book report the wave

44 pages • 1 hour read

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.

Before You Read

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapters 1-4

Chapters 5-8

Chapters 9-12

Chapters 13-17

Character Analysis

Symbols & Motifs

Important Quotes

Essay Topics

Discussion Questions

Summary and Study Guide

The Wave is a 1981 young adult novel by Todd Strasser (originally written under the pseudonym Morton Rhue). A novelization of a teleplay by Johnny Dawkins for the 1981 made-for-TV movie of the same name, the story is a fictionalized account of a 1967 social experiment called “The Third Wave,” which took place at a high school in Palo Alto, California. In the novel, the experiment unfolds at the fictional Gordon High School. The story has dark implications about human nature and examines the themes of The Momentum of Dangerous Ideas , The Lessons of the Past , and The Importance of Individuality as well as other aspects of human social behavior.

This guide refers to the Kindle edition.

Plot Summary

As the novel begins, Ben Ross , a history teacher at Gordon High, screens a documentary about Nazi Germany and the concentration camps for his class. The torture, degradation, and mass murder of the Jews horrifies the students. However, some of them, like David Collins , move on more quickly than others. David is comfortable assuming that the Holocaust could never happen again but agrees that it should be studied as one of history’s most terrible events. His girlfriend, Laurie Sanders , is less sure. Laurie is the editor-in-chief of The Grapevine , and the documentary lingers in her thoughts. She eventually comes to symbolize the necessity of the free press and people who will voice their dissent despite the risks of challenging fascism.

After the screening, the students question Ben, many wanting to know how the German people could have gone along with the Nazis, who were a minority party. Ben tries to answer their question but is forced to admit that even professional historians have failed to provide a satisfactory answer. However, he soon gets the idea for an experiment to help the students understand the need for vigilance through experiencing a semblance of the disorienting, terrifying reality of life in Nazi Germany.

When the students come to class the next day, Ben has written a motto on the board: STRENGTH THROUGH DISCIPLINE. He assumes a militaristic air and tells the students that they’ll now follow a new set of rules, including the manner in which they’ll take and leave their seats. Over the next couple days, he introduces new rules and adds the words “Community” and “Action” to the motto. He encourages the students to think of themselves as a cohesive unit in which everyone is equal. This allows students like Robert Billings—a bullied boy whom other students always single out because of his quirks—to belong to a group for the first time. Ben names the movement The Wave and soon has the students perform a wave salute resembling the Nazi salute. In addition, they receive membership cards, and certain students are assigned monitor status, meaning that they must inform on, or report, other Wave members who disobey the rules.

The Wave spreads and begins to take on a life and momentum of its own. Students from other classes and other grades join the movement. Laurie is intrigued at first but grows slightly uneasy when her mother, a formidable intellectual who frequently consults with politicians because they value her insight, compares The Wave to fascist brainwashing. Soon, David spreads The Wave to the football team, which has a big game coming up.

Ben finds himself beginning to enjoy his role as their leader. He’s alarmed when his wife implies that he has created a monster but continually reassures anyone who questions him that he’s in control and can stop The Wave whenever he chooses. However, he’s aware that he hasn’t predicted anything that’s happening, that his wife thinks he has an unhealthy obsession, and that the students are more like his followers than his pupils.

Laurie receives an anonymous letter at the Grapevine office, allegedly written by a high school junior. The author claims to have been threatened for resisting Wave recruiters who were pressuring him to join. Laurie is further disturbed when her father says that a Jewish boy has been beaten for not attending The Wave Rally, which replaced the school’s pep rally. The beating occurred during the same time as a fight between two members of the football team, one of whom refused to shout The Wave’s motto in the quad.

At the football game, a Wave member named Brad tells Laurie she must perform The Wave salute to enter a section of the stands. When she says he’s being ridiculous, he relents. However, when she changes her mind and starts to leave the stands, he tells her that people have noticed that she missed the rally.

Laurie decides to publish a special edition of The Grapevine in which she prints the anonymous letter, as well as interviews with concerned adults, and accuses The Wave of being a fanatical organization that suppresses free speech and individuality. This decision leads to her temporary with breakup with David and the dissolution of her friendship with Amy. Regardless, she publishes the issue, which becomes the most popular edition the newspaper has ever had.

This leads to two Wave members—Robert and Ammon—telling David that Laurie must stop spreading anti-Wave sentiment. Robert is also now serving as Ben’s bodyguard.

Laurie leaves the offices, alone, and worries that she’s being followed. During an argument with David, in which he orders her to stop opposing The Wave, he throws her to the ground. This helps him see how extreme the situation has become. He and Laurie visit Ben’s house. He asks them to trust him because he has a plan to bring an end to The Wave. Additionally, Ben meets with Principal Owens, who (up to this point) has given him the benefit of the doubt. Owens tells him that he has until the end of the day to stop The Wave for good.

Ben summons The Wave members to the auditorium for a Wave-only meeting in which he promises that the leader of The Wave will speak to them. He also says that they were a testing ground for the organization, which will soon enjoy a nationwide expansion, thanks to their successful efforts. This is a ruse. In the auditorium, Ben shows them the Nazi documentary again and declares that the image of Adolf Hitler is the image of their leader. He says that The Wave’s members—including himself—could have made good Nazis, given how quickly and easily they surrendered their individual rights and personal accountability. He urges them to remember this lesson and apologizes for his role in the experiment, even though he considers it a success.

As the shaken students leave the auditorium, Amy, Laurie, and other friends reconcile. When Ben hears Robert crying in the auditorium, he realizes that Robert lost something special when The Wave ended. He invites Robert to lunch and says they have a lot to talk about, hinting at a newfound commitment to Robert and an optimism for his future.

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The wave the true story behind 'the wave'.

In 1967, Ron Jones, a young teacher at Cubberley High School, decided to try an innovative method to teach his students about fascism. He introduced them to a movement he called The Third Wave, based on discipline and community. Many of Mr. Jones's ideas are the same as the ones Strasser describes in The Wave ––for example, Strasser lifts the "Strength Through Discipline" and "Strength Through Community" slogans directly from Jones's written accounts of The Third Wave. Unlike in the novel, there was no violence committed as part of The Third Wave. However, the novel's time frame is accurate--within a week, 200 to 300 students had embraced The Wave and showed up for the rally at which Mr. Jones got them to salute and shout slogans before he revealed the truth about the experiment.

The Third Wave did not attract much media attention at the time it happened. Ron Jones first went public with the story in a self-published collection of short stories he wrote in 1976 called No Substitute for Madness! The events were also chronicled in an article in The CoEvolution Quarterly , an alternative periodical that was later retitled The Whole Earth Review . It then caught on quickly in the mainstream media.

Jones was initially frustrated by the changes made to his story in Strasser's novel and especially the television adaptation. He writes:

"The teleplay revolved around a love affair between two students. Of course this love gave the students the awareness and confidence to halt the experiment. I turned to my eight-year-old daughter: 'It didn't happen that way! ... Love didn't stop The Wave and it sure didn't stop the Holocaust!'"

However, he has since come to appreciate the impact the story has had in the United States and around the world––especially since it has encouraged some Holocaust survivors and former Nazis to open up and share their experiences.

The Wave Questions and Answers

The Question and Answer section for The Wave is a great resource to ask questions, find answers, and discuss the novel.

The Wave by Todd Strasser/ Summary, Characters & Themes - Study.com

In this chapter Christy has a flashback. What do we learn about Ben in this flashback?

Christy has a flashback in Chapter Four of a previous project her husband was involved in. She remembers how the project became his whole world at the expense of everything else. Mr. Ross becomes easily obsessed with ideas.

How does the class change because of strength in community?

The discipline created by the concept of strength in community decreased chaos and allowed the students who were previously isolated to be a part of the team.

Study Guide for The Wave

The Wave study guide contains a biography of Morton Rhue, literature essays, quiz questions, major themes, characters, and a full summary and analysis.

• About The Wave
• The Wave Summary
• Character List

Essays for The Wave

The Wave essays are academic essays for citation. These papers were written primarily by students and provide critical analysis of The Wave by Morton Rhue.

• How Isolation Can Influence Rash Decisions: Character Analysis of Robert Billings
• Internal and External conflict in The Wave

Lesson Plan for The Wave

• About the Author
• Study Objectives
• Common Core Standards
• Introduction to The Wave
• Relationship to Other Books
• Bringing in Technology
• Notes to the Teacher
• Related Links
• The Wave Bibliography

Wikipedia Entries for The Wave

• Introduction

The Wave Introduction

It's a movie! It's a short story! It's a book! It's a scary classroom experiment! It's The Wave! Todd Strasser's 1981 novel The Wave didn't start off as a book. It began as a way for real-life teacher Ron Jones to try to teach his history class about one of the most hideous events in human history: the Holocaust . 

Like most people who hear about the Holocaust, Jones' students had lots of questions: how could such a thing have happened? Why didn't anyone stop it? Well, Teacher Jones couldn't explain it, so he decided to try out a little experiment which he called "The Third Wave." He wanted to create an environment in his classroom that would help his students understand what was going on in Germany under Nazi Rule. Sound dangerous? Well, it was.

His experiment was a little too successful and some two hundred students at Elwood P. Cubberley Senior High joined The Third Wave with disastrous effects. Jones describes the experiment as "one of the most frightening events experienced in the classroom" ( source ).

The story of this experiment was first detailed by Jones in a short story called "The Third Wave."Notice we say "short story" and not "essay." The short story is a fictionalized account of what went on in Jones' classroom, and in fact, there isn't a lot of evidence to support Jones' story. Something definitely went down, but there seems to be some exaggeration and maybe some fabrication going on, too.

In any case, in 1981, Jones' story was adapted into a made-for-TV movie called The Wave . And – wait for it! – what you are reading is a novelization of the movie. Our novelizer (that's a real word and we love it!) Todd Strasser says, "To be honest, I have always wondered if the 'real life' experiment conducted by Mr. Jones actually went as far as his essay alleges" ( source ).

Still, Strasser believes that this novel has some important lessons for readers. Plus, it's a good way for teachers to start conversations with students about the Holocaust. We agree with you, Todd. In fact, The Wave was published in Europe under the name Morton Rhue, and it's taught in German public schools ( source ).

This can be a tough one to stomach, but it's totally worth it. And when you finish reading, ask yourself this: would you have joined The Wave?

What is The Wave About and Why Should I Care?

Here's a list of groups that we at Shmoop belonged to in high school:

• Cheerleading Squad
• Substance Free Students
• Tennis Team
• A Cappella Group (seriously!)
• Student Council
• Science Olympiad
• Technology Club

And here's the kicker: we still turned out okay. (A little wacky sometimes, but okay.) When we read The Wave , we're almost led to believe that being part of a group is a bad thing. But if we look closer, we'll see that there's more to it than that.

Shmoop thinks the takeaway here is this: when you're part of a group, you shouldn't give up your individuality. It's important to develop your own ideas about what is right and wrong, and if a group asks you to go against something you believe in, it's better to leave the group than to go along with it just to fit in.

Okay, slow down. This is all well and good, but… it's easier said than done, right? What if not going along with the group means losing your job, or your family, or your friends? What then?

This is the kind of tricky territory we get into in The Wave. So prepare to be challenged by some of what you are about to read. And while you're at it, prepare to challenge. The message behind this book is to question things, and a good place to start is by questioning the book itself. So, don't be afraid to disagree with ideas you find in the novel, or hey, even in Shmoop's brilliant take on it.

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W hy's T his F unny?

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Word of Mouth

Submitting a book for review, write the editor, you are here:.

When Errol Porter starts receiving late night phone calls from someone claiming to be his dead father, he's more than scared --- he's terrified. Although he doesn't want to believe it, this person knows too much information to be an imposter. Letting his curiosity get the best of him, he decides to go and meet this person, hoping for the best. What he receives, however, is more revelation than he bargained for.

Arthur Porter is determined to see his family and mend fences that were broken long ago. Fully aware of his reincarnation, his mission is not only for reconciliation but for protection of the one thing that has allowed him to come back and make things right: The Wave.

As hard as it is to believe that his father is back, Errol seems to be the only one unable to accept it. His sister and even his mother have embraced his father's corpse and continued life as they know it. As Errol and Arthur spend time with each other, Arthur alters destiny quite a bit with his appearance. He reveals not only secrets from the past that cause great mayhem but also the truth that's been hidden for many years about his reason for reappearing. Through curiosity, Errol discovers this truth behind the mystery. After being kidnapped, interrogated and held in confinement by the government against his will, he vows to protect the one thing that holds this very valuable key.

The government has been keeping secrets that can alter the entire mindset of the human race. With a psycho plastic surgeon on staff keeping his own agenda, the main goal of the mission is terribly compromised. What could have been an awesome discovery ends up being a weapon of mass destruction. With time running out and a madman on his heels, Errol realizes he has the fate of the world in his very hands.

It's difficult to learn new things, but Errol is able to obtain new information on the human existence and information that was passed from ages ago. One thing is for certain: he's up against time and it doesn't intend to stand still.

Walter Mosley takes readers on an unforgettable journey of self-discovery and belief, leaving you to question what's real. Although written as fiction, this storyline exercises your mind, forcing you to examine governmental dealings and the notion of other world exchanges. Eerily evoking emotion and deep thought, Mosley has done it again. THE WAVE is an excellent read and a thought-provoking story.

Reviewed by Belinda Williams on January 24, 2011

The Wave by Walter Mosley

• Publication Date: January 3, 2006
• Genres: Fiction , Science Fiction
• Hardcover: 224 pages
• Publisher: Aspect
• ISBN-10: 0446533637
• ISBN-13: 9780446533638

CHAPTER EIGHT

David has walked Laurie to school since they were sophomores. The next morning, he is enthusiastic as he describes how The Wave will help the football team. Laurie isn't as sure and asks about his seeking help in Calculus. David doesn't want to ask his classmates or else they'll know he's struggling; Laurie suggests getting Amy's help.

In History class, Ben Ross starts by passing out Wave membership cards. Those with a red X are monitors, making sure all members of The Wave obey the rules. He also introduces a new slogan: STRENGTH THROUGH ACTION. Mr. Ross explains that discipline and community are useless without action that achieves a goal. Laurie finds all of this creepy, but decides to stay quiet. Mr. Ross also stresses an end to competition within the group, that they all work towards the same ends. He then reveals the first action for The Wave: recruitment of new members. David and Eric both feel vindicated in already talking to the football team about The Wave. Mr. Ross is ready to move on to other class matters but George Snyder, Robert Billings, and others spontaneously express joy and pride about being in The Wave. After some salutes and slogan chanting, Ben Ross realizes The Wave is taking on a life of its own.

At lunch, Robert is invited by David to join other Wave members at a table. Laurie asks if anyone feels weird about The Wave, but both Amy and Brad express relief at the end to popularity contests through this new sense of equality and community. As one of the chosen monitors, Brian jokes about reporting Laurie. David says she isn't breaking any rules but Robert points out that if she is against The Wave it would be breaking the rules because it defies the community. Laurie resists answering Robert as he's now become accepted by others and thinks that's a positive development for him.

David first expresses a pluralistic attitude for The Wave in his belief that different opinions are allowed in The Wave. In this way, his idealism takes another complex turn: he is able to balance both the needs of the community with the needs of the individual. Robert is more protective of The Wave and boils down its tenets to a very basic equation: above all else, the community must be preserved. This is an echo of the notion that the first duty of a community is to maintain itself. In the simplistic stance taken by most Wave members, opinions expressing anything contrary to this are thus antithetical to the community and its values.

CHAPTER NINE

Ben Ross is not sure what to make of The Wave. Recruitment is a success, and his history class has become packed. The class is doing well and not falling behind, but the students now rely more on rote memorization and short answers rather than critical thinking which requires longer answers. Biology teacher and football coach Norm Schiller has thanked Ben for The Wave, as it seems to be helping the team as they prepare against Clarkstown. Students give him different answers for why they like The Wave: that it's something new, that it's democratic, even that they enjoy the increased discipline.

Meanwhile, Laurie and the staff of the Grapevine are having difficulty coming up with material for the next issue. When The Wave is mentioned, Laurie hesitates at first but agrees, asking the staff to gather the opinions of other students about this phenomenon. That night, Laurie's mother Midge talks to her: she ran into Elaine Billings, ecstatic about the changes in her son Robert, who she had been previously deeply concerned over. Laurie's Mom isn't as sure that what's happening to Robert is a good thing, as it follows the pattern of cults and the kinds of people attracted to them. Asked about the Wave Rally this coming Friday afternoon, Laurie tells her it's jut a football pep rally with a different name. Mrs. Saunders is surprised that none of this concerns Laurie, who thinks it's just a fad. Alone, Laurie isn't as set in her convictions and is indeed worried.

The reference to Time magazine in this chapter is important, as it indicates two things: Ben Ross' desire for wider recognition for his teaching abilities, as well as the belief that the problem of disaffected, undisciplined students is a national concern. The humor of the Grapevine staff is again distinctly anti-authoritarian in nature, though now it seems more pointed than before.

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The Wave Hardcover – Picture Book, August 1, 2023

When a boy is swept up in a wave of sadness, he finds himself tumbling. But when he remembers that this sadness won't last forever, and that the wave will eventually carry him back to shore, he discovers his friends and family waiting to gently pull him out of the water and back home. With hopeful text and gorgeous art, The Wave takes us on a journey through one child's experience with depression that fosters empathy for those on the outside, and solidarity for those still caught in the midst of their own wave. It is an honest look at depression which affects almost 2 million children in the United States. The Wave is a must-read for anyone who finds themselves tumbling, and a beautiful reminder that we can reach out to others to keep our heads - and hearts - above water.

• Reading age 4 - 8 years
• Print length 40 pages
• Language English
• Grade level 1 - 2
• Lexile measure AD500L
• Dimensions 8.95 x 0.35 x 11.25 inches
• Publisher Roaring Brook Press
• Publication date August 1, 2023
• ISBN-10 1250842034
• ISBN-13 978-1250842039
• See all details

Editorial Reviews

"Helpful insights for children dealing with depression and those who care about them." - Kirkus Reviews "An introspective and reassuring title for readers across several grade ranges." - School Library Journal

About the Author

Product details.

• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Roaring Brook Press (August 1, 2023)
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 40 pages
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1250842034
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1250842039
• Reading age ‏ : ‎ 4 - 8 years
• Lexile measure ‏ : ‎ AD500L
• Grade level ‏ : ‎ 1 - 2
• Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 2.31 pounds
• Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 8.95 x 0.35 x 11.25 inches
• #1,698 in Children's Daily Activities Books
• #2,790 in Children's Fiction on Social Situations
• #11,016 in Children's Books on Emotions & Feelings (Books)

About the author

Tyler charlton.

Discover more of the author’s books, see similar authors, read author blogs and more

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Money blog: Coca-Cola launching new flavour in collaboration with popular biscuit - and fans are divided

Welcome to the Money blog, a hub of personal finance and consumer news. Our focus has been on inflation rising - while other posts include Coke launching a new flavour with Oreo. Leave a comment on any of the stories we're covering in the box below - we round them up every Saturday.

Wednesday 14 August 2024 19:07, UK

• UK inflation rises for first time since December - analysis
• Wizz launches unlimited flight package for £445 - but there's a catch
• Coca-Cola launching Oreo drink - and fans are divided

Essential reads

• Is this the end of the British pub?
• What's gone wrong at Asda?
• Best of the Money blog - an archive of features

Tips and advice

• TV chef picks best cheap eats in London
• Save up to half price when visiting top attractions with this trick
• 'I cancelled swimming with weeks of notice - can they keep my money?'

Ask a question or make a comment

Adverts for nutrition brands Zoe and Huel featuring a Dragons' Den star have been banned for failing to disclose their commercial relationship with the celebrity.

Steven Bartlett is an investor in Zoe and a director at Huel, but the the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) found ads seen on Facebook in February "omitted material information" about their links to him.

Starbucks has ousted its chief executive Laxman Narasimhan after less than two years at the helm.

The news comes after pressure for management change from hedge fund Elliott Management.

Read more...

Primark is trying to make headway in US markets with an advertising campaign across the pond.

Hoping "That's so Primark" will catch on, the retailer is introducing its budget style via two 30-second videos.

The company aims to open 60 stores in the US by 2026.

John Lewis is looking to cut 153 jobs as part of a staff shake-up across its stores. 

The high street giant claims the proposals are designed to improve customer service, ensuring workers are "in the right place, doing the right tasks at the right time". 

It is hoping the job cuts will be through voluntary redundancy and natural attrition - which covers people leaving through retirement, resignations or moving job. 

Staffing changes will also see currently separate roles for serving front and back of house combined.

John Lewis is also investing £5m in digital headsets for store workers to communicate better with one another - in a bid to improve service.

The changes, which were announced to staff yesterday, follow a similar staffing overhaul at sister business Waitrose.

A spokesman for John Lewis said: "We're seeking to make sure partners are in the right place at the right time to help customers.

"We're also removing unnecessary tasks and introducing new technology to make their roles easier.

"We carried out similar changes in Waitrose earlier this year, with customer and partner feedback increasing significantly since.

"It's since been ranked the number one supermarket for customer satisfaction."

Coca-Cola is launching an Oreo-flavoured drink in collaboration with the biscuit manufacturer.

The limited edition, zero-sugar drink will be released from September in a black and white can containing what Coca-Cola describe as "flavourful hints inspired by Oreo cookies".

At the same time, Oreo will release a Coca-Cola flavoured biscuit.

Eugenia Zalis, global head of marketing for Oreo-maker Mondelez International, said she "cannot wait to see the reaction" from customers - but they're already coming in before the products have even hit the shelves.

Multiple X users were quick to deploy the Jurassic Park meme inspired by Jeff Goldblum's character, Ian Malcolm: "Your scientists were so preoccupied with whether or not they could, they never stopped to think if they should".

Another added: "I will happily eat Oreos while drinking a Coke Zero, but I don't want either of these things."

Others were more enthusiastic, simply writing: "Need."

Ms Zalis was confident about the collaboration, saying: "We have truly upped the ante."

The beverage will be available at major retailers and Pizza Express, Popeyes and Slim Chickens, Coca-Cola said.

By Daniel Binns, business reporter

Annual inflation in the US fell to 2.9% in July, down from 3%, according to official data released this lunchtime.

The announcement helps pave the way for the US Federal Reserve for cut interest rates next month.

This matters to monetary policy makers in the EU and UK as they don't like to be too misaligned with the US - for fear of impacting currency strength, among other reasons.

The annual consumer prices index (CPI) rate for July was the lowest since March 2021 and came in below market expectations.

In the immediate aftermath of the publication of the latest figures, financial markets upped their expectations that the Fed would cut interest rates by 0.25 percentage points, pricing in the likelihood of such an outcome at 60.5%. 

The likelihood of a bigger 0.5 percentage point cut was judged to be 39.5%.

Earlier in the day, the likelihood of a 0.25 or 0.5 percentage point cut had been almost 50-50.

The first increase in inflation this year is less a reason for panic than a signal that, after almost three years of wild volatility, the UK's measure of price increases is returning to a period of what looks far more normal fluctuation.

The primary reason CPI stepped up to 2.2% in the year to July is statistical, the base effect of energy prices falling less this year than they did in July 2023. A year ago the Ofgem retail price cap fell by more than £1,100, 10 times more than the £110 reduction last month. That means that while energy prices are lower than they were, annual inflation increased.

The Bank of England had forecast this move upwards from its target rate of 2% and used it to justify its cautious tone around interest rates, even as they were cut earlier this month for the first time since the hiking cycle began.

Below the headline rate of CPI were numbers that will give the Bank some confidence that it can afford to cut rates further by the end of the year.

Core inflation, a measure that removes volatile food and energy prices and indicates the underlying "secondary" effects of inflation, fell slightly from 3.5% to 3.2%. 

Goods inflation remains in negative territory at minus 0.6%, but that was an increase from minus 1.4% the previous month, driven in part by food inflation, which increased to 1.8% after 15 consecutive monthly falls. 

Inflation in services, which make up the majority of the British economy, fell to 5.2%. Coming a day after wage inflation also eased, that fuelled expectations that further rate cuts are coming, though not necessarily at the next Bank of England meeting in September. 

Market expectations of a cut in September rose to 45%, meaning a narrow majority expect rates to be held at 5%, with the prospects of further cuts before the year-end priced at 90% in November and 97% in December.

Watch Kelso's TV analysis here...

Every Wednesday we ask top chefs to pick their favourite Cheap Eats where they live and when they cook at home. This week we speak to TV chef Judy Joo, who co-owns the popular Seoul Bird in London.

Hi Judy, can you tell us your favourite places in London where you can get a meal for two for less than £40?

Since 1900,  Paul Rothe & Son  in Marylebone has been crafting some of the best sandwiches in London. Lucky for me, I live just around the corner from this charming, historic deli. 

My go-to is their famous pastrami and cheese, piled high with pickle, mayo, and mustard. Occasionally, I'll switch things up with their epic coronation chicken, or if I'm feeling adventurous, a jacket potato with tuna and sweetcorn. It's quintessentially British, and I love it. 

Trejo's Tacos has crossed the pond, opening its first international outpost in Notting Hill. Founded by actor Danny Trejo, this canteen boasts a cult following in Los Angeles (myself included) and has quickly become my favourite spot for tacos in London. 

My usual order includes a plate of Baja fish and spicy shrimp tacos, dosed in their house hot sauce and perfectly complemented by one of their stellar OG margaritas or homemade horchata. I also love their house-made guacamole and salsa served with their truly addictive freshly fried corn tortilla chips. I just munch away while thinking of the southern California sun. 

I live near Edgware Road, an area renowned for its vibrant Middle Eastern community and fantastic cuisine. Maroush , a London institution with multiple venues across the city, remains a favourite, especially the original one on Edgware Road.

The chicken or lamb shawarma is the star dish, slow-cooked on vertical rotisseries, infused with aromatic spices, and expertly sliced off with sabers. It's the perfect late-night snack after a few too many pints. I love their tomato okra stew with rice - so comforting and warming. 

Tucked away in the basement of an unassuming British pub down a quaint mews street in Marylebone is Liu Xiaomian . 

I usually order the minced pork xiaomian - toothsome wheat noodles swimming in a red chilli broth, then dressed with seasoned pork and fragrant spring onions. The numbing pork wontons are another standout, delivering what their name promises in true mala style. Don't miss the cucumber side salad which offers a refreshing respite for your palate.

What is your go-to cheap eat to cook at home when you have a night in?

My go-to budget-friendly meal for cooking at home is pimped-out instant ramen noodles. 

If I am feeling spicy, I'll grab a pack of Shin Ramen and add fresh veggies and leftover proteins from the fridge. 

Spinach, mushrooms, corn, spring onions, leftover roasted chicken, and some frozen dumplings usually make their way into the pot. Absolutely anything goes!  

And, to finish, I'll crack an egg in and let it cook on top of the noodles just until the yolk is set, but still gooey. It's a quick, delicious meal that hits the spot every time.

We've spoken to lots of top chefs - check out their cheap eats from around the country here...

By Sky News Data and Forensics Unit

As we've discussed throughout the morning, the rate of inflation grew to 2.2% in July - the first time since December last year that it has increased.

Which shop prices are increasing fastest?

Olive oil costs nearly two fifths more than it did last year, with prices for 500ml-1 litre rising from £6.39 to £8.83 in just 12 months.

The Money blog looked at the reasons why here...

Plums, meanwhile, are up by a quarter, from £3.08 per kilo to £3.57.

Food and drink products are responsible for seven of the 10 highest increases since last year.

For fans of a slicked-back hairstyle, non-food items like hair gel increased by a third, and for any pet owners, the price of a small mammal cage nearly hopped up by a fifth.

Top five price rises:

• Olive oil (500ml-1litre): up 38%, £6.39 to £8.83
• Hair gel (150-200ml): up 33%, £3.08 to £4.10
• Plums (per kg): up 25%, £2.85 to £3.57
• White potatoes (per kg): up 20%, 74p to 89p
• Cauliflower (each): up 20%, £1.07 to £1.28

Fifty-six of the 156 types of food and drink tracked by the ONS have actually become cheaper since last year. Many of these were store cupboard staples like pulses, dried pasta, and canned tomatoes.

Top food price decreases:

• Pulses (390-420g): down 13%, 77p to 67p
• Frozen prawns (per kg): down 8%, £18.77 to £17.24
• Cheddar cheese (per kg): down 8%, £9.49 to £8.77
• Spreadable butter (500g): down 7%, £4.18 to £3.90
• Frozen berries (per pack): down 6%, £2.53 to £2.37

Of non-supermarket items, electric heaters have been some of the biggest price fallers - by 22%.

How much has your individual spending changed in the last year?

Use our calculator to see how much prices are rising on the groceries, clothing and leisure activities you pay for...

We've had some more ONS data this morning - this time on house and rent inflation.

While the figures are largely unchanged from a month ago, the rental stats in particular are worth outlining as they illustrate the difficulties still facing renters.

Official data shows:

• Average UK private rents increased by 8.6% in the 12 months to July 2024, unchanged from in the 12 months to June 2024;
• Average rents increased to £1,319 (8.6%) in England, £748 (7.9%) in Wales, and £965 (8.2%) in Scotland;
• In Northern Ireland, average rents increased by 10% in the 12 months to May 2024;
• In England, rents inflation was highest in London (9.7%) and lowest in the North East (6.1%).

On the housing market, we learned:

• Average UK house prices increased by 2.7%, to £288,000, in the 12 months to June 2024 - unchanged from a month before;
• Average house prices increased in England to £305,000 (2.4%), in Wales to £216,000 (1.8%), and in Scotland to £192,000 (4.3%).

By Sarah Taaffe-Maguire , business reporter

News of an increased rate of price rises was welcomed by UK markets but it hit the pound. 

While inflation has increased, the fact the figure came in lower than expected could be a boost to the mainly UK-based companies that make up the FTSE 250, which rose 0.47% on the news, as did the 100 most valuable companies on the exchange, the FTSE 100. 

The pound, however, fell from its highest since late July and now £1 buys $1.2838 and €1.1659. 

Energy costs remain elevated with the benchmark oil price $81 for a barrel of Brent crude oil. 

Gas prices are still below the 100p a therm (the measurement for heat) high seen on Monday evening but not by a whole lot at 96.65p a therm. 

The biggest riser of FTSE 250 companies was gambling tech company Playtech.

Following Sky News reporting that gambling giant Flutter is in talks to buy the consumer arm of Playtech for £2bn, its share price shot up 13.57%.

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