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Tuesday 9 December 2014
Wednesday 19 November 2014
Bookbuzz 2014
Bookbuzz 2014
Bookbuzz is a reading programme from Booktrust, which supports schools to encourage reading for pleasure, independent choice and develop a whole school reading culture.
Thanks to the generosity of the school's Parent Teachers Association who have funded the Bookbuzz project this year all Year 7 students this week have been able to choose their own book from a shortlist of 12 titles. Miss Goode and Mrs Nicholls have been going into Year 7 lessons to promote the books and give students a taster of these exciting novels. The books will arrive in school just before Christmas so Year 7 students will have an early Christmas present and something to read over the holidays!
All the titles are available to borrow in the Library.
Take a look at:
http://www.bookbuzz.org.uk/bookbuzz/fun-stuff/quiz/2/
How well do you know the Bookbuzz books?
The Bookbuzz Quiz
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| Is this your reading brain? |
Try our quiz to find out if you're a Bookbuzz expert. Just click on the box next to the correct answer to each question and then submit your answers.
If you're not too sure about any of the answers it might be worth taking a look at this year's list of Bookbuzz books. You can have as many tries as you like.
Good luck!
Tuesday 30 September 2014
Books turned into Benches
News & Events
The BookBenches return! 4 and 5 October
Wednesday the 24th September, 2014
Due to a fantastic last-minute opportunity our / are returning for one weekend only!
The 51 BookBenches which have been dotted all over London this summer will make
a brief return – all in one place!
The 51 BookBenches which have been dotted all over London this summer will make
a brief return – all in one place!
On the 4 and 5 October all 51 BookBenches will be displayed together before they
are sold at auction.
are sold at auction.
The University of London has kindly agreed to gather all 51 BookBenches together
to be displayed to the public inGordon Square Garden WC1 from 10am to 6pm
over the weekend.
to be displayed to the public inGordon Square Garden WC1 from 10am to 6pm
over the weekend.
This is a brilliant last-minute chance that came up, so save the date in your diaries!
We would like to say a huge thank you to the University of London and the
management committee for generously lending us this space to display all the
BookBenches.
management committee for generously lending us this space to display all the
BookBenches.
Our charity auction takes place at the Southbank Centre on 7 October. All proceeds go to the National Literacy Trust for their vital work improving literacy levels in the UK.
Tickets for the auction can be bought and you can register to bid online,
all auction information here.
all auction information here.
See all the lots in our beautiful auction catalogue here.
Wednesday 9 July 2014
JK Rowling Writes New Harry Potter Story
There’s a good reason that JK Rowling is as beloved as her characters, and that seems to come from her innate ability to understand her readers and care about the stories they love. Rowling, who stepped away from writing about the world of Harry Potter several years ago to focus on crafting the interactive gift to her fans that is Pottermore, has popped up from time to time with fun new stories that feed her readers’ desire for more tales of the boy wizard. While she has stated that a full-length continuation for Harry Potter isn’t very likely, she’s spent some time revisiting the characters in shorter pieces for Pottermore.
One fun piece came out during the very-human live-action Quidditch World Cup, a game in which actual people run around a “pitch” with capes and brooms, reenacting the game from the world of Harry Potter. This real event has even become the stuff of pop culture, making its way into films and television, and Rowling delighted fans by writing commentary articles as though she was a sports reporter covering the event.
Today, Rowling will post a new piece to Pottermore in which she reunites Harry and his friends from Hogwarts as they convene to watch the 2014 Quidditich World Cup. All of the usual suspects are there, including their children, and tabloid reporter Rita Skeeter voices the article.
“The reappearance of the characters from the beloved Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling, last seen together in the epilogue of the final book, will thrill fans worldwide, and offers a snapshot of the current lives of the former Hogwarts friends, as well as a tantalising glimpse into the next generation.
J.K. Rowling has been writing about Quidditch for Pottermore since March 2014. Her final Quidditch World Cup article for Pottermore will be published on July 11, and will be a report on the final between Brazil and Bulgaria – co-incidentally echoing the FIFA World Cup Final in Brazil just two days later.”
J.K. Rowling has been writing about Quidditch for Pottermore since March 2014. Her final Quidditch World Cup article for Pottermore will be published on July 11, and will be a report on the final between Brazil and Bulgaria – co-incidentally echoing the FIFA World Cup Final in Brazil just two days later.”
Here is a portion of the story that should captivate longtime fans of the franchise.
Dumbledore’s Army Reunites at Quidditch World Cup Final
By the Daily Prophet’s Gossip Correspondent, Rita Skeeter
There are celebrities – and then there are celebrities. We’ve seen many a famous face from the wizarding world grace the stands here in the Patagonian Desert – Ministers and Presidents, Celestina Warbeck, controversial American wizarding band The Bent-Winged Snitches – all have caused flurries of excitement, with crowd members scrambling for autographs and even casting Bridging Charms to reach the VIP boxes over the heads of the crowd.
But when word swept the campsite and stadium that a certain gang of infamous wizards (no longer the fresh-faced teenagers they were in their heyday, but nevertheless recognisable) had arrived for the final, excitement was beyond anything yet seen. As the crowd stampeded, tents were flattened and small children mown down. Fans from all corners of the globe stormed towards the area where members of Dumbledore’s Army were rumoured to have been sighted, desperate above all else for a glimpse of the man they still call the Chosen One.
The Potter family and the rest of Dumbledore’s Army have been given accommodation in the VIP section of the campsite, which is protected by heavy charms and patrolled by Security Warlocks. Their presence has ensured large crowds along the cordoned area, all hoping for a glimpse of their heroes. At 3pm today they got their wish when, to the accompaniment of loud screams, Potter took his young sons James and Albus to visit the players’ compound, where he introduced them to Bulgarian Seeker Viktor Krum.
Thursday 12 June 2014
A Fault in our stars
Let's look at the figures. In 2012, a then 34 year-old American young-adult novelist, John Green, is at the top of the Amazon book charts, before his book, The Fault in Our Stars, is even published. He's also at the top of the New York Times bestseller list.
Roll forward two years and the movie version of this book has just opened in 3,171 screens across the US, and taken $48.2m at the box office in its opening weekend alone, recouping its budget four times over. The book is now the bestselling title in the UK, on all formats. It has sold more than nine million copies internationally, and been translated into 47 different languages.
How did The Fault in Our Stars become a bestseller and Hollywood hit movie?
Nicola Christie finds out more about John Green's Young Adult phenomenonLet's look at the figures. In 2012, a then 34 year-old American young-adult novelist, John Green, is at the top of the Amazon book charts, before his book, The Fault in Our Stars, is even published. He's also at the top of the New York Times bestseller list.
Roll forward two years and the movie version of this book has just opened in 3,171 screens across the US, and taken $48.2m at the box office in its opening weekend alone, recouping its budget four times over. The book is now the bestselling title in the UK, on all formats. It has sold more than nine million copies internationally, and been translated into 47 different languages.
Friday 23 May 2014
Carnegie Award Nominations 2014
Carnegie Nominated Books: The Carnegie Award is often said to be the award most YA writers want to win most. It is given every year to the best YA book voted for by amazing, fantastic and super brilliant children's librarians.
Here are the shortlisted books, which one would you vote for?
Take a look at the award web site to find out more: http://www.carnegiegreenaway.org.uk/home/
 |  | Kevin Brooks THE BUNKER DIARY Puffin (14+) ISBN: 9780141326122 (paperback) 16-year-old Linus Weems has woken up in a low-ceilinged rectangular building, made entirely of whitewashed concrete, with no windows and no doors. The lift is the only way out. But this time when the lift comes, it isn't empty. An exceptional, brave book that pulls no punches and offers no comfortable ending. The intense and overwhelmingly claustrophobic atmosphere is brilliantly captured by the diary format and the vivid characterisation of Linus, the narrator is matched by his portrayal of the other prisoners. The sense of fear is overwhelming and cleverly we never get to meet or understand the villain. Despite the bleak circumstances Linus is able to find a true sense of family and greater understanding which is shared by the reader. |
 | | Rachel Campbell-Johnston THE CHILD'S ELEPHANT David Fickling Books (11+) ISBN: 9780857560766 (hardback) 9780552571142 (paperback) When a baby elephant is left orphaned on the African savannah, Bat, a young herdsboy, takes her home and cares for her. But Bat's grandmother knows that Meya cannot stay with them forever - the call of the wild will always be sounding in her soul. And there are rumours borne on the wind; frightening stories of kidnapping and suffering and war. Bat and his closest friend, Muka, are catapulted into a new life of unimaginable terror. A thought provoking, tense and compelling narrative, which contrasts the innocence of childhood and the security of village life with the shocking brutality of war and the exploitation of child soldiers. The characterisation, including that of Maya the elephant is a real strength and the setting and landscapes of Africa are beautifully described. |
 | | Susan Cooper GHOST HAWK Bodley Head (11+) ISBN: 9781782300007 (hardback) 9781442481428 (paperback) In the winter of his 11th year, Little Hawk goes deep into the forest, where he must endure a three-month test of solitude and survival, which will turn him into a man. But outside the woods, the world is changing. English settlers are landing on the shores of the New World, and tensions between native tribes and the invaders are rising. This wonderfully evocative and beautifully detailed story involves the reader in a very particular place and time. All the elements including the subtle imagery of the tomahawk, the outstanding characterisations and the depiction of both Native American and settler cultures work together brilliantly to convey a really credible social history. |
 | | Anne Fine BLOOD FAMILY Doubleday (14+) ISBN: 9780857532404 (hardback) 9780552567633 (paperback) Edward is four years old when he is locked away with his mother by her abusive, alcoholic partner, Harris. By the time an elderly neighbour spots him and raises the alarm, he is seven. Rescue comes, but lasting damage has been done. Sent to live with a kindly foster family, and then adopted, Edward struggles to adapt to normal life. Then one fateful day, Edward catches a glimpse of himself in a photograph. What he sees shocks him to the core - a vision of Harris. Every step of progress Edward has made swiftly begins to unravel, and he has to decide whether his blood will determine his future. Multiple narratives are used to great effect to tell Eddies unforgettable story in ways that he could not articulate himself. Each gives a different perspective and builds a powerfully honest and credible account of the system. There are no easy answers and no easy targets in this brilliant, insightful exploration of nature versus nurture. There is a very real understanding of dysfunctional family dynamics and the heart-breaking impact upon a child's development. |
 | | Katherine Rundell ROOFTOPPERS Faber & Faber (11+) ISBN: 9781442490581 (hardback) 9780571280599 (paperback) Sophie is found floating in a cello case in the middle of the English Channel on her first birthday. Her dramatic survival at such a young age is the perfect backdrop to an unconventional childhood. She is rescued and adopted by a scholar, Charles Maxim, who has never really known a child before. But despite her absolute devotion to Charles, Sophie struggles to accept that she's an orphan. In fact, she's convinced her mother is still alive and when no one believes her, she sets out to prove them wrong. Both eccentric and different, this is an enchantingly original narrative voice that completely convinces and engages the reader in Sophie's story. Beautifully written, this has lovely detail in the descriptions of Parisian roofs, vividly drawn characters and a plot which moves swiftly to a very satisfying conclusion. |
 | | Rebecca Stead LIAR & SPY Andersen Press (9+) ISBN: 9781849395076 (hardback) 9781849395427 (paperback) Georges (the s is silent) has just moved apartment, his dad has lost his job, and his best friend has started hanging out with the cool kids at school. When he responds to the notice Spy club meeting - today! he meets Safer, a twelve year old loner and self-appointed spy. As Safer's new recruit, George's first assignment is to spy on the mysterious Mr X in the apartment upstairs. But as the boys delve deeper into the Mr X mystery and Safer becomes more and more demanding, the line between games, lies, and reality begins to blur. Every word counts in this beautifully written, subtle and witty account of family relationships and friendship. The underlying sub text of the games people play with themselves and each other as they face life's challenges is wonderfully done and each plot clue is skilfully placed. Fantastic dialogue brings real life to these memorable, well-developed characters. |
 | | William Sutcliffe THE WALL Bloomsbury (11+) ISBN: 9781408837450 (hardback) 9781408838433 (paperback) Joshua is a troubled boy who lives with his mother and stepfather in a divided city. A wall and soldiers separate two communities. One day, Joshua stumbles upon the entrance to a tunnel which takes him under the wall and across to the other side. Joshua finds himself in forbidden, dangerous, and violent territory, which a boy like him - visibly different - shouldn't stray into. An act of kindness from a girl saves his life, but leads to a brutal act of cruelty and a terrible debt he's determined to repay. This outstanding narrative adventure can be read on many levels. The political tensions are brilliantly mirrored by the family conflicts revealed. The naive innocence of the central character and his convincing development and growing awareness of his mother's vulnerability and the political situation is grippingly portrayed. We are utterly convinced by his struggles to do the right thing as powerfully symbolised by the olive grove |
 | | Julie Berry ALL THE TRUTH THAT'S IN ME Templar (14+) ISBN: 9781848779143 (hardback) 9781848771727 (paperback) Judith can't speak. Ever since the horrifying trauma that left her best friend dead and Judith without her tongue, she's been a pariah in her close-knit community of Roswell Station; even her own mother won't look her in the eye. All Judith can do is silently pour out her thoughts and feelings to the love of her life, the boy who's owned her heart as long as she can remember - even if he doesn't know it - her childhood friend, Lucas. But when Roswell Station is attacked by enemies, long-buried secrets come to light... the cruel become kind... and Judith's world starts to shift on its axis. This powerful book is indeed truthful, an honest and beautifully written portrayal of a trauma victim and a family living in difficult circumstances. Important central themes of male dominance and unheard women's voices underpin a gripping narrative. The clever structure, with its short sections effectively models the central character finding her voice and gradually unravels the plot to the reader. All the characters are rounded and the convincing conclusion has no easy reconciliation but an element of hope. |
Monday 3 March 2014
Coming Soon: Pete Johnson - Author Visit 4th March 2014
Best selling author Pete Johnson will be visiting school to help celebrate World Book Day. Year 7 students will have the fantastic opportunity to hear Pete speak about his books and his inspiration for writing. Pete has written over fifty titles including Traitor and the Vampire Hunters, but is perhaps best known for his hilariously comic stories including: How to train your parents.
For more information check out Pete's website @
http://www.petejohnsonauthor.com/
Friday 14 February 2014
Don't miss The Biggest Book Show on Earth!
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