Hello all, unfortunately the Library has had to close for a bit. Don’t worry, the books are safe — and will be there when you return!
Photo by Tim Mossholder on Unsplash
In the meantime, stay tuned for plenty of other book recommendations here on the blog, as well as the Library’s Newsletter — and keep reading!
As we bid farewell to the past year and step into a new one, January heralds a season of fresh starts and new beginnings. While many of us set resolutions related to physical health and personal achievements, it’s crucial not to overlook the significance of mental health and wellbeing in this journey of self-improvement.
January, with its symbolic transition into a new calendar year, serves as a powerful reminder to prioritise our mental health. The pressures of modern life, coupled with the challenges brought on by the global pandemic, have underscored the importance of maintaining a resilient and balanced mind.
Taking care of our mental wellbeing is not just a trend or a passing phase—it’s a lifelong commitment to living a fulfilling and meaningful existence. Whether you’re struggling with a particular mental health concern, or looking for ways to improve your emotional intelligence and adaptability, read on for some recommendations from our Shelf Help section.
Wired Differently by Joe Wells
This illustrated portrait collection honours 30 influential neurodivergent individuals for their recent remarkable achievements. The book’s extraordinary stories emphasise that their accomplishments, creations, and inspiration stem not despite their differences but because of them. Encompassing politicians, activists, journalists, YouTubers, DJs, and poets, it showcases diverse career paths, offering neurodivergent readers a spectrum of exciting possibilities.
How to Say No by Michelle Elman
Empower yourself by saying NO to demanding friends, unwanted parties, phone distractions, and unwelcome hugs. This essential guide, suitable for readers aged 9+, navigates the challenges of growing up with humour and insight. Authored by Michelle Elman, a life coach and activist, it teaches the strength, confidence, and self-worth that come with setting boundaries. From friendships to phones and family, this playful and empowering book offers a one-stop guide to creating your life’s rules and knowing when it’s okay to say NO!
Failosophy for Teens by Elizabeth Day
A guide for navigating life’s challenges, “Failosophy For Teens” by Elizabeth Day uses personal experiences and stories from her podcast, “How to Fail,” to empower teens facing setbacks. Embracing failure becomes the key to happiness, success, and self-acceptance. Learn to openly discuss failure, turn it into success, build resilience, and reframe negative thoughts. Failing better leads to growth, learning, and embracing your awesome self. This inspiring handbook will transform your self-perception and life.
Fighting Invisible Tigers by Earl Hipp
“Fighting Invisible Tigers” provides teens with practical advice on stress management, anxiety reduction, and digital well-being. Stress among adolescents is a growing concern, impacting their daily lives. This updated guide teaches proven techniques for handling stressors like school, friendships, and social media. It offers valuable insights on decision-making, assertiveness, relaxation exercises, time management, and more. Empowering teens to control their stress response promotes healthier relationships, better decisions, and enhanced well-being.
A Better Day by Dr Alex George
Discover a positive approach to mental health with Youth Mental Health Ambassador Dr. Alex George’s empowering handbook, “A Better Day.” Addressing challenges like peer pressure, exam stress, and online trolls, this practical toolkit guides young readers in caring for their mental health. From overcoming stigma to developing resilience, the book provides scaffolding and techniques to stay optimistic. With insights on talking about feelings and shifting mindset, it offers hope for a brighter future despite life’s ups and downs.
As we embrace the spirit of new beginnings this January, let’s not overlook the importance of mental health. By recognising the interconnectedness of mind and body, we can lay the foundation for a year filled with personal growth, resilience, and overall wellbeing. Remember, taking care of your mental health is not just a resolution—it’s a commitment to a healthier, happier you.
As the holiday season approaches, it’s the perfect time to cosy up with a good book. And for teenagers, there are some excellent options out there that will capture their imagination and get them into the festive spirit. Here are ten of the best holiday books to get for your favourite reader:
“Dash & Lily’s Book of Dares” by Rachel Cohn and David Levithan
A heartwarming and charming story set in New York City during the holiday season. The book follows the adventures of Dash and Lily as they exchange dares in a red notebook, leading them on a journey of self-discovery and unexpected romance.
★★★★☆ 3.75/5 on Goodreads
“Let It Snow” by John Green, Maureen Johnson, and Lauren Myracle
A collection of three interconnected holiday romances, this novel captures the magic of Christmas and the unexpected twists that come with it. It’s a delightful collaboration by three popular YA authors, weaving together tales of love, friendship, and the joy of the season.
★★★★☆ 3.69/5 on Goodreads
“My True Love Gave to Me: Twelve Holiday Stories” edited by Stephanie Perkins
A compilation of short stories by various YA authors, each tale captures a different aspect of the holiday season, from the enchantment of first love to the magic of celebrating diverse traditions, making it a perfect festive read for every mood.
★★★★☆ 3.66/5 on Goodreads
“Holidays on Ice” by David Sedaris
If your teenagers enjoy humour, David Sedaris brings a satirical and hilarious twist to the holiday season in this collection of essays. His witty observations will have readers laughing out loud, providing a humorous and sometimes absurd take on the traditions and quirks associated with Christmas.
★★★★☆ 3.89/5 on Goodreads
“The Afterlife of Holly Chase” by Cynthia Hand
A modern retelling of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol,” this novel follows Holly Chase, a girl visited by three ghosts on Christmas Eve. As Holly navigates her second chance at redemption, readers are treated to a poignant exploration of self-discovery and the true meaning of Christmas spirit. A unique and thought-provoking take on the classic story.
★★★★☆ 3.96/5 on Goodreads
“Snow Like Ashes” by Sara Raasch
In this fantasy adventure, Meira, a young orphan, embarks on a journey to reclaim her kingdom from an evil ruler, with the backdrop of a perpetual winter. The story beautifully combines elements of magic, political intrigue, and a quest for identity, making it an enthralling read for teenagers who enjoy epic tales set in wintry realms.
★★★★☆ 3.88/5 on Goodreads
“What Light” by Jay Asher
In this poignant and hopeful tale, Sierra navigates teenage romance against the backdrop of her family’s Christmas tree farm. Set between Oregon and California, the story explores themes of love, forgiveness, and the enduring spirit of the holiday season, capturing the complexities of growing up and finding hope in unexpected places.
★★★★☆ 3.56/5 on Goodreads
“The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks” by E. Lockhart
While not strictly a Christmas book, this novel follows the adventures of Frankie Landau-Banks, a sharp and witty protagonist who challenges the status quo at her elite boarding school. It offers a compelling and empowering narrative for teens who appreciate intelligent and rebellious heroines.
★★★★☆ 3.81/5 on Goodreads
“How to Excavate a Heart” by Jake Maia Arlow
Shani’s paleoichthyology internship takes a backseat when she runs into May. Literally. With her mum’s car. Amidst the chaos, a dog-walking job reunites them on Christmas Eve, sparking a connection that challenges Shani to confront her past heartbreak. And when the two are snowed in together on Christmas Eve, she must decide if this unexpected romance is a fleeting moment or a chance at a more profound commitment.
★★★★☆ 3.86/5 on Goodreads
“Winterwood” by Shea Ernshaw
For fans of fantasy, “Winterwood” offers a magical and atmospheric winter setting. The story follows a girl named Nora who discovers a mysterious boy in the woods, and together they unravel dark secrets against a mesmerising backdrop. The snow-covered landscape sets the stage for a captivating reading experience, making it perfect for the holiday season.
★★★★☆ 3.85/5 on Goodreads
We live in a diverse world, and it’s more important now than ever to stand up against prejudice, discrimination, and bullying. By observing Anti-Bullying Week in conjunction with Islamophobia Awareness Month, we can address the complex causes and effects of prejudice. So, let’s explore why viewing these initiatives together is important, and how we can have nuanced conversations about the issues they touch on.
Both Anti-Bullying Week and Islamophobia Awareness Month aim to promote understanding, respect, and empathy. Discrimination affects not only individuals but also entire communities. By connecting these events, we can begin to unravel the root causes of prejudice that impact vulnerable ethnic and religious minorities, such as Islamophobia.
To have nuanced conversations about prejudice, we first need to recognise our own biases. We all have them, but being aware of them the key to breaking their hold on our thoughts and actions. Start by reflecting on your own beliefs asking yourself why you hold them.
Next, open up to listening and learning from others’ perspectives. Engage in discussions with respect and empathy, even if you disagree. Remember, everyone’s experience is unique, and we can develop a greater understanding of prejudice by listening and sharing our own stories. Fittingly, this year’s Islamophobia Awareness Month theme is #MuslimStories — giving you extra incentive to seek out and immerse yourself in the experiences of those who may be different from you.
Explore the history, culture, and contributions of different ethnic and religious groups. Education is crucial in challenging stereotypes and breaking down barriers. Seek out accurate information, read diverse books, watch documentaries, or even invite someone from a different faith or culture to speak at school.
Finally, be an ally and advocate for those who face discrimination. Encourage your friends, family, and school to create safe spaces that celebrate diversity and respect everyone’s uniqueness.
By uniting Anti-Bullying Week and Islamophobia Awareness Month, we can address the complexities of prejudice and work toward a more inclusive society. Remember, small actions can make a big difference in creating a world where everyone can thrive. Together, let’s stand against prejudice and build a brighter future for all.
The BBC have released a Live Lesson for Anti-Bullying Week you can find here; Anti-Bullying week also provide free online CPD here. Additionally, if you’d like to try a book that spotlights Muslim experiences, you can find some curated lists here, here, and here.
Falling on the first Thursday of October each year, National Poetry Day offers a wonderful opportunity to examine the power and beauty of poetry, celebrating both its role in the curriculum and the pure joy of reading it for pleasure. This year’s theme, “Refuge,” encourages our students to reflect on the idea of finding comfort and safety, not just in themselves but also in the stories we tell and the shared experiences which underpin them. It’s a reminder that their love for poetry connects them to a nationwide celebration.
The Notre Dame High School Library has accordingly been transformed into a poetry wonderland, highlighting a carefully curated collection of classic and contemporary poems. We want our students to know that poetry is not confined to textbooks but is a living, breathing art form meant to be explored.
Meanwhile, at our activity station, students have the opportunity to engage in a wide variety of creative projects, including some wonderful worksheets by National Poetry Day UK and a dedicated blackout poetry workshop. Armed with markers, they transform pages from old books into new poems, discovering hidden meanings within the text. It’s a fun and creative exercise that encourages close reading and critical thinking. The results are often breathtaking.
Poetry plays a vital role in our curriculum. It hones language skills, enhances vocabulary, and fosters critical thinking. More importantly, it’s a medium for self-expression and self-discovery, especially during the challenging years of adolescence.
Reading poetry for pleasure is equally important. It allows students to appreciate the beauty of language and the depth of human emotions. It’s a lifelong journey of literary appreciation that transcends textbooks and exams.
National Poetry Day is about celebrating the joy of words. It’s a day of creativity, reflection, and inspiration. Poetry isn’t just lines on paper; it’s a bridge to understanding ourselves and the world.
Here’s to National Poetry Day and to the enduring magic of poetry, touching our students’ lives for years to come!
27 January marks Holocaust Memorial Day, commemorating the six million Jews — and millions of other marginalised people, whether LGBTQ+, disabled, Romani, or otherwise considered “lesser” — killed by the Nazis in the course of the Holocaust. Holocaust Memorial Day also serves to highlight the victims of more recent genocides in Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia and Darfur, reminding us that the lessons of the past are no guarantee of future safety.
If you would like to learn more about the Holocaust, the Library now has a display with various fiction and non-fiction books covering the topic. This will remain in place until Monday, 6 February. S1/2 pupils will also be called to an assembly on the afternoon of 27 January, to attend a service of remembrance for victims of the Holocaust.
Additionally, you can access a number of resources & activities online:
Stay updated on all things books with this month’s Notre Dame High School Library Newsletter! Inside you’ll find virtual events you can join, new releases for June, and an interview with Neil Slorance, a comics/graphic novels illustrator.
You can see the flipbook here: https://bit.ly/2yPLDd1 or you can download the PDF: JUNE 2020 NEWSLETTER
A bunch of school librarians in Glasgow have come together to recommend a huge variety of books to help pass the time while we’re all staying home.
Glasgow School Librarians Lockdown List
I encourage you to have a browse of the list, and to keep recommending books to your friends and family. Remember – stay safe and stay home!
On Monday 3 March, Notre Dame High School welcomed Muhammad Khan, author of I Am Thunder and Kick the Moon. This was organised as part of Glasgow’s Wee Write! Festival.
He talked to our S3 girls about his books and writing process, and also about Islamophobia and toxic masculinity. This event really resonated with our students and I know it was enriching for me personally.
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