Monthly Roundup:
Pop-Up Library: This month saw exams taking place in the library, so we’re crossing our fingers for our Seniors. Best of luck everyone! Our Pop-Up Library will take place lunchtimes in an English classroom where there will be activities and a small selection of books to choose from.
Creative Writing Contest winners announced: Congratulations to N (S1) for their fantastic short story which won our World Book Day creative writing contest, selected by our Pupil Library Committee judges.
Bookmark Design Competition: We’ve received eight beautiful designs as part of our annual School Library Bookmark design competition. Voting has commenced on the School Library Channel of Teams.
BGE Class Visits: It’s that time of year! We’ll be visiting each S1-S3 English classes with a list of books out on loan. Library Return Boxes are located within each classroom to make it as easy as possible to return items. And there is no pressure to return books if you’re still reading them, just get in touch to renew!
New Book Highlights:
The Usborne Creative Writing Book by Louise Stowell
Graphic Novel Builder: The Illustrated Guide to Making Your Own Comics by Edward Ross
Play Like Your Football Heroes: Pro Tips for Becoming a Top Player by Matt Oldfield, Seth Burkett, Tom Jennings
Book of the Day:
02.04.25: Finding My Voice by Aoife Dooley
04.04.25: Be Resilient: How to Build A Strong Teenage Mind For Tough Times by Nicola Morgan
23.04.25: Allergic by Megan Wagner Lloyd and Michelle Mee Nutter
25.04.25: A Different Kind of Freedom: A Romani Story by Richard O’Neill
28.04.25: Astronomy for Curious Kids: An Illustrated Introduction to the Solar System, our Galaxy, Space-Travel – and More! By Giles Sparrow and Nik Neves
30.04.25: This Book Will Save the Planet: A Climate-Justice primer for Activists and Changemakers by Dany Sigwalt and Aurelia Durand
Author Spotlight:
23.04.25: Krystal Sutherland
28.04.25: Camryn Garrett
Series Spotlight:
23.04.25: Laura Marlin Mysteries by Lauren St John
28.04.25: Extremely Embarrassing Life of Lottie Brooks by Katie Kirby
Literary and Cultural Celebrations for April (Book Lists and Displays):
World Autism awareness Month: World Autism Awareness Month is an opportunity for everyone to come together and raise awareness, foster acceptance, and create a society where autistic people are supported, understood, and empowered. Visit the National Autistic Society’s website for more information.
Stress Awareness Month: Stress Awareness Month has been held every April since 1992 to raise awareness of the causes and management strategies for stress. We’ve highlighted some books available in your School Library and signposted some websites with more information about management: Aye Feel, mentalhealth.org.uk, SAMH.org.uk
National Pet Month: National Pet Month celebrates and raises awareness of responsible pet ownership.
International Children’s Book Day (2nd April): Since 1967, on or around Hans Christian Andersen’s birthday, 2 April, International Children’s Book Day (ICBD) is celebrated to inspire a love of reading and to call attention to children’s books. Find out what made the BBC’s Top 100 Children’s Books of All Time.
International Romani Day (8th April): International Romani Day (8 April) is a day to celebrate Romani culture and raise awareness of the issues facing Romani people. Visit the Romani Arts website to learn more.
Passover (12th -20th April): Passover, also called Pesach, is a major Jewish holiday and one of the Three Pilgrimage Festivals. It begins before sundown on Saturday April 12, 2025, and ends after nightfall on April 20, 2025. Happy Passover to those celebrating.
Easter: Easter also called Pascha or Resurrection Sunday is a Christian festival and cultural holiday. Additional customs that have become associated with Easter and are observed by both Christians and some non-Christians. Happy Easter to those celebrating.
International Dark Sky Week (21st-28th April): International Dark Sky Week is a global celebration of the night. From the darkness needed for a restful night’s sleep to the activities we enjoy beneath the stars, the night plays a crucial role in protecting healthy wildlife ecosystems, advancing science and exploration, preserving cultural knowledge, and much more.
Earth Day (22nd April): The theme for Earth Day 2025 is OUR POWER, OUR PLANET, inviting everyone around the globe to unite behind renewable energy, and to triple the global generation of clean electricity by 2030.
National Gardening Week (28th April – 4th May): National Gardening Week is a time for people to learn about gardening, connect with other gardening enthusiasts, and get inspired. Find some gardening tips on the Royal Horticultural Society’s website.
Trending Book Lists
Epic Reads New Releases | The Guardian Children’s Book Roundup | LoveReading4Kids Books of the Month | Scholastic Books of the Month | Scottish Book Trust Book Lists |Toppsta Monthly Highlights | Waterstones Books of the Month
Book Awards
Winners: Peters Book Awards
Shortlists: The British Book Awards | Branford Boase Awards | Jhalak Prize
Longlists: Women’s Prize | Crime Writer’s Association
