Monthly Archives: March 2014

Graphic Novel Club, Patron of Reading

Metaphrog recommends 12 Graphic Novels

It was lovely to hear from John and Sandra of Metaphrog today. Our fantastic Patrons of Reading have compiled a suggested reading list of 12 Graphic Novels. We already have some in the Library and will add to this collection soon.

How many have you read?

Metaphrog recommends 12 Graphic Novels:

1. The Arrival by Shaun Tan (Hodder Children’s Books)

2. Coraline by Neil Gaiman & P. Craig Russell (Bloomsbury)

3. The Rainbow Orchid by Garen Ewing (Egmont)

4. Adolf series by Osamu Tezuka (Cadence Books)

5. Amulet series by Kazu Kibuishi (Scholastics US)

6. The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame and Michel Plessix (Papercutz)

7. Alex Rider series by Anthony Horowitz, Antony Johnston, Kanako & Yuzuru (Walker Books)

8. Bone by Jeff Smith (Scholastics US)

9. The Hound of the Baskervilles by Conan Doyle, Ian Edginton & Ian Culbard (Self Made Hero)

10. Silverfin by Charlie Higson & Kev Walker (Puffin)

11. Smile by Raina Telgemeier (Scholastics US)

12. The Phoenix comic magazine (David Fickling Books)

Patron of Reading, Uncategorized

Metaphrog Visits

January saw the first of seven visits by John Chalmers and Sandra Marrs of Graphic Novel writing / illustrating team Metaphrog. Our three year Patron of Reading partnership got off to a great start with all S1 pupils being introduced to the art of Graphic Novel planning and design.

The informative and practical workshop took pupils on a journey of discovery through different types of graphic novels before allowing them to create strong descriptive characters of their own. These workshops were very well received by pupils.

Returning in February Metaphrog worked with Heathryburn and West Park Primaries up at the Academy on a similar workshop theme.

Thirty S1 pupils then got the opportunity to work further on their previous character creation designing their own comic script with guidance from John and Sandra. Since the sessions, pupils have had the opportunity to finish their comics which will be displayed in school and on the Library blog next term.

We were pleased to receive a kind gift from Metaphrog of a class set of “Louis : Red Letter Day” and accompanying teacher lesson ideas. In between visits John and Sandra will be keeping in touch to recommend graphic novels to pupils.

The partnership with Metaphrog is a three year one so we will be looking forward to planning further visits and activities with them in the near future.

Uncategorized

World Book Day Shelfie Competition

Thursday 6th March was World Book Day. To celebrate, the library ran a Shelfie competition.

Twenty three staff took pictures of their bookshelves – both from home and work. Pupils had to guess who owned the bookshelf. Using a bit of detective work, pupils could ask staff more about the types of books they enjoyed reading and from this try to work out the answers!

The Shelfie competition was well received by pupils in registration time and around school . Over 150 entries were returned with a group from Macbeth2 registration group most successful in guessing 19/23 answers. Well done to them.

Working with the Library, the English department handed out World Book Day books and tokens to English classes. The books in particular were very popular. It is hoped we can pre exchange tokens for books again next year.

Clubs, Reading Cafe, Uncategorized

Grampian Children’s Book Awards

Mrs Wilson’s Reading Café and Miss Duncan’s S2 English class are busy reading shortlisted books for 2014 Grampian Children’s Book Awards.

It is not too late for other pupils to get involved. Books are available now in the library. Why not watch the book trailers of the books to help you decide which one to read first?

http://www.northfieldacademy.co.uk/index.php/lib/557-grampian-children-s-book-awards-2014

Patron of Reading

Patron of Reading – Metaphrog

Northfield Academy are delighted to announce their three year Patron of Reading partnership with graphic novel writer/illustrators John Chalmers and Sandra Marrs of metaphrog.  Several schools in England, Wales and  the central belt of Scotland have secured Patrons of Reading, though this is the first graphic novel pairing in the UK.

The Patron of Reading scheme was created by Tim Redgrave, School  Head in Wales and children’s author Helena Pielichaty. The scheme aims to promote reading for pleasure by giving young people the chance to interact with a real life author who can share their experiences and talk about what inspires them.

John and Sandra from metaphrog have been creating comics, graphic novels and illustrations since 1996, receiving critical acclaim worldwide.   They are proud to be working with Northfield Academy;

“We are delighted to be chosen as Patrons of Reading at Northfield Academy and it is very exciting to be the first ever graphic novelists to fill such a role in any school. Graphic novels are not only a means of engaging reluctant readers with literacy but are a lively form of literature for children and adults alike. We are looking forward to our partnership with the school and to encouraging the young readers, writers and artists.”

During their three year term as Patron of Reading at Northfield Academy metaphrog will contribute to the school in a variety of different ways. As well as organised talks/workshops metaphrog will keep in touch in a mutually beneficial partnership which hopes to encourage reading for pleasure across the school.

School Librarian Mandy Wilson is looking forward to the benefits the Patron of Reading partnership will bring:

“We are very privileged to be pairing up with the talented duo from metaphrog. Previous visits have inspired and encouraged youngsters through the medium of graphic novels. We are delighted they have agreed to pair up with our school and look forward to what the future holds.    The partnership on both sides will I am sure evolve into something truly great”