Author Archives: Markie Deleavey

June 2025 Roundup – Whitehill Secondary School

Monthly Roundup:

We had such a successful year here at Whitehill Secondary School Library. With 6000+ visits and 8600+ books issued, pupils have very much enjoyed engaging with the library service and the collections. Our Little Pride Library for our LGBT+ group and our Advanced Readers book group have been highlights of our year and we very much look forward to establishing more relationships with the school’s departments and clubs over the 25/26 school year. Thank you to the wonderful English Department for all their continued support over the months. The School Library will be closed for essential maintenance work beginning week beginning June 23rd.

Book of the Day:

03.06.25: Liccle Bit by Alex Wheatle

05.06.25: The Love and Lies of Rukhsana Ali by Sabina Khan

09.06.25: Climate Emergency Atlas by Dan Hooke

11.06.25:  Keedie by Elle McNicoll

 Author Spotlight:

02.06.25: Jasbinder Bilan

09.06.25: Dan Freedman

23.06.25: Gill Lewis

 

Series Spotlight:

02.06.25: Series of Unfortunate Events by Lemony Snicket

09.06.25: Five Nights at Freddies by Scott Cawthon

23.06.25: Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

 

Literary and Cultural Celebrations for April (Book Lists and Displays):

Audiobook Appreciation Month: June is Audiobook Month, a time to celebrate and promote the listening experience of audiobooks. Check out Glasgow Life’s audiobook range on Borrowbox and Libby by Overdrive.

Gypsy, Roma, and Traveller History Month: Through celebration, education and raising awareness, Gypsy, Roma and Traveller History Month helps to tackle prejudice, challenge myths and to amplify the voices of Gypsies, Romas ad Travellers in wider society.

National Crime Reading Month: National Crime Reading Month is an annual initiative spearheaded and developed by the Crime Writer’s Association. It runs throughout June, this year in collaboration with The Reading Agency. National crime Reading Month aims t bring new books to existing readers and new readers to the world’s most popular and best-selling genre.

Pride Month:  Pride Month is an annual celebration dedicated to the celebration of LGBTQ+ history and contributions and coincides with the anniversary if the 1969 Stonewall riots.

World Environment Day (5th June): World Environment Day is the United Nations day for encouraging worldwide awareness and action to protect our environment.

World Oceans Day (8th June): World Oceans Day aims to raise the awareness of the current challenges faced by the international community in connection with the oceans.

Empathy Day (12th June): Empathy Day is a national event in the UK that is part of the wider Empathy Day festival running from June 2nd-12th. The theme for 2025 is “What’s your spark?”. The day aims to inspire children and young people to learn about empathy and experience it through stories and put it into action.

Refugee Week (16th-22nd): Refugee Week is the world’s largest arts & culture festival celebrating the contributions, creativity, and resilience pf refugees and people seeking sanctuary.

Windrush Day (22nd June): Windrush Day marks the anniversary of the arrival of the HMT Empire Windrush on 22nd June 1948 and to recognise and thank all of those from the Windrush generation and their descendants to their enormous contributions.

International Women in Engineering Day (23rd June): International Women in Engineering Day is an international campaign that aims to raise the profile of women in engineering and encourage more people to consider engineering career. This day highlights the achievements of women engineering and provides a platform to celebrate their work and inspire the next generation of female engineers.

 

 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:  FCBG Children’s Book Awards | Jhalak Prize | James Tait Black Prizes | Orwell Prizes | Sir Walter Scott Prize for Historical Fiction | Sports Book Awards | UKLA Book Awards | Women’s Prize | YOTO Carnegies

June 2025 Roundup – Shawlands Academy School Library

Monthly Roundup:

Rights Respecting Schools: We are pleased to announce that Shawlands Academy has achieved Silver accreditation on our Rights Respecting Schools journey. Pupils can browse our updated human rights collections in our newly named Rights Respecting Reads section.

Paint: We are so excited for our School Library to be painted over the summer. Pupils have submitted their preference for colours so all will be revealed come August!

Book of the Day:

02.06.25: The Agathas by Kathleen Glasgow

09.06.25: Climate Action: The Future is In Our Hands by Georgina Stevens and Katie Rewse

11.06.25: The Pavee and the Buffer Girl by Siobhan Dowd

13.06.25: Ocean by DK

16.06.25: When Stars Are Scattered by Victoria Jamieson, Omar Mohamed, Iman Geddy

18.06.25: Promise Boys by Nick Brooks

20.06.25: The Fights that Makes Us by Sarah Hagger-Holt

23.06.25: Windrush Child by Benjamin Zephaniah

25.06.25: Rebel Girls STEM Stars: 25 Tales of Women in Science by Rebel Girls

 

Author Spotlight:

02.06.25: Ele Fontaine

09.06.25: Yaba Badoe

23.06.25: Christopher Edge

 

Series Spotlight:

02.06.25: Little Badman by Humza Arshad and Henry White

09.06.25: Inheritance Games by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

23.06.25: The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han

 

Literary and Cultural Celebrations for April (Book Lists and Displays):

Audiobook Appreciation Month: June is Audiobook Month, a time to celebrate and promote the listening experience of audiobooks. Check out Glasgow Life’s audiobook range on Borrowbox and Libby by Overdrive.

Gypsy, Roma, and Traveller History Month: Through celebration, education and raising awareness, Gypsy, Roma and Traveller History Month helps to tackle prejudice, challenge myths and to amplify the voices of Gypsies, Romas ad Travellers in wider society.

National Crime Reading Month: National Crime Reading Month is an annual initiative spearheaded and developed by the Crime Writer’s Association. It runs throughout June, this year in collaboration with The Reading Agency. National crime Reading Month aims t bring new books to existing readers and new readers to the world’s most popular and best-selling genre.

Pride Month:  Pride Month is an annual celebration dedicated to the celebration of LGBTQ+ history and contributions and coincides with the anniversary if the 1969 Stonewall riots.

World Environment Day (5th June): World Environment Day is the United Nations day for encouraging worldwide awareness and action to protect our environment.

World Oceans Day (8th June): World Oceans Day aims to raise the awareness of the current challenges faced by the international community in connection with the oceans.

Empathy Day (12th June): Empathy Day is a national event in the UK that is part of the wider Empathy Day festival running from June 2nd-12th. The theme for 2025 is “What’s your spark?”. The day aims to inspire children and young people to learn about empathy and experience it through stories and put it into action.

Refugee Week (16th-22nd): Refugee Week is the world’s largest arts & culture festival celebrating the contributions, creativity, and resilience pf refugees and people seeking sanctuary.

Windrush Day (22nd June): Windrush Day marks the anniversary of the arrival of the HMT Empire Windrush on 22nd June 1948 and to recognise and thank all of those from the Windrush generation and their descendants to their enormous contributions.

International Women in Engineering Day (23rd June): International Women in Engineering Day is an international campaign that aims to raise the profile of women in engineering and encourage more people to consider engineering career. This day highlights the achievements of women engineering and provides a platform to celebrate their work and inspire the next generation of female engineers.

  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:  FCBG Children’s Book Awards | Jhalak Prize | James Tait Black Prizes | Orwell Prizes | Sir Walter Scott Prize for Historical Fiction | Sports Book Awards | UKLA Book Awards | Women’s Prize | YOTO Carnegies

April 2025 Roundup – Whitehill Secondary School Library

Monthly Roundup:

New Book Highlights:

This Summer’s Secrets by Emily Barr

Clouds Over California by Karyn Parsons

Tales of Ancient Egypt by Roger Lancelyn Green

 

Book of the Day:

01.04.25: The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark Haddon

03.04.25: What is Mental Health? Where Does It Come From? And Other Big Questions by Dr. Lucy Maddox

22.04.25: The Mysteries of the Universe by Will Gater

24.04.25: The Shocking Truth About Energy and How it Shapes Our World by Mike Goldsmith

29.04.25: Eyewitness Universe by DK

 

Author Spotlight:

01.04.25: Kwame Mbalia

22.04.25: Aisha Saeed

29.04.25: Phil Earle

 

Series Spotlight:

01.04.25: Planet Omar by Zanib Mian

22.04.25: Frostheart by Jamie Littler

29.04.25: Divergent by Veronica Roth

 

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): The 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

 

 

April 2025 Roundup – Shawlands Academy School Library

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

March 2025 Roundup – Whitehill Secondary School Library

World Book Day: World Book Day activities were celebrated throughout the week beginning March 3rd.

 Scavenger Hunt: We collaborated with the English department to host a scavenger hunt for all year groups, featuring ten books set in Glasgow and surrounding areas to tie in with the city’s 850th birthday festivities. Pupils were encouraged to located the posters with the book’s descriptions in classroom windows for a chance to be entered into our prize draw.

 Glasgow 850 Quiz: Over the course of the week, we visited S1 and s2 English classrooms to deliver our Glasgow-themed quiz to tie in with the Glasgow 850 festivities.

 

New Book Highlights:

 

This Book Will Make You An Artist by Ruth Millington and Ellen Surrey

The Boy At the Window by Lucy Strange

You Wouldn’t Catch Me Dead by Tess James Mackey

 

Book of the Day:

 04.03.25: Muslim Girls Rise by Saira Mir and Aaliya Jaleel

06.03.25: Breaking News: How to Tell What’s Real From What’s Rubbish by Nick Sheridan

11.03.25: The Girl Who Stole An Elephant by Nizrana Farook

13.03.25: History of the Computer: People, Inventions and Technology that Changed Our World by Rachel Ignotofsky

18.03.25: What Would She Do? By Kay Woodward

20.03.25: Lands of Belonging: A History of India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Britain by Donna Amey Bhatt, Vikesh Amey Bhatt, Salini Perera

25.03.25: Frankie’s World by Aoife Dooley

27.03.25: This Book is Anti-Racist: 20 Lessons on how To wake Up, take Action, and Do the Work by Tiffany Jewell and Aurelia Durand

 

Author Spotlight:

04.03.25: Nikesh Shukla

11.03.25: Sue Wallman

18.03.25: Jason Reynolds

25.03.25: Benjamin Dean

 

Series Spotlight:

04.03.25: Goth Girl Chris Riddell

11.03.25: Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi

18.03.25: Enola Holmes by Nancy Springer

25.03.25: Heroes of Olympus by Rick Riordan

 

Literary and Cultural Celebrations for March (Book Lists and Displays):

 Ramadan (28th February – 30th March): Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and holy month for Muslims. Happy Ramadan for those who are celebrating.

 Cyber Scotland Week (24th February – 2nd March): Cyber Scotland Week invites individuals, organisations and communities across Scotland to raise awareness of cyber security and strengthen our collective cyber resilience.

World Wildlife Day (3rd March): United Nations World Wildlife Day is celebrated every year to celebrate wild animals and plants. Every year, they recognize the unique roles and contributions of wildlife to people and the planet.

World Engineering Day (4th March): UNESCO’s World Engineering Day for Sustainable Development raises awareness of the role of engineering in modern life, which is essential to mitigate the impact of climate change and advance sustainable development.

British Science Week (7th-16th March): British Science Week is coordinated by the British Science Association and supported by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI). It is a ten-day celebration of science, research and innovation. This year’s theme is ‘Change and adapt’.

International Women’s Day (8th March) and Women’s History Month: Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day are annual observances that take place during March celebrating the social, eco nomic, cultural, and political achievements of women past and present.

Holi (14th March): Holi is a major Hindu festival celebrated as the Festival of Colours, Love and Spring. Happy Holi to those who are celebrating.

St Patrick’s Day (17th March): St Patrick’s Day is a global celebration of Irish culture commemorating Saint Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland.

Neurodiversity Celebration Week (17th – 23rd March): Neurodiversity Celebration Week is a worldwide initiative that challenges stereotypes and misconceptions about neurological differences. It aims to transform how neurodivergent individuals are perceived and supported by providing schools, universities, organisations, and others around the world with the opportunity to recognise the many skills and talents of neurodivergent individuals, while creating more inclusive and equitable cultures that celebrate differences and empower every individual.

 Global Recycling Day (18th March): Global Recycling Day aims to raise awareness about the importance of recycling and promote sustainable waste management.

International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (21st March): The International Day for the Elimination of racial Discrimination is observed annually on 21st March since declared by the United Nations in 1966 to remember the victims of peaceful demonstrators in South Africa.

International Day of Forests (21st March): International Forest Day is a global initiative to highlight the importance of all types of forests and their role in the fight against climate change.

World Poetry Day (21st March): World Poetry Day was established by UNESCO in 1999 to promote linguistic diversity and give endangered languages through poetic expression and increasing the opportunity for endangered language to be heard.

World Water Day (22nd March): World Water Day is an annual United Nations (UN) observance day that highlights the importance of fresh water. The day is used to advocate for the sustainable management of freshwater resources.

World Meteorological Day (23rd March): World Meteorological Day commemorates the establishment of the World Meteorological Organization in 1950 and highlights the importance of meteorological services in addressing climate change. Check the Met Office for your daily local weather updates

Shakespeare Week (24th-20th March): Shakespeare Week is an annual national celebration of Shakespeare and his works.

Transgender Day of Visibility (31st March): Transgender Day of Visibility is an annual event dedicated to celebrating transgender people and raising awareness of discrimination faced by transgender people worldwide, as well as a celebration of their contributions to society.

 

 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: Inclusive Books for Children’s Awards | Royal Society Young People’s Book Prize | Waterstones Children’s Book Prize

Shortlists: UKLA Book Awards | YOTO Carnegies

 

 

March 2025 Roundup – Shawlands Academy School Library

World Book Day: World Book Day activities were celebrated throughout the week beginning March 3rd.

 Scavenger Hunt: We collaborated with the English department to host a scavenger hunt for all year groups, featuring ten books set in Glasgow and surrounding areas to tie in with the city’s 850th birthday festivities. Pupils were encouraged to located the posters with the book’s descriptions in classroom windows for a chance to be entered into our prize draw.

 Glasgow 850 Quiz: On Wednesday, members of our Pupil Library Committee delivered a Glasgow-themed general knowledge quiz

 Bookmark Competition: We launched our annual School Library bookmark design competition, where pupils will vote on their favourite design to become the official school library bookmark for the 2025-26 school year. Deadline is Friday, April 4th. Voting will take place week beginning April 21st and the winner will be announced in May.

 Creative Writing Competition: We’ve received several short stories and poems as part of our World Book Day creative writing competition to be judged by senior members of our Pupil Library Committee.

 Our Future Self: In September 2020, one of our S1 English classes volunteered to participate in Our Future Self writing exercise where pupils wrote a letter to their future selves about as well as predictions for the future. The completed forms were held in the library until their Senior year and have been given back before exams. Pupils very much enjoyed reading their letter (many forgotten they even wrote one!), fondly remembering all the pop music and video games they used to enjoy as well as comparing their predictions to present day.

 International Women’s Day Quiz: Two of our house captains delivered a quiz for International Women’s Day to tie in with Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day. The quiz highlighted the societal gains women have made over the past 50 years and highlighted several pioneering women in their fields.

Visibility Day Quiz and Crafts: We collaborated with the LGBTQ+ group to host a lunchtime quiz and craft event as part of the school’s Visibility Day festivities. Members of the group created and delivered a fun, informative quiz about LGBTQ+ rights and held a badge making session where pupils could either create their own designs or help prepare badges for the Visibility day celebrations.

Biblio Bistro: We teamed up with the Support for Learnings young baristas to host another popular Biblio Bistro event. The team utilised a section of the library to set up a café space where they could take orders and prepare drinks. A selection of popular library stock and activity sheets were set up on tables to encourage pupils to relax with their hot chocolates and browse some of the fabulous books that the library has to offer.

 

Book of the Day:

 03.03.25: Suffragettes the Battle for Equality by David Roberts

05.03.25: Fake News by Tom Jackson and Cristina Guitian

07.03.25: A Trip To The Future: How Today’s Science Will Shape Tomorrow’s World by Moira Butterfield

10.03.25: Four Eids and a Funeral by

12.03.25: Timelines from Indian History by DK

17.03.25: Rebel Girls Celebrate Neurodiversity: 25 Tales of Creative Thinkers by

19.03.25: An Amazing Animal Atlas of Scotland by Anders Frang

21.03.25: Punching the Air by Ibi Zoboi and Yusef Salaam

24.03.25: Stories for Southa Asian Girls by Raj Kaur Khaira

26.03.25: An Anthology of Fungi by

28.03.25: Engineers Making a Difference: Inventors, Technicians, Scientists and Tech Entrepreneurs Changing the World and How You Can Join Them by Dr Shini Somara, Manual Sumerac, Adam Allsuch Boardman

31.03.25: Meet Cute Diary by Emery Lee

 

Author Spotlight:

03.03.25: Jennifer Mathieu

10.03.25: Tom Fletcher

17.03.25: Yaba Badoe

24.03.25: Ruta Sepetys

31.03.25: Adam Silvera

 

Series Spotlight:

03.03.25: Miss Peregrine’s Children by Ransom Riggs

10.03.25: Tales From The Pizzaplex by Scott Cawthon

17.03.25: Sam Wu by Katie and Kevin Tsang

24.03.25: Agent Zaiiba Investigates by Annabelle Sami

31.03.25: Dog Man by Dav Pilkey

 

Literary and Cultural Celebrations for March (Book Lists and Displays):

 Ramadan (28th February – 30th March): Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and holy month for Muslims. Happy Ramadan for those who are celebrating.

 Cyber Scotland Week (24th February – 2nd March): Cyber Scotland Week invites individuals, organisations and communities across Scotland to raise awareness of cyber security and strengthen our collective cyber resilience.

World Wildlife Day (3rd March): United Nations World Wildlife Day is celebrated every year to celebrate wild animals and plants. Every year, they recognize the unique roles and contributions of wildlife to people and the planet.

World Engineering Day (4th March): UNESCO’s World Engineering Day for Sustainable Development raises awareness of the role of engineering in modern life, which is essential to mitigate the impact of climate change and advance sustainable development.

British Science Week (7th-16th March): British Science Week is coordinated by the British Science Association and supported by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI). It is a ten-day celebration of science, research and innovation. This year’s theme is ‘Change and adapt’.

International Women’s Day (8th March) and Women’s History Month: Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day are annual observances that take place during March celebrating the social, eco nomic, cultural, and political achievements of women past and present.

Holi (14th March): Holi is a major Hindu festival celebrated as the Festival of Colours, Love and Spring. Happy Holi to those who are celebrating.

St Patrick’s Day (17th March): St Patrick’s Day is a global celebration of Irish culture commemorating Saint Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland.

Neurodiversity Celebration Week (17th – 23rd March): Neurodiversity Celebration Week is a worldwide initiative that challenges stereotypes and misconceptions about neurological differences. It aims to transform how neurodivergent individuals are perceived and supported by providing schools, universities, organisations, and others around the world with the opportunity to recognise the many skills and talents of neurodivergent individuals, while creating more inclusive and equitable cultures that celebrate differences and empower every individual.

 Global Recycling Day (18th March): Global Recycling Day aims to raise awareness about the importance of recycling and promote sustainable waste management.

International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (21st March): The International Day for the Elimination of racial Discrimination is observed annually on 21st March since declared by the United Nations in 1966 to remember the victims of peaceful demonstrators in South Africa.

International Day of Forests (21st March): International Forest Day is a global initiative to highlight the importance of all types of forests and their role in the fight against climate change.

World Poetry Day (21st March): World Poetry Day was established by UNESCO in 1999 to promote linguistic diversity and give endangered languages through poetic expression and increasing the opportunity for endangered language to be heard.

World Water Day (22nd March): World Water Day is an annual United Nations (UN) observance day that highlights the importance of fresh water. The day is used to advocate for the sustainable management of freshwater resources.

World Meteorological Day (23rd March): World Meteorological Day commemorates the establishment of the World Meteorological Organization in 1950 and highlights the importance of meteorological services in addressing climate change. Check the Met Office for your daily local weather updates

Shakespeare Week (24th-20th March): Shakespeare Week is an annual national celebration of Shakespeare and his works.

Transgender Day of Visibility (31st March): Transgender Day of Visibility is an annual event dedicated to celebrating transgender people and raising awareness of discrimination faced by transgender people worldwide, as well as a celebration of their contributions to society.

  

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: Inclusive Books for Children’s Awards | Royal Society Young People’s Book Prize | Waterstones Children’s Book Prize

Shortlists: UKLA Book Awards | YOTO Carnegies

 

February 2025 Roundup – Whitehill Secondary School Library

New Book Highlights

 Alastair Campbell Talks Politics by Alastair Campbell

India, Incredible India by Jasbinder Bilan, Illustrated by Nina Chakrabarti

The World Book by Joe Fullman, Illustrated by Rose Blake

The United States Book by Rebecca Siegal, Illustrated by Ellen Weinstein

Book of the day

04.02.25: Hazel Hill is Gonna Win This One by Maggie Horne

06.02.25: The Awesome Power of Sleep: How Sleep Super-Charges Your Teenage Brain by Nicola Morgan

11.02.25: Only Mostly Devastated by Sophie Gonzales

13.02.25: Engineers Making A Difference: Inventors, Technicians, Scientists and Tech Entrepreneurs Changing the World and How You Can Join Them by Sr Shini Somara, Manual Sumberac, and Adam Allsuch Boardman

20.02.25: Northern Soul by Phil Earle

25.02.25: Stars and Smoke by Marie Lu

27.02.25: Here and Queer by Rowan Ellis

Author of the Week

03.02.25:  Kirsty Applebaum

10.02.25:  Jasmine Warga

17.02.25:  Sajni Patel

24.02.25:  Ravena Guron

Series of the Week

03.02.25: Football Superstars by Simon Mugford

10.02.25: Maze Runner by James Dashner

17.02.25: BZRK by Michael Grant

24.02.25: Agent Zaiba Investigates by Annabelle Sami

Literary and Cultural Celebrations for February (Book Lists and Displays)

LGBT+ History Month UK: LGBT+ History Month takes place in the UK every February. LGBTQ History Month was initiated in the UK by  Schools OUT UK, and first took place in February 2005.

Children’s Mental Health Week (3rd -9th February): Hosted by national charity ‘Place2Be’, Children’s Mental Health Week takes place every February. and aims to promote positive mental health for children.

Languages Week Scotland (3rd-7th February): Languages Week Scotland is a celebration of language learning and multilingualism in Scotland. The theme for 2025 is “Our multilingual futures”.

International Day of Women and Girls in Science (11th February): 2025 marks the 10th anniversary of the International Day of Women and Girls in Science (IDWGS) and the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, two significant milestones in the global effort to promote gender equality and women’s empowerment.

PALentines’s Day (13th February): Palentine’s day is a global celebration of friendship and platonic love to compliment Valentine’s Day.

Valentines Day (14th February):  Valentine’s Day is originated as a Christian feast holiday honoring Saint Valentine but is now also a celebration of romance and love around the world.

Random Acts of Kindness Day (17th February): Random Acts of Kindness Day is an global celebration about spreading kindness without expecting anything in return and offer a chance to reflect on the value of empathy.

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: Inclusive Book Awards | Royal Society Young People’s Book Prize | Waterstones Book Prize

Shortlists: UKLA Book Awards | YOTO Carnegie Medals

February 2025 Roundup – Shawlands Academy School Library

Culture Day: Shawlands Academy hosted it’s annual Cultural Day in the Assembly Hall and Library celebrating the school’s rich cultural and diversity and featured several information kiosks, a fashion show, food, and our library’s large range of books. It was a fantastic effort by the teachers and pupils involved in organising.

What’s Your Magic Power Competition Winner: Congratulations to our S1 pupil who won second place in our What’s Your Magic Power art competition in Swatch, the Glasgow School Libraries’ eMagazine for their design ‘Clarivoyance’.

New Book Highlights

An Anthology of Fungi by Ali Ashby, Lynne Boddy, and Daniel Long

Cosmos: Explore the Wonders of the Universe by Dr Becky Smethurst

How Philosophy Works by DK

Legacies: Black British Pioneers by Lania Narjee, Illustrated by Chante Tomothy

Myths of China: Meet the Gods, Creatures and Heroes of Ancient China by Xiaobing Wang, illustrated by Katie Ponder

Rise Up and Sing!: Power, Protest, and Activism in Music  By Andrea Warner, Illustrated by Louise Reimer

Weird and Wonderful Nature: Tale of More Than 100 Unique Animals, Plants, and Phenomenon by Ben Hoare

Underwater World: Aquatic Myths, Mysteries and the Unexplained by Tamara Macfarlane

 

Book of the day

03.02.25Elle Campbell Wins Their Weekend by Ben Khan

05.02.25: Women in STEM: Women Scientists in Physics and Engineering by Catherine Brereton

07.02.25: Failosophy for Teens by Elizabeth Day and Kim Hankinson

10.02.25: Rebel Girls Celebrate Pride: 25 Tales of Self-Love and Community by Elena Favilli

12.02.25: Pumpkinheads by Rainbow Rowell

14.02.25: Saints and Misfits by SK Ali

21.02.25: Fantastically Great Women Scientists and their Stories by Kate Pankhurst

24.02.25: The Exes by Anam Iqbal

26.02.25: Jay’s Guide to Crushing It by Ruby Clyde

28.02.25: This Book Will (Help) Make You Happy: 50 Ways to Find Some Calm, Build Your Confidence and Make Yourself Smile by Suzy Reading and Alex Paterson

 

Author of the Week

03.02.25: Ross MacKenzie

10.02.25: Robin Talley

17.02.25: Tiffany D Jackson

24.02.25: Malorie Blackman

 

Series of the Week

03.02.25: Onyeka by Tola Okogwu

10.02.25: Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard

17.02.25: Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir

24.02.25: Leap Cycle by Patience Agbabi

Literary and Cultural Celebrations for February (Book Lists and Displays)

LGBT+ History Month UK: LGBT+ History Month takes place in the UK every February. LGBTQ History Month was initiated in the UK by  Schools OUT UK, and first took place in February 2005.

Children’s Mental Health Week (3rd -9th February): Hosted by national charity ‘Place2Be’, Children’s Mental Health Week takes place every February. and aims to promote positive mental health for children.

Languages Week Scotland (3rd-7th February): Languages Week Scotland is a celebration of language learning and multilingualism in Scotland. The theme for 2025 is “Our multilingual futures”.

International Day of Women and Girls in Science (11th February): 2025 marks the 10th anniversary of the International Day of Women and Girls in Science (IDWGS) and the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, two significant milestones in the global effort to promote gender equality and women’s empowerment.

PALentines’s Day (13th February): Palentine’s day is a global celebration of friendship and platonic love to compliment Valentine’s Day.

Valentines Day (14th February):  Valentine’s Day is originated as a Christian feast holiday honoring Saint Valentine but is now also a celebration of romance and love around the world.

Random Acts of Kindness Day (17th February): Random Acts of Kindness Day is an global celebration about spreading kindness without expecting anything in return and offer a chance to reflect on the value of empathy.

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: Inclusive Book Awards | Royal Society Young People’s Book Prize | Waterstones Book Prize

Shortlists: UKLA Book Awards | YOTO Carnegie Medals

January 2025 Roundup – Shawlands Academy School Library

Rights Respecting Schools E qualities: This month we worked with the BGE E qualities group to look at ways the School Library can support out Rights Respecting Schools journey. Pupils suggested created themed book lists relating to some of the 54 articles in the UN Convention of the Rights of the Child and will also be spearheading a reading suggestions wall of rights themed books.

Glasgow 850 Challenge: 2025 marks Glasgow’s 850th birthday and to celebrate we’ve launched our Glasgow 850 Challenge, packed with Glasgow themed literacy activities including word jumbles, quizzes, match games, and fill-ins. Completion of each ‘mini-challenge’ earns an entry into a prize draw at the end of the school year. Our Glasgow -themed BGE and Senior book list is also available on the School Library Teams.

What’s Your Power Art Competition: Glasgow School Libraries are running an art competition for a chance to win the Hedgewitch trilogy by Skye McKenna. Participants are to draw their magical power and include a brief description of the power and why they’ve chosen it. Each entry will be featured in the Spring issue of Swatch, the Glasgow School Libraries eMagazine. Deadline Friday 14th February.

 Read Your Way Creative Writing Competition: As part of our upcoming World Book Day festivities, we’ll be hosting our next seasonal creative writing competition on the theme ‘Read Your Way’. Participants have the freedom to write whatever inspires them in any creative format they enjoy. Maximum 1800 words, deadline 6th March.

New Book Highlights:

Hedgewitch by Skye McKenna

The Fight That Makes Us by Sarah Hagger-Holt

Rivet Boy by Barbara Henderson

Stars and Smoke by Marie Lu

Goddess Crown by Shade Lapite

Book of the Day:

06.01: Last Gate of the Emperor by Kwame Mbalia

08.01: Iron Widow by Xiran jay Zhao

10.01: Eagle Warrior by Gill Lewis

13.01: Dear Martin by Nic Stone

15.01: Illustrated Encyclopedia of Animals: An Incredible Journey Through the Animal Kingdom by Claudia Martin, illustrated by Marc Pattenden

17.01: All About Religion by Aled James

20.01: Stride Towards Freedom by Martin Luther King Jr

21.01: Robert Burns And All That by Allan Burnett, illustrated by Scoular Anderson

27.01: The Diary of Anne Frank by Anne Frank

29.01: All About Lunar New Year: Things to Make and Do by Kevin Tsang, Illustrated by Linh Nguyen

Author of the Week

06.01.25: Hanna Alkaf

13.01.25: Alastair Chrisholm

20.01.25: William Sutcliffe

27.01.25: Vashti Hardy

Series of the Week

06.01.25: School for Good and Evil by Soman Chainani

13.01.25: Front Desk by Kelly Yang

20.01.25: Grishaverse by Leigh Bardugo

27.01.25: Supernatural Investigators by BB Alston

Literary and Cultural Celebrations for December

Science Fiction Day (2nd January): National Science Fiction Day is unofficially celebrated by many science fiction fans  on January 2, which corresponds with the official birthdate of famed science fiction writer Isaac Asimov.

Martin Luther King Jr Day (20th January): Martin Luther King Jr. Day (officially Birthday of Martin Luther King Jr., and often referred to shorthand as MLK Day) is observed on the third Monday of January each year. King was the chief spokesperson for nonviolent activism in the Civil Rights Movement, which protested racial discrimination in federal and state law and civil society.

International Holocaust Remembrance Day (27th January) The International Holocaust Remembrance Day commemorates the victims of the Holocaust, which resulted in the genocide of one third of the Jewish people, along with countless members of other minorities by Nazi Germany between 1933 and 1945. It also commemorates recent genocides recognised by the UK government, and the genocide in Darfur. 27 January was chosen to commemorate the date when the Auschwitz concentration camp was liberated by the Red Army in 1945.

World Religions Day (19th January): World Religion Day is an observance that was initiated in 1950 by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baháʼís of the United States, which is celebrated worldwide on the third Sunday in January each year. Though initiated in the United States, World Religion Day has come to be celebrated internationally by followers of the Baháʼí Faith.

RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch (24th-26th January): Big Garden Birdwatch is the UK’s biggest citizen science wildlife survey. By taking part, you can help the RSPB understand how garden birds are doing right now.

Burns Night (25th January): A Burns supper is a celebration of the life and poetry of the poet Robert Burns the author of many Scots poems. The suppers are normally held on or near the poet’s birthday, 25 January, known as Burns Night.

Chinese Lunar New Year (29th January): Chinese New Year, or the Spring Festival is a festival that celebrates the beginning of a new year on the traditional lunisolar Chinese calendar. Marking the end of winter and the beginning of spring, this festival takes place from Chinese New Year’s Eve (the evening preceding the first day of the year) to the Lantern Festival, held on the 15th day of the year. The first day of Chinese New Year begins on the new moon that appears between 21 January and 20 February.

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:  Nero Book Awards

Longlists: Branford Boase Award

January 2025 Roundup – Whitehill Secondary School Library

Pride Club: The Whitehill Secondary Pride Club have now received their selection of LGBTQ+ Junior and Young Adult fiction and nonfiction books which are housed in the club’s classroom.

Glasgow 850 Challenge: 2025 marks Glasgow’s 850th birthday and to celebrate we’ve launched our Glasgow 850 Challenge, packed with Glasgow themed literacy activities including word jumbles, quizzes, match games, and fill-ins. Completion of each ‘mini-challenge’ earns an entry into a prize draw at the end of the school year. Our Glasgow -themed BGE and Senior book list is also available on the School Library Teams.

What’s Your Power Art Competition: Glasgow School Libraries are running an art competition for a chance to win the Hedgewitch trilogy by Skye McKenna. Participants are to draw their magical power and include a brief description of the power and why they’ve chosen it. Each entry will be featured in the Spring issue of Swatch, the Glasgow School Libraries eMagazine. Deadline Friday 14th February.

 New Book Highlights:

Book of the Day:

7.01.25: Noughts and Crosses by Malorie Blackman

9.01.25: The Battle of Songbirds and Snakes by Suzanne Collins

14.01.25: Internment by Samira Ahmed

16.01.25: What is Politics? Why Should We Care? And Other Big Questions by Michael Rosen and Annemarie Young

21.01.25: When the World Was Ours by Liz Kessler

22.01.25: Robert Burns and All That by Allan Burnett, illustrated b Scoular Anderson

28.01.25: Diary of a Young Naturalist by Dara McAnulty

30.01.25: Classifying Animals: Birds by Sarah Wilkes

Author of the Week

06.01.25: Jennifer Mathieu

13.01.25: Polly Ho-Yen

20.01.25: Nick Lake

27.01.25: Benjamin Zephaniah

Series of the Week

06.01.25: STAGS by MA Bennet

13.01.25: Kid Normal by Greg James with Chris Smith

20.01.25: Lockwood & Co by Jonathan Stroud

27.01.25: Enemy by Charlie Higson

 

Literary and Cultural Celebrations for December

Science Fiction Day (2nd January): National Science Fiction Day is unofficially celebrated by many science fiction fans  on January 2, which corresponds with the official birthdate of famed science fiction writer Isaac Asimov.

Martin Luther King Jr Day (20th January): Martin Luther King Jr. Day (officially Birthday of Martin Luther King Jr., and often referred to shorthand as MLK Day) is observed on the third Monday of January each year. King was the chief spokesperson for nonviolent activism in the Civil Rights Movement, which protested racial discrimination in federal and state law and civil society.

International Holocaust Remembrance Day (27th January) The International Holocaust Remembrance Day commemorates the victims of the Holocaust, which resulted in the genocide of one third of the Jewish people, along with countless members of other minorities by Nazi Germany between 1933 and 1945. It also commemorates recent genocides recognised by the UK government, and the genocide in Darfur. 27 January was chosen to commemorate the date when the Auschwitz concentration camp was liberated by the Red Army in 1945.

World Religions Day (19th January): World Religion Day is an observance that was initiated in 1950 by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baháʼís of the United States, which is celebrated worldwide on the third Sunday in January each year. Though initiated in the United States, World Religion Day has come to be celebrated internationally by followers of the Baháʼí Faith.

RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch (24th-26th January): Big Garden Birdwatch is the UK’s biggest citizen science wildlife survey. By taking part, you can help the RSPB understand how garden birds are doing right now.

Burns Night (25th January): A Burns supper is a celebration of the life and poetry of the poet Robert Burns the author of many Scots poems. The suppers are normally held on or near the poet’s birthday, 25 January, known as Burns Night.

Chinese Lunar Year (29th January): Chinese New Year, or the Spring Festival is a festival that celebrates the beginning of a new year on the traditional lunisolar Chinese calendar. Marking the end of winter and the beginning of spring, this festival takes place from Chinese New Year’s Eve (the evening preceding the first day of the year) to the Lantern Festival, held on the 15th day of the year. The first day of Chinese New Year begins on the new moon that appears between 21 January and 20 February.

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:  Nero Book Awards

Longlists: Branford Boase Award