Award-winning author, John Young visited Calderhead High School on 30 May 2019. John’s first novel, Farewell Tour of a Terminal Optimist, won the Scottish Teenage Book Prize earlier this year.

This novel tells the story of Connor and Skeates who make their way across Scotland to visit Connor’s father in HMP Shotts. We successfully applied to the First Minister’s Reading Challenge for funding to hold creative workshops with our S3 pupils and were delighted that John agreed to come along to the school to speak to our S3 pupils about his book.

John also held a creative writing workshop with Mrs Galloway’s S3 English class and discussed the writing process and his inspirations with them. The class are currently enjoying reading the book and at least one pupil remarked that it was the best book they have ever read! Special mention to Megan who could not resist reading ahead to find out what happened next but has promised not to give any spoilers.

Thanks must go to the First Minister’s Reading Challenge and the Scottish Book Trust for funding these events and to author John Young for his excellent talks.