEFR standards and two versions will be available for TEFL. There will be both a B1 and B1+ version of the text, allowing for easy application of differentiation in the classroom. Carefully graded activities will also support understanding of the text with a focus on reading comprehension, as well as vocabulary and grammar.
About the author
Saviour Pirotta (1958) is the best-selling author of The Orchard Book of First Greek Myths and dozens of other titles for children. He is especially known for his historical and fantasy fiction. Born in Malta and now living in the seaside town of Scarborough (UK), he draws inspiration from travel and ancient myths. When he isn’t writing at his kitchen table or in local cafés, Saviour enjoys snorkelling and collecting vintage books. His recent works include the acclaimed Ancient Greek Mysteries series published by Bloomsbury.
