In spite of the freezing conditions, the sun is coming through the window and it feels that Spring is on its way and the holidays will be with us soon: perfect timing for a newsletter with some book ideas!
First, though, I would like to thank those of you who have sent me comments and feedabck on the website - it is very helpful and changes are being implemented where possible:
- a 'What's New' section has been introduced so that you can see what is new on the website at a glance
- Reading Lists have been added covering the major UK book awards for teen books
- Reading Lists have also been addd to reflect current interests
- a Reading List for Year 7 (ages 11 to 12) has been created. Others will follow. I do recognise that is it hard to work out what book to choose on a reading list with 20+ books on it so I have made a point to annotate the list and assign levels of dififculty.
- You can now link through to Red House Books, The Book People and Scholastic (as well as Waterstones and Amazon) to find and buy any book that interests you
I spent a fun morning talking to a class of Year 7 boys about the books they read and introducing them to new and different titles. It is always lovely to talk to students and hear their thoughts and we had a busy time discussing all the amazing new ideas that authors are writing about these days. Visits like this really bring home to me how some readers are missing out on books purely because they are unaware that they exist. I hope my website goes some way to helping fill this kowledge gap and through this newsletter I would like to highlight some good books that are worth exploring.
From the award winning lists I would pick out:
- Wonder by RJ Palacio - this book tells the story of a child with a facial deformation and how he, his family and his friends cope with this. Its written in a warm and entertaining tone and is not a difficult read. It really champions the idea that we should be kind to one and another.
- Maggot Moon by Sally Gardner - set in a dystopian world in the 1950's, the story is recounted in a humourous way by Standish. However, Standish's life is anything but humourous and he is faced with making a difficult decision: stand up for what you believe in or give up. An unusual and interesting plot.
- Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein - set in France in WW2, the story centres around a female SOE agent who is captured by the Gestapo. In the first part of the book we read her confession and we are horrified at the way she betrays her friends. Then we read the second part of the book where her friend pieces together the truth. Beautifully done.
Sometimes, though, you just want to read an action book, a fun book or a romance book. And why not? Here are some suggestions:
- The Raven Boys by Maggie Steifvater - a fantasy book. Blue has grown up in a family of fortune tellers and has always been told that if she kisses her true love he will die. It's quite a burden to carry around and when she meets the Raven Boys, a group of boys from the local private school who are searching for ley lines in the town, she finds life becoming more difficutl and complicated. If readers find the story line a little complicated, they should try Maggie Steifvater's other book, Scropio Races, which is equally good but with a simpler story line.
- Divergent by Veronica Roth - a book that will appeal to lovers of the Hunger Games. Set in a world ruined by war, the population is divided in 5 character groups and at 16 you get to choose which group you belong to. Are you a courageous Dauntless, a friendly Amity, an honest Candour, an intellectual Erudite or a considerate Abnegation? A fast paced adventure book. Great fun.
- Falling Fast by Sophie McKenzie - River falls in love with Flynn. He's different - interesting and difficult and perfect for her. But he also has anger issues. Can their realtionship survive his anger problems and can River make the right decision?
If there aren't any books on the newletter that appeal (or if you have already read them all!) or you feel in need of some guidance please feel free to email me with your questions here.
Best regards
Chiara