Talented artists at St. Paul’s have published their own graphic novel.
Moving On Up!
‘Moving On Up’ is a collection of short stories, crafted into one fantastic comic. The drawings are beautifully done, showing off the individual style of each artist. Ideal for anyone who may be facing a challenge, such as moving to secondary school, but also just great fun and a treat to read.
The seven members of St. Paul’s Cool Comics Club completed the graphic novel at their meetings in the school library. The sessions were supported by renowned graphic novelist, Neil Slorance.
The project was funded and supported by the Scottish Book Trust Author Residency programme, where an author or graphic novelist is matched up to a school to work together over several months, an honour given to very few schools. https://www.scottishbooktrust.com/writing-and-authors/live-literature/school-residencies/introducing-live-literature-school-residencies
The Book Launch, organised by the English dept., took place in the school library last week, and was attended by parents, friends, members of the school community, and Glasgow Libraries, who were all delighted to see the finished graphic novel. The Cool Comics Club members were on hand to chat and autograph copies.
Comics Club authors, Mrs Barcia and Neil at the Book Launch
At the launch, it was clear how proud everyone is of this fantastic project. The original idea was devised by Cat McGlinn – St. Paul’s former school librarian, and supported throughout by Mrs Barcia – English teacher, and Alison West – Glasgow Libraries. Neil congratulated the authors and said that it had been a pleasure to work with them. Likewise, everyone thoroughly enjoyed working with Neil. This was a great partnership.
While the celebration is now over, the artists can be confident that many readers will enjoy ‘Moving On Up’, and will be inspired by the themes of self-belief and resilience in the book. This shining example of good practice may well inspire other schools and comics fans to achieve their dreams.
by FK, Glasgow Libraries- School Library Service
They have learned really quickly and been reliable too. Here they are proudly with their Reading Leader badges on their ties. Celebrations too for our Senior Reader Leaders who enjoyed last year so much they have come back and helped train our new recruits. There is only 1 Senior Reading Leader in the photo, however we do have 3 in total. Our full team of 7 will make the library an even more brilliant place to be ! Well done to them all !
This activity was really popular and on the first day of the sheets being available, they had to be replenished. It is amazing how the library can provide a calm atmosphere in such a busy school.
Our S3s were absolutely captivated and our only five copies of his book went just moments after the talk concluded.
September was a 
group will be engaging in various storytelling-related activities including games, crafts, reading and much much more. Aside from mental health, a key theme of the group is ‘diversity’. We will be giving updates on what the group have been up to here, so don’t miss it!
