Book of the Week – 08/10/20

Stormzy is a British cultural phenomenon.  Read the story of his journey to the top of the music business and beyond.  Be inspired by what can be achieved on your own terms if you have the belief and the ambition to take you there.

Watch the video to find out more!

 

 

Book of the Week – 01/10/20

To celebrate National Poetry Day, I am introducing you to Long Way Down by Jason Reynolds.  This book is written in narrative verse and is a harrowing and powerful story of a boy who wants revenge for his murdered brother.  Teenage gun violence is the main theme and the book doesn’t hold back in portraying the devastation it causes.  More info in the video!

Long Way Down: Amazon.co.uk: Reynolds, Jason, Priestley, Chris: Books

Book of the Week – 23/09/20

Book of the week is a day early this week!

Today I am introducing you to an action packed and exciting time travel adventure that is perfect for fans of Back to the Future, The Umbrella Academy or Avengers Endgame.  Watch the video to find out more about Time Riders by Alex Scarrow!

 

Library Catalogue

As we move towards a more digital service, our library catalogue has been getting a makeover.

Visit it at one of these links

Search the Catalogue from home

Search the Catalogue from a school computer

Here are some of the updated features

  • Visual Search to help find a book in a particular genre or category
  • One Search  – a tool to reach all school-wide and online resources in a single search, wherever you are.  Ask Mrs Smith for more information if you need it
  • Request your library books on line and have them ready for you to collect when it suits you.  Contact Mrs Smith for your Borrower number if you do not know it.

Online resource update

I am delighted to let you all know we now have access to a fantastic online magazine subscription service.  If you would like to read any of these brilliant titles then just get in touch!

  • Chemistry World
  • New Internationalist
  • Geographical
  • Prospect
  • The Biologist
  • Resurgence & Ecologist
  • BBC History Magazine
  • BBC Music Magazine
  • BBC Science Focus Magazine
  • The World Today

Guest post – Gregor’s Top 5 books every new S1 should read

One of our new S2 pupils, Gregor, has shared the with us the books he thinks every S1 should read – a great list, particularly if you like your stories super scary and with a dash of magical adventure!

  1. “The Spooks Apprentice”  It is an interesting read and quite magical, so if you are into witchcraft sort of books, then this is definitely for the one for you, and you will love it if you are into an old fashioned sort of writing technique.
  2. “Gone” from The Gone Series.  This book and the rest of the books from its series, is probably my favourite series right now, and I can’t stop thinking about it, so I’m sure if you read it, you won’t be able to put it down! (along with all of its excellent sequels) Its quite a thrilling world to engross in, and has a superpower sort of theme, but it might be a bit old for you, and it does contain scenes of ‘cruelty and violence’.
  3. “The Demonata: Lord Loss” Jeepers creepers, this is one scary book series, and if you’re into that horror experience, this is the perfect book for you, and one of my personal favourites, so be sure to try it out.  If it sends chills down your spine, then it’s doing its job!
  4. “The Darren Shan Saga: The Vampires Assistant” Much like Lord Loss, the vampire’s assistant is very thrilling and horrifying, so when reading it, always suspect the worst!
  5. “Harry Potter and the Philosophers stone” The most magical experience you will ever have in a million years! If you are really into slightly more advanced books, then this should definitely be one you choose!

Guest post – Andrei’s Top 5 books everyone should read

Andrei, another of our pupils just starting S5, has also shared with us his top 5 books that everyone should read and I don’t think I would disgree with any of them!

1. “Proud” compiled by Juno Dawson. A collection of LGBTQ+ short stories, poems and artworks by LGBTQ+ authors, poets and artists. There is truly something for everyone in this book which has a variety of writing styles, genres and diverse characters. My personal favourite being “The Other Team” by Michael Lee Richardson, although I don’t play any sports I can relate to the main character (us both being Scottish and transgender). The book perfectly conveys the fears of many LGBTQ+ youth and combines them with the feel good happy elements that overall make it a wonderful and easy read.

2. “The Art Of Being Normal” by Lisa Williamson. The story of a friendship between two transgender teenagers trying to navigate heartbreak, bullying and all the drama that comes with high school. I loved this book as it is another one that shows the struggles of growing up transgender and for those curious I’m sure it could help give understanding to what it’s like to have to deal with parents who won’t accept you, uneducated friends and family and the transphobia that is exhibited by many peers. Overall, I was a big fan of how different Kate and Leo were but how they still got along with each other and it really made the story that bit more interesting.

3. “The Hate U Give” by Angie Thomas. After Starr witnesses her unarmed best friend Khalil be shot fatally by a police officer her world changes as she has to decide between being safe and silent or to fight for justice for Khalil and his family. Featured on Wordery’s 55 Books To Read Before You Die (alongside many other fantastic books) and described as “An essential read for everyone” by Teen Vogue i could not agree more. Starr’s determination to do right, her bravery and her love for her family make her an inspirational character which really helps make the book so great. Thomas shows the fear and importance of fighting back and speaking up and also the love between family members who stick together no matter what.

4. “Good Omens” by Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman. The book follows a variety of different characters and their fight to either end or cause the end of the world. If you haven’t read this book then you are missing out. The show, which is very enjoyable, lacks what makes the book so great. The book switches between characters perspectives in chapters yet the style of the chapters make sure you always know which eccentric character’s side of the story you are witnessing in a very unique way that makes the book easy to follow A tremendous read but could we expect much else from such great authors?

5. The DI Callanach series by Helen Fields. For those who love a thriller, this is the perfect series for you. Fields practiced law for 13 years so she certainly knows what she’s talking about making the series that bit more enjoyable. The series follows DI Callanach and DCI Turner as they work with their team to capture very creative and disturbing serial killers rampaging through Edinburgh that leave the reader dying for more. This is a series I managed to absolutely devour within almost a week of getting it, Fields certainly knows how to pace the story perfectly with both the characters personal and work lives. It doesn’t matter where you start in the series, I started with the fourth book myself, as Fields always recaps the reader on the important parts that will come into play later in the book. Although fictional, I would recommend to fans of true crime as Fields incredible writing and gory descriptions make the story feel almost real. Almost