Our latest Book Festival on Tuesday November 14 brought together 160 eager minds from U3 and visiting Year 6 pupils from across Norfolk. This literary adventure unfolded with the help of three remarkable authors.
Our first speaker, Louise Gooding, captivated the audience with her talk about neurodiversity. She delved into the intricacies of the human brain, using her books "Just Like Me" and "Wonderfully Wired Brains" as powerful tools to convey the message that “different is not less”. The children discovered the wonders of their own minds and celebrated the diversity that makes each person unique. Louise also spotlighted role models from different walks of public life, inspiring our young readers to embrace their individuality.
Next up was Onjali Q Rauf, the brilliant mind behind "The Boy at the Back of the Class." Onjali shared her experiences working with refugees in the temporary camps in Northern France and how those encounters shaped her writing. Her heartfelt stories highlighted the resilience and strength of those facing the refugee experience. Onjali's inspiring journey extended beyond her books, as she spoke passionately about her charity work with refugees and emphasized the importance of diversity in literature, highlighting the absence of minority voices in World War Two history. The children left with a deeper understanding of the world and a newfound appreciation for the power of storytelling.
Closing the festival on a high note was Julian Sedgwick, who took us on his personal journey to becoming a published writer. Julian shared anecdotes from three of his captivating books: "The Black Dragon," "Tsunami Girl," and his just-published "100 Tales from the Tokyo Ghost Cafe." Through tales of hope and resilience, he transported the audience to the worlds he had created. A special treat awaited as he shared a video of his manga artist, Chie Kutsuwada, skillfully bringing the characters from "Tsunami Girl" to life on screen as he read from the book.
The Book Festival was a celebration of diversity and the power of storytelling. Pupils left buzzing with newfound knowledge and stacks of books ready to transport them to new worlds. A heartfelt thank you to Louise Gooding, Onjali Q Rauf, and Julian Sedgwick for making our Book Festival an unforgettable experience and to Book Bugs and Dragontales for providing books for sale on the day.
