Author Archives: Ms Barron

St Roch’s Reads: November

Book Week Scotland

November is the month for Book Week Scotland, an annual celebration of books and reading that takes place across the country. 

So instead of our usual English class visits, we had activity session this month. S1 pupils competed in Blooket quizzes that tested (and refreshed) their library knowledge. Classes also played a big game of Bring Me.. Each team had to find books to match the cards and bring them to the teacher.

It got quite competitive by the end, the poor shelves took a while to recover. Well done to the victors!

It’s also non-fiction month! National Non-Fiction November is the Federation of Children’s Book Groups’ annual celebration of all things factual. This month we’re spotlighting a couple of our new non-fiction books to celebrate all those readers that have a passion for information and facts. 

Tim Marshall’s global bestseller Prisoners of Geography showed how every nation’s choices are limited by mountains, rivers, seas and concrete. Since then, the geography hasn’t changed. But the world has and geography shapes not only our history, but where we’re headed. We have two exciting new books from Tim in the library this month, exploring how geography could shape the future of the world.  

The power of geography : ten maps that reveal the future of our world / Tim Marshall 

In this revelatory new book, Marshall explores ten regions that are set to shape global politics in a new age of great-power rivalry: Australia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, the UK, Greece, Turkey, the Sahel, Ethiopia, Spain and Space. Find out why Europe’s next refugee crisis is closer than it thinks as trouble brews in the Sahel; why the Middle East must look beyond oil and sand to secure its future; why the eastern Mediterranean is one of the most volatile flashpoints of the twenty-first century; and why the Earth’s atmosphere is set to become the world’s next battleground 

The future of geography : how power and politics in space will change our world 

Spy satellites orbiting the Moon. Space metals worth billions. Humans on Mars within our lifetimes. 

This isn’t science fiction. It’s astropolitics. 

We’re entering a new space race – and it could revolutionise life on Earth. 

 

Both of these books  are available now to borrow from the school library.

Non-fiction November @ Whitehill

National Non-Fiction November is the Federation of Children’s Book Groups’ annual celebration of all things factual. This month in Whitehill school library we’re spotlighting some of favourite new non-fiction books to celebrate all those readers that have a passion for information and facts.  

Engineers making a difference / Illustrated by Adam Allsuch Boardman  

Engineers are the superheroes of the real world. They use their problem-solving skills to face down the biggest challenges we have, from creating clean energy to designing prosthetic limbs, from eliminating food shortages to programming AI to exploring the surface of Mars. In this book you’ll meet 46 engineers, from apprentices and lab technicians to university professors and start-up CEOs and hear what problems they are solving and why they love their jobs. Engineers are changing the world. Will you be one of them? 

Beauty, hair, style / Sophie Hannah Stanford 

It’s time to let go of outdated beauty rules and expectations, and to discover empowering and exciting ways to express yourself. Welcome to the new beauty bible. This book has absolutely everything you need to know, from how to put together your beauty kit, take care of your skin and master basic techniques, to ideas for experimenting with hair colour and styles, and finding sustainable ways to develop your look. Including step-by-step illustrated tutorials and aspirational ideas, it is packed full of information to teach, inspire and give you the confidence to develop your own unique style.  Life is short – so let yourself feel good being you! 

Pinch of nom budget : affordable, delicious food / Kate & Kay Allinson 

Pinch of Nom Budget is bursting with meals and desserts that bring all the flavour for a fraction of the cost. From cheeky fakeaways and hearty one-pan meals to mouthwatering sweet treats, this food feels so indulgent that you’d never guess it’s also wallet friendly.  Thanks to bold flavours, delicious recipes and affordable ingredients, Pinch of Nom Budget has your mealtimes sorted.
 

Automotive : a visual history of automobiles / Illustrated by Ryo Takemasa 

A stunningly illustrated tribute to all things car, Automotive celebrates the ingenuity and usability of cars, trucks and motorbikes past, present and future. From Karl Benz’s Motorwagon, through to the flashiest, super-fast cars of today, Automotive is a spectacular look at the history of road vehicles throughout the world, and the fantasy and jaw-dropping awe they evoke. Packed full of iconic models including the rip-roaring Hot Rods and luxurious limousines with beautiful artwork by the award-winning artist Ryo Takemasa. 

What’s where on Earth? History atlas : history as you’ve never seen it before 

What’s Where on Earth? History Atlas is totally unique and the ideal book for anyone and everyone who wants to know more about the world. This round-the-world trip begins with the first humans and cities before visiting the Egyptian pharaohs and experiencing the rise of the Roman Empire. This History Atlas is the perfect gift for children curious about the past and the world around them, as well as parents and educators looking for a visual way to tell stories. 

And last but not least, we’ve got some fresh footie books! Our football section is always popular, these won’t be on the shelf for long.  

Football rules the world / Illustrated by Dan Green 

Robertson : from the playground to the pitch/ Matt and Tom Oldfield 

Vinicius Junior : from the playground to the pitch / Matt and Tom Oldfield 

Klopp, Tales from the touchline / Harry Coninx 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

St Roch’s Library assistants have put together some great displays this month.  October is Black History Month, an important occasion to recognise and celebrate the invaluable contributions of black people to British society.  Pupils chose books by Black authors to highlight for the month, including fiction by Angie Thomas , Malorie Blackman and Sharna Jackson. There’s also a great junior edition of ‘Black and British‘ by David Olusoga available.

If you are a fan of star signs, we’ve got a new monthly Bookoscope display. Pupils have researched the different star signs to help them find books to match each one. Every month library assistants will choose new books for the current star sign. This month features Libra and Virgo. Don’t worry Scorpios- you’re up next! 

And of course, we’ve got our Spooky Reads to celebrate spooky season. Pupils have filled our display with horror, spooks, ghouls and (most frightening of all) glitter galore. Happy Halloween! 

White scary ghost isolated illustration

 

 

Dyslexia Awareness Week

From the 2nd to 8th October 2023, Dyslexia Awareness Week  will be celebrating individuals with dyslexia from all backgrounds and walks of life. This year’s theme is Uniquely You, which celebrates the diversity of the dyslexic community and the rich variety of lived experiences of dyslexia. 

Barrington Stoke Logo which reads 'Dyslexia Friendly'To celebrate the week we’re spotlighting some of our new Barrington Stoke books in Whitehill School Library.  Each book has a dyslexia-friendly layout, typeface and paper stock so that even more readers can enjoy it.  Barrington Stoke publish a fantastic range of fiction and non-fiction books for all ages and interests, and there are lots more available in the school library.

Click the images to get a sneak peek of first chapters. 

The day the hiccups took overimage of book cover for 'the day the hiccups took over'

Frank has a big day ahead of him, with a trip to the dentist, a trumpet exam, a swimming contest and, most important of all, he has tickets to see his knitting hero on stage right here in his hometown! But all that is put at risk when Frank wakes up with the hiccups. And they just won’t STOP!  

Helped by his new friend Daisy, Frank tries ever more madcap ideas to get the hiccups to go away. But will the whole day end in disappointment and humiliation, or will Frank manage to turn calamity into a dramatic triumph? 

Book cover for 'Bertie and the alien chicken'Bertie and the alien chicken

Bertie is NOT looking forward to spending the summer holidays on stinky Long Bottom Farm. But things take an interesting turn when he encounters Nugget, the alien chicken. Nugget’s mission is to find the Earth’s most valuable resource and transport it back to Nurgle 7, and he needs Bertie’s help.

But what could the Earth’s most valuable resource be, and can they find it in time to stop the Nurgles exterminating the Earth?! 

 

 

Calling the walesImage of book cover for 'Calling the wales' by Jasbinder Bilan.

When Tulsi and her best friend Satchen spot something unusual in the sea near their home in Scotland, they decide to investigate. But little do they know how much danger they are putting themselves in. After rowing out to a nearby island, they become involved in a risky rescue mission and their boat capsizes in a storm. 

But just as they think all is lost, help arrives from an unexpected source … 

Image of book cover for Ravencave by Marcus Sedgwick

Ravencave

While mucking about in the ruins of an old farm while on holiday in Yorkshire, James hears strange laughter echoing around the walls. The ghost of a young girl appears to him and urges James to follow her but at first he’s too afraid. 

When she appears again, this time James follows. But will he be able to face the terrible truth she reveals …? 

 

Little womenImage of book cover for Little Women a retelling by Laura Wood

 

When you’re one of four sisters, it can be difficult to find your own identity. But that’s never the case for the March girls – sweet Meg, tomboyish Jo, shy Beth and precocious Amy. 

With their father away at war and their mother working long hours, the sisters have to look out for each other and make their own entertainment. Although disagreements arise, their strong bond, vivid imaginations and infectious sense of fun see them through the darkest of days in this timeless coming-of-age story. 

 

Image of book cover for Frankenstein: a retelling by Tanya LandmanFrankenstein

A thrilling gothic tale of hubris gone badly wrong. A young man’s search for the secret of the spark of life leads him to a horrific experiment in which he creates a gigantic creature from dismembered body parts. Rejected by his creator, the initially gentle creature turns monstrous when his desire to find companionship and love are thwarted. 

Tanya Landman revisits Mary Shelley’s classic Gothic horror story, bringing to life Dr Frankenstein and his monstrous creation in an accessible format that more readers can enjoy. 

The curio collectors

Image of book cover for The curio collectors by Eloise Williams

Lily, Tom and Ma Hawker are the Curio Collectors, travelling the country and enthralling crowds with their amazing collection of treasures. When an unusual piece of scrimshaw, a shell with delicate carvings, comes into their possession, it attracts the attention of a young maid, who is searching for a special shell that belonged to her mother. But another shadowy figure is also very interested in the scrimshaw, and it appears he will stop at nothing to get his hands on it.

Can the Curio Collectors uncover the mystery behind the carvings before time runs out?

Image of book cover for Dragonracers by Peter BunzlDragonracers

Kitty Hawk dreams of taking to the skies and competing in the world’s first long-distance air race. But little does she imagine that her first flight will take place on the back of a dragon! When Kitty and her brother find an unusual egg, the little dragon that hatches from it grows rapidly into a magnificently powerful creature that learns to fly with Kitty riding on her back.

Together, can they win the huge prize that’s at stake, and will their daring adventure bring Kitty closer to achieving her dreams?

 

St Roch’s Reads: September

Our pupil library assistants have been busy this month! They’ve been working on displays, helping this year’s S1 pupils learn to use the library and getting ready for a new batch of volunteers starting in October. They’ve also been going through lots of lovely new books and choosing their favourites to spotlight. Read on for some new book recommendations and to find out what we’re all reading this month in St Roch’s School Library. 

New books top picks  by Rose and Jorjo

Click the covers to find out more!

Image of book cover for Sahazm Thundercrack by Yehudi Mercado

Image of book cover for Ravencave by Marcus Sedgwick

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Image of book cover for 'finding my voice' by Aoife Dooley

Image of book cover for 'Looshkin oof! Right in the the puddings!' Illustrated by Jamie Smart

This month the library team are reading…  

The maze ruImage of book cover for 'Maze runner' by James Dashnernner / James Dashner   

When the doors of the lift crank open, the only thing Thomas remembers is his first name. But he’s not alone. He’s surrounded by boys who welcome him to the Glade – a walled encampment at the centre of a bizarre and terrible stone maze. Like Thomas, the Gladers don’t know why or how they came to be there – or what’s happened to the world outside. All they know is that every morning when the walls slide back, they will risk everything – even the Grievers, half-machine, half-animal horror that patrol its corridors, to try and find out. 

 

The witchery / S. IsabelleImage of book cover for 'The witchery' by S. Isabelle 

 Fear and prejudice still fuel the uneasy truce between humans and witches who are forced to work together when the Haunting Season begins at Mesmortes Coven Academy, and Wolves rise from the swamp to feed. With this approaching, two local boys prepare to make their first sacrifices to the witches in exchange for protection.

But as they become involved with the witches’ plan to end the Wolves’ reign of terror once and for all, old dangers lie in wait. 

 

Heartstopper : volume 1 / By Alice Oseman Image of book cover for 'Heartstopper' 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.

But love works in surprising ways, and Nick is more interested in Charlie than either of them realised. 

The Raven boys / Maggie Stiefvater Image of book cover for 'Raven boys' by Maggie Stiefvater

“There are only two reasons a non-seer would see a spirit on St. Mark’s Eve… 

Either you’re his true love… or you killed him.” 

Part of a clairvoyant family, Blue has spent sixteen years being told that if she kisses her true love, he will die. So when she meets Gansey’s spirit on the corpse road, Blue knows that either he is her true love – or she has killed him. 

The boy emerges from the dark and speaks directly to her. His name is Gansey, and he is a student at Aglionby, a wealthy local private school. With three other mysterious and privileged boys, he is on a quest to find the grave of Glendower – a Welsh king buried somewhere on a Virginia ley line. Whoever finds him will be granted a supernatural favour. 

Never before has Blue felt such magic around her. But is Gansey really her true love – the one she is destined to kill? 

Death note 1  / Tsugumi Ohba, Takeshi Obata Image of book cover for 'Deathnote' by Tsugumi Ohba and Takeshi Obata

Light Yagami is an ace student with great prospects – and he’s bored out of his mind. But all that changes when he finds the Death Note, a notebook dropped by a rogue Shinigami death god. Any human whose name is written in the notebook dies, and now Light has vowed to use the power of the Death Noteto rid the world of evil. But when criminals begin dropping dead, the authorities send the legendary detective L to track down the killer. With L hot on his heels, will Light lose sight of his noble goal…or his life? 

Last but not least Miss Barron is reading Wool / Hugh Howey.  If you are a fan of sci-fi or dysoptian-end-of-the-world settings, you’ll love it.  

Image of book cover for 'The wool trilogy' by Hugh HoweyIn a ruined and hostile landscape, in a future few have been unlucky enough to survive, a community exists in a giant underground silo.
Inside, men and women live an enclosed life full of rules and regulations, of secrets and lies.
To live, you must follow the rules. But some don’t. These are the dangerous ones; these are the people who dare to hope and dream, and who infect others with their optimism.
Their punishment is simple and deadly. They are allowed outside.
Jules is one of these people. She may well be the last. 

April in St Roch’s

Spring is in full swing this month and Glasgow schools have been busy bees. We started a new term, said goodbye to some senior pupils and this week we kicked off exam season. Well done to everyone for all the studying and best of luck!  

There was also lots of  things happening in the UK and beyond for St Roch’s library to join in. 

World Autism Acceptance Week: 28 March – 3 April 2022 

April 2nd was World Autism Awareness Day, but did you know the whole of April is World Autism Month?

Books are a great way to raise awareness and help us to understand each other-so we’ve listed some books about or by people with autism that are available from the school library.

You’ll find some on display in school and on the Libby by Overdrive app.

World Book Night: 23 April

Work Book Night is run by The Reading Agency and brings people from all backgrounds together for one reason – to inspire others to read more. You can do anything you want related to books: read alone, read with or to someone, or even call a friend to chat about books and share recommendations.  

There are lots of great book suggestions listed this year with previous lists also available  on their website. We collected some of the recommended books for a display in the library, to help students choose something new to read. 

Keep the heid and read! 

To celebrate the power of reading, libraries and good mental health, people are being asked to pledge SIX minutes on Wednesday 11th May 2022 and devote it to reading. 

Why? Because taking some time for yourself to relax and do things you enjoy like reading is important to help look after your mental health and wellbeing. 

Students in St Roch’s have signed up this month with their English class and will visit the library to join in the 6-minute-read on May 11th. We’re really looking forward to it!  

It’s simple to pledge on the Keep the Heid website, and you can enter a prize draw for £100 book token. Young Scot card holders can also earn reward points for pledging! Take the pledge now and see how many minutes people all over Scotland will be reading for on 11th May 2022. 

Wee Write Festival: Metaphrog 

Lastly, the Wee Write book festival for children and young people runs this year from 25th –30th April. This year’s  Wee Write Family Day is on Saturday 30 April and is jam-packed with exciting authors, illustrators and much more. Visit the Glasgow Life website to see what’s on. 

As part of the Wee Write programme for schools, award-winning graphic novelists Metaphrog will be visiting St Roch’s this month. Their latest graphic novels are fairy tale adaptations including The Red Shoes and Other Tales, The Little Mermaid and Bluebeard: A Feminist Fairy Tale, all published by Papercutz.  Sandra and John will be sharing their creative process and the secrets of making comics in what promises to be a very fun session- we can’t wait!!

March in St Roch’s: World Book Day

World Book Day is a celebration of reading, authors, illustrators and books which happens in March every year. This year was a particularly special one because it marked 25 years of World Book Day!  In St Roch’s, pupils were all given a token which they could use to claim a free book in places like Waterstones, Tesco & Sainsbury’s.  There were lots of great books to choose from this year and we were delighted to get some copies for the library.  

This year we celebrated World Book Day’s 25th anniversary with lots of library activities.   There was a book display with previous WBD books, featured authors and recommendations. S1 and S2 English classes visited the library with their iPads to take part in WBD quiz sessions. We had great fun playing games on Blooket, with questions on Harry Potter, Roald Dahl, Wimpy Kid and lots more. The quiz sets are  available online, just click on the one you’d like to play above.

Manga and comics are very popular in St Roch’s, so there was a special lunchtime quiz for all the fans. It was an impressive display of knowledge from everyone, but we had two stand out winners. Well done Louie and Ivy! 

During March pupils also took part in the library’s World Book Day Bookopoly reading challenge. Pupils read books to complete a genre on the board and get a prize draw entry. Some brave students went the extra mile and got entries for doing reading dares as well. 

Finally, Ms Nimmo’s S1 class created some beautiful poems about nature to display in the library during March. The poems were also made into a class ebook that everyone can enjoy. 

All in all it a was a great month of World Book Day celebrations. Looking forward now to next month’s Wee Write festival and some fantastic author events in schools across Glasgow!

LGBT+ History Month

Every February, Scotland celebrates LGBT+ History Month -a chance to connect and to reflect on the past and present of the LGBT+ community. 

Whitehill Secondary School is currently working towards LGBT Charter Bronze award, as a way to ensure inclusivity for all pupils. In the school library, there’s a great range of non-fiction and fiction LGBT+ books available for pupils to borrow. You’ll always find something great to read in our display area, which highlights books with LGBTQ+ themes and characters. And there’s even more books in the digital library! Here’s a sample of some titles you can download and read during the month. 

You can access e-books and audiobooks from anywhere, using the Libby library app. New to the digital library? Check out this handy video on getting started with Libby. If you need any help using the eBooks or getting set up on Libby, remember you can visit the library on Thursdays and Fridays and chat to the librarian.  

Happy reading!

New Year, New Term

Happy New Year from St Roch’s Library. It’s been a busy month in school with all the prelims happening and the library times were a bit irregular. It’s back to normal from February though,  just in time for the year’s first delivery of New Books! There’s some really good fiction, non-fiction and comics included-here’s a quick preview:

New books in January

The library is open at lunchtime for S1-S3 students every Tuesday & Wednesday. You can sit and chat with your friends, read quietly or do homework. If you feel like being creative we have paper, comic panels, colouring sheets, pens and other arty supplies.

For books fans, every Tuesday you can come along to Book Club – we chat about what everyone is reading and share recommendations. Some favourites so far have been Awful Auntie by David Walliams, Children of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyemi and The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern.

From this month there’s also a Chess Club happening in the library on Tuesdays. If you’re new to chess you can learn how to play and practice your skills. Some students are already pros and there’s been some lively games. Why not visit the library at lunchtime and join in?

There’ll be more updates on library happenings coming soon so stay tuned. We’re looking forward to World Book Day already!