As a Vision School it is important that pupils have access to high quality relevant resources when dealing with the topic of the Holocaust. I have compiled a presentation of resources that schools might find useful to have in their libraries.
This is not an exhaustive list and I am looking to add relevant suggestions to the collection.
Please contact me with relevant bibliographic details of any title you would like to see added.
Mrs Baird, librarian
If you are able to support the school library – here are the titles that we would love to see on our shelves in August. We are being supported by Waterstones in Newton Mearns – who can be contacted by email NewtonMearns@waterstones.com, or phone 0141 616 3933 or even in person.
And, if you can’t – here is a great list of books you might want to borrow from your local library.
(Please note that age ranges are only guidelines – you will always know your child better than me!)
Thank you,
Mrs. D Baird, Librarian
FireKeepers Daughter by Angeline Bouley
“A groundbreaking YA thriller about a Native teen who must root out the corruption in her community”
Fantastic read, as soon as I finished it I wanted to read it again – Daunis is the heroine we all need right now! S4+
Fable by Adrienne Young
Welcome to a world made dangerous by the sea and by those who wish to profit from it. Where a young girl must find her place and her family while trying to survive in a world built for men.
Swashbuckling adventure fantasy at it’s very best – dive in and you won’t be disappointed. S3+
The Supreme Lie by Geraldine McCaughrean
The tale, involving rich and poor, refugees and factory workers, kidnap and sabotage, reveals how the media can lie to manipulate opinion, how governments spread untruths to avoid panic, how hard it can be in power to make just decisions, and ultimately how we need to look after each other in society.
A 1984 for our generation – you never know who is watching you right now! S2+
The Case of the Missing Marquess by Nancy Springer
When Enola Holmes, sister to the detective Sherlock Holmes, discovers her mother has disappeared, she quickly embarks on a journey to London in search of her. But nothing can prepare her for what awaits. Because when she arrives, she finds herself involved in the kidnapping of a young marquess, fleeing murderous villains, and trying to elude her shrewd older brothers—all while attempting to piece together clues to her mother’s strange disappearance.
Elementary my deal Enola – whodunits and larks abound! S1+
This Can Never Not be Real by Sera Milano
In this brilliantly written account of hope, humour and humanity, five ordinary teenagers are caught up in a truly extraordinary situation. It’s a heart-pounding and gripping account of the fight for survival, told from multiple perspectives, as the attackers prowl the festival grounds.
Thought provoking thriller – perfect for the Netflix teen in your life.S3+
All American Boys by Jason Reynolds
A bag of chips. That’s all sixteen-year-old Rashad is looking for. What he finds instead is a fist-happy cop, Paul, who mistakes Rashad for a shoplifter, mistakes Rashad’s pleadings that he’s stolen nothing for belligerence, mistakes Rashad’s every flinch at every punch the cop throws as further resistance and refusal to STAY STILL as ordered. But how can you stay still when someone is pounding your face into the pavement?
A cold hard look at racism in the US from one of America’s best YA authors.S3+
The Infinity Files by SM Wilson
Ash Yang dreamed of being a Starfighter pilot. But when she crashes out of her final test – literally – she somehow lands the most powerful job in the universe. As Guardian of the Infinity Files she must secretly planet-hop through the galaxies, stealing or returning treasures that have the power to stop wars…or start them. But when her home planet is the one at war, is she the right person to save it?
If Star wars met Star Trek in a library and had a fight – brilliant! S1+
Ace of Spades by Faridah Abike-lyimide
Hello, Niveus High. It’s me. Who am I? That’s not important. All you need to know is…I’m here to divide and conquer. – Aces
Welcome to Niveus Private Academy, where money paves the hallways, and the students are never less than perfect. Until now. Because anonymous texter, Aces, is bringing two students’ dark secrets to light.
THE most talked about book this summer – Gossip Girls meets Get Out – and it will keep you guessing! S3+
Animal Farm – George Orwell (Dyslexia friendly classic)
Orwell’s powerfully unnerving and enduring allegory of oppression and rebellion, brought to life for a new age of readers in a stunning dyslexia-friendly edition. “All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others …”
I love that Barrington Stoke are bringing out more dyslexia friendly classics and Animal Farm is a perfect choice. S1+
The Girls I’ve Been by Tess Sharpe
As an ex con artist, Nora has always got herself out of tricky situations. But the ultimate test lies in wait when she’s taken hostage in a bank heist. And this time, Nora doesn’t have an escape plan…
Millie Bobbie Brown is due to be in the TV adaptation of this and if that does not get your teen picking up this book what will? S2+
The Cost of Knowing by Brittney Morris
Sixteen year old Alex Rufus lives with his younger brother, Isaiah, in a quiet neighbourhood in Chicago. But recently their neighbours have started calling the cops on anyone who doesn’t look like their version of safe.
A prescient look at life in American for young black teens. Brittney Morris is a quality story-teller. S2+
The Hill We Climb by Amanda Gorman
‘For there is always light
If only we’re brave enough to be it.
If only we’re brave enough to see it.’
A sensation at the recent US presidential inauguration. This young woman’s words reminded us all of the power of poetry and how much in times of great emotion that the right words can change lives. Everyone
Danny Chung does not do Maths – Masie Chan
Eleven-year-old Danny Chung loves drawing more than anything – certainly more than maths, which, according to his dad and everyone else, is what he is ‘supposed’ to be good at. He also loves having his own room where he can draw in peace, so his life is turned upside down when a surprise that he’s been promised turns out to be his little, wrinkly, ex-maths-champion grandmother from China. What’s worse, Nai Nai has to share his room, AND she takes the top bunk!
A fun look at the chaos that goes on in the head of an 11 hear old! Can you imagine! S1+
Scythe by Neal Shusterman
In a world where disease, war and crime have been eliminated, the only way to die is to be randomly killed (“gleaned”) by professional scythes. Citra and Rowan are teenagers who have been selected to be scythes’ apprentices, and despite wanting nothing to do with the vocation, they must learn the art of killing and understand the necessity of what they do.
Dystopian, dark and brilliantly written, Scythe is a masterclass in world building. S3+
Arctic Star by Tom Palmer
Winter 1943. Teenagers Frank, Joseph and Stephen are Royal Navy recruits on their first mission at sea during the Second World War. Their ship is part of an Arctic Convoy sailing to Russia to deliver supplies to the Soviets. The convoys have to navigate treacherous waters, sailing through a narrow channel between the Arctic ice pack and German bases on the Norwegian coast. Faced with terrifying enemy attacks from both air and sea, as well as life-threatening cold and storms, will all three boys make it home again?
I am convinced that Tom Palmer cannot write bad books – it’s just not in him. Another fantastic story from an author who has the gift of simplicity. S1+
Keeper by Alan Gibbons
When Shane is asked to join their football team, he delivers a star performance in the first match. But Shane’s not the only one who makes an impression. Hanging over him like a shadow is his dad, Mick, who yells orders and insults from the side-lines. What is Mick’s problem? And why does Shane seem afraid of him? The more Peter gets to know Shane, the more he worries that something is wrong – and that Shane’s not as tough as he seems.
A thought-provoking football story accompanied by fascinating facts about famous goalies and the history of goalkeeping from reluctant-reader favourite Alan Gibbons.
Another great storyteller tackling a difficult topic. S1+
When the Sky falls by Phil Earle
1941. War is raging. And one angry boy has been sent to the city, where bombers rule the skies. There, Joseph will live with Mrs F, a gruff woman with no fondness for children. Her only loves are the rundown zoo she owns and its mighty silverback gorilla, Adonis. As the weeks pass, bonds deepen and secrets are revealed, but if the bombers set Adonis rampaging free, will either of them be able to end the life of the one thing they truly love?
This might just be the biggest book of the year – watch out for it winning ALL the book prizes! S1+
Edgar and Adolf by Phil Earle
When he inherits a special football badge, German teenager Adi sets off on a mission to fulfil his grandfather’s dying wish and return the badge to its rightful owner, former England footballer, Edgar Kail. After tracking Edgar down, Adi gets the chance to learn more about the achievements of his grandfather, Adolf Jager, and the story unfolds of a special friendship that spanned twenty years and survived the horror of the Second World War. Edgar Kail and Adolf Jager played for their respective clubs in the early twentieth century and they remain folk heroes even now.
In an era of information manipulation being able to see both sides of a story is essential and I love the fact that Phil lets the reader think for themselves in this story. S1+
Guard Your Heart by Sue Divin
At a post-exam party, Aidan wanders alone across the Peace Bridge and becomes the victim of a brutal sectarian attack. Iona witnessed the attack; picked up Aidan’s phone and filmed what happened, and gets in touch with him to return the phone. When the two meet, alone and on neutral territory, the differences between them seem insurmountable.
The power of a book is that it can take us into danger without us ever being at real risk. Set in 2016. S3+
When the World was ours by Liz Kessler
Vienna. 1936.
Three young friends – Leo, Elsa and Max – spend a perfect day together, unaware that around them Europe is descending into a growing darkness, and that events soon mean that they will be cruelly ripped apart from each other. With their lives taking them across Europe – to Germany, England, Prague and Poland – will they ever find their way back to each other? Will they want to?
This very powerful book will make you laugh and cry. A moving and challenging story of 3 children and their different experiences during WW2 – inspired by real events. S2+
The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
Set in a dark vision of the near future, a terrifying reality TV show is taking place.
Twelve boys and twelve girls are forced to appear in a live event called The Hunger Games
Oh Katniss just let Primrose volunteer for once! The classic #YA dystopia. S2+
Heartstopper – 1-4 By Alice Oseman
Charlie and Nick are at the same school, but they’ve never met … until one day when they’re made to sit together. They quickly become friends, and soon Charlie is falling hard for Nick, even though he doesn’t think he has a chance.
A beautiful series of graphic novels. Incredibly popular. S3+
Thank you for your ongoing support of the school library at St.Ninian’s High School.
Where do you stand on reading?
Who should take the lead?
Schools, parents or pupils?
Take part in our reading debate – see both sides and then let us know your stand!
Do you settle down to study and find that as soon as you open your book or laptop a wee voice in your head starts to whisper “But what about all those alerts you are missing?” “I wonder what everyone else is doing?” “Should I make myself a cup of tea now or in five minutes?”
Why not try this technique to help you focus and not get too stressed out with FOMO.
It’s very simple to do.
Let me know if it works for you and how you get on,
Take care,
Mrs Baird
Looking for some great fiction?
Why not click female voice to get suggestions about all sorts of fiction and non-fiction female characters and authors?
Let me know if you want to add in anything.
Take care,
Mrs Baird
New for S3 pupils will be our BATTLE OF THE BOOKS.
13 TITLES ON A LONG LIST – 3 VOTES PER PUPIL AND A SHORT LIST OF 7.
Multiple copies of the short list will be made available from the library as will information about the books and authors.
There will be competitions and quizzes and prizes to be won along with way with a culmination of an ultimate battle between readers from St.Ninian’s and Williamwood – to find out who is the bookiest of them all!
The Rationale behind the long list
If you want to know more about the books or the scheme – just ask.
This is a great opportunity for pupils to keep up with their reading whilst enjoying some of the best books published this year.
So, dear reader as you know each year for the past *coughs* number of years I have been running BIG projects with Woodfarm High and St.Ninian’s . This year I chose to include 60 pupils for my madness ion the scheme. Our focus has been the brilliant novel The Everest Files by Matt Dickinson and our end point will be playable board games based on the themes and ideas from the novel.
In the spirit of festive cheer and because the pupils have been working very hard I thought a wee coming together of the masses might be in order. Those of you who know the library will know that this is no mean feat as we are compact and bijou to say the least. However, nothing ventured and all that the scene was set for what shall go down in the annals of the school’s history as and I quote ” a bit crazy but great fun”.
Higgins’ Hairy Horrors and Beaton’s Beastly Baddies; as the classes were renamed, streamed in to the library to await their fate.
First on the cards was the bobble hat challenge- well warned each pupil was told to bobble up for the event – points were awarded and the horrors edged it with 22 bobblers versus 19 from the baddies.
We jogged on to round one – Avalanche Bingo – tensions were running high as sweaty paws grabbed bingo dabbers to cross off their Chumulungmas and their ice-axes… top scores went to the Baddies.
Our next activity included 3 pupils from each team plus a special guest – Olaf from Frozen for a surreal experience of pin the tail on the yeti!
There was a dizzying array of misplaced tails and it was Lucia who triumphed with a very near miss! 5 points to the horrors.
The most complicated and most dangerous game of all came next .. rescue the baby from Everest. For some reason a group of tiny babies ( jelly- not real) had been trapped at the top of Everest and it was up to 6 pupils from each team , wearing very large gloved and only using soup spoons to get them back down (luckily enough most real expeditions are better equipped). Time was not on our groups’ side and we are sad to report that there was a jelly fatality… more training I think would be needed if we were ever to put this into practice in the real world.
3 steady handed individuals and one teacher per class were invited to throw snowballs into a cup because that’s how we roll- and roll they did all over the floor – with each team scoring as they say in Eurovision Nil Point… for shame!
Our final events ran simultaneously- two intrepid explorers had to show their balancing skill by keeping rather large marshmallows on their head whilst groups of pupils with no skill ( it later transpired) tried to build their own Everests out of playing cards.
Well done to the balancing girls who did not drop their mallows .. um not much to say about the other group other than sometimes it’s the taking part that counts…
Amazingly after I had added up all the cores and then thrown them all away – both teams had won!.
yay sweeties and hoorays all round.
Thank you so much to all my brilliant pupils and a special thanks to Miss Beaton and Miss Higgins for letting me loose with the madness on what may be my last Christmas at St.Ninian’s after 20 years…
If you are at a loss as to what to watch over the festive season – fret no more.. the amazing Helen Smith ( librarian of course) from Eckinton School, Derbyshire has fixed all your woes.
This is a listing of all the movies and shows that will be on telly during the hols all based or adapted from books.
It is a real labour of love and well worth a wee look,
Librarians are just great n’est pas?
Huge thanks to Umbrella Education for picking @stninianslib reviewers as their first ever #readyouAToZ competition winners.
We received a lovely box of brand shiny new books which were eagerly snapped up by my brilliant pupils.
The books are already being read and will be reviewed for the next AtoZ and who knows we might even win again.. now I wonder where did those biscuits that were in the box go to….?
If you would like to review some books for this competition – just get in touch – any age- any stage- all welcome!
