It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas…in the library. 📚
Our elves have been busy putting up our new library Christmas Tree, courtesy of Ms Kelly 🤶 🎄
There are new displays in the library as well. One with Christmas themed books and one with some contemporary senior fiction for reading over the holidays. All available to borrow
The senior pupil volunteers turned elves for the season, and took their assigned task of decorating the Library for Christmas very seriously this year, and we ended up with three trees, one traditional (see below), two more booky.
The S6 pupils above are just some of the senior volunteers who spend at least one period a week helping out in the Library. In addition to their decorating duties, they also worked on selecting books from among the weeded Library stock, so that they can be included in the school’s Christmas hampers which are sent out to families in the local community. The younger Library elves also got involved in this work, prepping the books for being put in the hampers.
We have been very busy this December getting the library ready for Christmas. Our Tuesday Library Club members have outdone themselves this year with the library book tree. I think we can all agree it looks tremendous, well done everyone!
Our Book Tree!
We received some exciting new stock this month, a complete collection of Death Note (Manga). Not the most festive, but one of the worlds most popular Manga series!
Our Reading Schools group has been busy this month making ‘Shelf Shouters’. These are all around the library recommending books to everyone. Keep an eye out for them and give them a try
T’is the season of giving and currently the library desk is giving serious festive vibes, unlike the display which is giving serious lack of festive stock vibes. However, we have tried, and feel proud about shoehorning in that Christmas cookbook.
An attempt has been made 🙂
We tried
The holidays are fast approaching and what better time to catch up on your reading. In the true spirit of Christmas the Reading Schools team has created this Staff Borrow box. It contains contemporary YA fiction and non-fiction titles for your delectation. The box is situated within the school foyer. To borrow a book, simply fill in the form with your name, title of the book and date of borrowing. Just sign it back in when you are finished. Merry Christmas!!
Pupils have been busy this month collecting book recommendations from parents/carers. These have been collated and presented in this Sway presentation. Hope it gives you some reading inspiration!
https://sway.office.com/IIaxsOCysIRuRHfD?ref=Link
Since the 1st of December, the library helpers have been absolutely rocking it! They’ve put in so much effort and creativity to transform their school library into a magical Christmas wonderland. It’s absolutely enchanting for everyone who steps foot inside!
They have created two incredible book trees, with one offering a “surprise books” available for borrowing.
Designing window displays and decorations was an absolute blast for them!
You can practically feel the flickering warmth of the fireplace, while marvelling at the vibrant Christmas stockings lovingly coloured by talented pupils:
Check out this snowmen! It’s so cool that they don‘t have to worry about melting.
We believe that the “gift of reading lasts forever,” ….
so I have been encouraging pupils to ask Santa for any books they would like to see in the library. Hoping that Rudolph will take the library “wish list” directly to him!
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
