Mr Ryder is reading Under the Dome by Stephen King.

Imagine your town suddenly cut off from the rest of the world by a mysterious, invisible dome. No one can get in. No one can get out. That’s exactly what happens to the residents of Chester’s Mill.

As supplies run low and panic rises, the real danger isn’t just the dome itself, it’s how people react. Power struggles, secrets, bravery, and betrayal all come to the surface. The story follows a group of characters trying to uncover the truth behind the dome while their community begins to unravel.

Why should students read it?

Explores big ideas – Power, leadership, morality and how society works under pressure.
Gripping and dramatic – Full of suspense and unexpected twists.
Complex characters – No one is purely good or bad.
Encourages critical thinking – What would you do in the same situation? How does power change people?

It’s a powerful reminder that sometimes the biggest challenges aren’t the barriers around us, but the choices we make within them.