May in Eastbank Academy has been a super busy month as the seniors are all studying for exams – meaning the library reverts to being a much quieter space than usual.  But that doesn’t mean nothing is happening ….

In the May bank holidays, Mrs Marshall enjoyed reading a couple of the Yoto Carnegie nominated titles and is looking forward to representing the Scottish Branch of the Youth Library Group at the Yoto Carnegie Award ceremony in June.  Here are the reviews of 2 of the books in contention for the Award.

Book Review – Steady for This 

What a funny book with wonderful storylines.  I loved it so much that I was laughing out loud when I was meant to be overseeing a study session in the library.

Steady for This

MC Growls is the main character who is trying his best to win a rap contest and get prize money to help his mum out.  However, Growls does not have the “usual” style of rapping and some of his beats really leave the reader howling.  He streams one of his practice sessions inadvertently which end up with his dirty laundry being exposed in public – literally.

Although funny, the book tackles friendships, family struggles and the challenges faced by young carers in the main storyline.  However this doesn’t take away from the humour, and isn’t a heavy read at all.  Instead, you’ll be flying through the pages and chuckling away in no time !  This copy is currently available to borrow in the school library.

 Book Review – Away with Words 

And another wonderful title nominated for the Yoto Carnegie Writing Award is Away with Words by Sophie Cameron.

Gala has just moved from Spain to Scotland, where her Dad has moved in with his partner.  However Gala doesn’t speak English and starting school is very difficult for her.  So she makes friends with a girl called Natalie who has selective mutism.  This is a fascinating tale of friendship and the challenges they both face being unable to communicate at school.  It’s a must read and available in the school library now !

Eastbank Winners !

We’ve won a couple of book prizes from our x posts this month !  You can enjoy the really fun Magicalia and also The Stone Age Clash, and you can read along with both books using the fun bookmarks sent to us by the publishers.  Lucky Eastbank School Library!