As Norwich School’s Reading Group heads towards the end of another year, our members – predominantly from Lower Four - are looking forward to the literary highlight of the academic year, the sixth Norfolk Children’s Book Festival, hosted by Norwich School in the spectacular Norwich Cathedral. There they will listen to speakers including Mark Walden, Helen Dennis, Sarah Mussi, and Dave Rudden, talking about their books – which may or may not involve orphans with magical powers, dragons and witches, villainous children, and a mute mystery boy.
As reading ambassadors some of our pupils will also help in a voluntary capacity, talking to pupils from visiting schools, handing out goodie bags at the start of the day, assisting with book sales, and generally helping to ensure that the day runs smoothly.
As well as sharing and discussing their favourite authors and books with one another every week, some of our keenest readers have enjoyed extra perks such as attending talks from visiting authors – which this year have included Julian Sedgwick and Keith Gray, both of whom gave captivating and memorable talks. Julian Sedgwick joined the group in the library before his talk, and settled in straight away by installing himself on a beanbag, enjoying a cup of hot chocolate, and answering a quick-fire round of questions from pupils.
Our reading group members are currently enjoying shadowing the Carnegie Book Award, an activity undertaken in English lessons by the whole of Upper Four. Those who read two or more of the shortlisted books will join Upper Four in June for a Discussion forum to help vote for Norwich School’s favourite Carnegie book. This is always an exciting afternoon, and takes place just a few days before the panel announce the official winner.
We are very grateful to Norwich School Friends Committee for funding the refreshments and books for reading group. Pupils – of course - continue to enjoy hot chocolate, tea and biscuits whilst chatting about books, watching author interviews online, or filling in book reviews. While our reading tastes may all differ, everyone seems to agree that books and biscuits go hand in hand!
Norfolk Children’s Book Festival 2017 speakers: Mark Walden: H.I.V.E. series, Earthfall series, Helen Dennis: Rivers of Ink series, Secret Breakers series, Sarah Mussi: Here be dragons, Here be witches, Dave Rudden: Nights of the Borrowed Dark, The Forever Court
2017 CILIP Carnegie Medal Shortlist: Frank Cottrell-Boyce Sputnik's Guide to Life on Earth, Zana Fraillon The Bone Sparrow, Bonnie-Sue Hitchcock The Smell of Other People's Houses, Glenda Millard The Stars at Oktober Bend, Philip Reeve Railhead, Ruta Sepetys Salt to the Sea, Lauren Wolk Wolf Hollow.