Carnegie Shadowing and 'book buddies'

by Ms Nylinder, the Librarian

During the summer term, the Library has hosted a range of opportunities for students to connect with each other through books and reading, across the year groups. Our two Yoto Carnegie Shadowing Groups were busy reading and judging the shortlisted titles of this prestigious book award. After a rigorous assessment and intense debates, the groups voted for their favourites.

The group who shadowed the award for illustration (pictured above) comprised students from the junior and senior school with the Year 8 students acting as supervisors. They rose to the challenge brilliantly, and the group worked extremely well as at team. The group chose Rescuing Titanic as their winner. It was described as engaging, interactive, exciting, informative, and sad, with vivid, eye-catching illustrations which beautifully complement the narrative.

The Yoto Carnegie award for writing was shadowed by the Year 7 Book Club and supervised by students from Year 12 (pictured above). Each book was discussed with depth and an impressive level of insight, and every single participant was engaged in the discussions. Medusa was their favourite: they found the story moving, gripping and profound, and it will remain in their minds for a long time. Neither of our group’s choices won the official awards, but that is not the point. Interacting through books and reading is an enriching experience and a great way to make new friends.

On the topic of friends, Year 7 have been busy preparing their welcome for next year’s new students through our blind-date book scheme. The final week saw the Library buzzing with Year 7 students selecting a favourite book or a book they were tempted to read. They wrapped it, and on the outside of the present, described the book. In September, the new Year 7 students will come to the Library and choose a book gift based on the description and when they open the book, they will find a welcome message from their older buddy. When the Year 7 students meet with their Year 8 buddy, they will have something interesting to talk about straight away, which should put shyness and nerves at ease. The current Year 7 students put so much thought into their messages. We believe next year’s new students will find it easy settling into our brilliant school.