Library update: buddies, Book Club and Black History Month

by Ms Nylinder, the Librarian

Putney High students are challenged to read a wide range of excellent books throughout the year. For the new cohort of Year 7, being introduced to novel ways of exploring books starts on their very first day. 

There was much excitement as the library welcomed our new students for the opportunity to connect with their Year 8 buddies through a “blind date with a book” (see photo above). The library books were wrapped as gifts, with only the description written on the cover. There were two elements of surprise when the Year 7s opened their chosen book gift: the book title and a welcome letter from their buddy, who reassured any nervous students that Putney High School is a brilliantly fun and friendly place to be. 

The morning Book Club sessions, run by Year 12 English prefects, are back in full swing, with the one hosted for Year 7 and Year 8 being particularly well attended and animated (see photo above). There are many benefits to attending: finding new favourite books, having the opportunity to discuss literature with the English prefects—who are experts in the subject—and making new friends. The younger students are gaining valuable skills along the way, such as the ability to analyse text and communicate opinions. Judging by the big smiles and happy chatter as the group leaves for registration, it’s a fun way to start the day. 

The Library and English Department teamed up for Black History Month with a reading challenge that encouraged students to explore books by Black and Asian authors. The response was outstanding, with 77 reviews submitted. A special shoutout to Year 8’s Hannah L and Liva T-G, who completed the Book Bingo challenge by reading and reviewing nine books each (their photos below). It has been a great way to discover new favourite authors, with many students continuing to borrow from the list.

Ms Jeffrey praised the initiative: ‘As Diversity and Inclusion Lead and an English teacher, I’m doubly delighted at the success of the Black History Month reading challenge. Author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie warns against “the danger of a single story.” Putney students are broadening their horizons by reading many stories, reflecting human experience in all its rich diversity.’ 

Putney High School was incredibly lucky to host award-winning and best-selling children’s author Kiran Millwood Hargrave (see photo above). A group of Year 7 students joined a large audience that comprised students from our Junior School and students from two local primary schools for an awe-inspiring talk, followed by book signing. Kiran took the students on a journey through her creativity, where natural landscapes and earth magic lie at the heart of her stories. The students had millions of questions and left feeling inspired by the world around us and keen to read Kiran’s books in the Geomancer trilogy. Perhaps they feel ready to create their own tales?