Our school library has burst into November with some dazzling new reads sure to keep you entertained during the autumn evenings. In November we celebrate Non-Fiction month, we have some super suggestions of books ranging from astrology to politics and much, much more, so pop in and see what we can recommend for you.
Don’t forget to enter our bookmark competition, see details below. All our usual library clubs are running this term, if you fancy to give one a go, simply turn up on the day; the full list of school clubs are on our school website.
We have these brand new books which have just come into our library, ready and waiting for you to read: The Deadlands Trapped (#2) by Skye Melki-Wegner (KS3); Demon Slayer (#1) by Koyoharu Gotouge (KS3); The Irrational Diary of Clara Valentine by Coralie Colmez (KS3). Don’t forget to do a book review and earn an achievement point per review.
Check out these great novels which have recently been borrowed and are spectacular reads: The Fork, The Witch, and The Worm Tales from Alagaësia by Christopher Paolini (KS3); Gleanings (#4) by Neal Shusterman (KS3); The Island by C.L. Taylor (KS3).
National Non-fiction Month
In November we celebrate National Non-fiction Month, whilst we love our fiction books in our school library, what about all of our Non-fiction books? Have you ever borrowed one of each at the same?
One of the greatest things about non-fiction books is the wealth of facts, theories, information and reference they provide. These books inspire a growth of knowledge in subjects we learn about in school and individual interests in the world around us. In many ways we are spoilt for choice, there is a book on just about everything that’s ever been discovered!
So, what are you waiting for…. this November grab a non-fiction book to get your head into and let us know what you think?
The theme for non-fiction month 2023 is Wonderful Water, where we can explore the impact of sea life and saving our oceans.
Rising Sea Levels:
How Is It Harming The Climate?
Rising sea levels are an increasingly serious threat to communities around the world. It’s not just coastal cities that are at risk, either: flooding from rising seas threatens agriculture and water supplies, making it more difficult for people in poverty to recover from natural disasters like hurricanes and typhoons. In this post, we’ll explore how rising sea levels affect our climate as well as our moral responsibilities as people who care about global health.
Sea levels are rising, and the effects are being felt all over the world
Rising sea levels have caused an increase in storm damage, which has led to more flooding. Even things like agriculture – especially important for people living in poverty who depend on agriculture for their livelihoods–are being affected by salt water floods. The combination of natural disasters and climate change makes it even more difficult for people living in poverty to recover from disasters
Why are sea levels rising?
There are 2 main factors at fault in terms of sea levels rising. Both are caused directly by climate change, and the planet heating up. The first is melting polar ice caps – putting more water into our oceans that would have otherwise been stored on land. The second is the warming of the seas causing its volume to expand (since the particles have more energy and move more freely).
The most recent research indicates that if nothing changes, rising sea levels will cause more than 200 million people to lose their homes by 2050. This is a big problem–and we need to do something about it! We have a moral responsibility to change our behaviour so that we don’t contribute to climate change and its effects on people around the world.
We are all responsible for climate change, which means we can all do something to help. If you’re reading this article, you likely consider yourself an environmentally conscious citizen. But have you ever thought about how your actions affect the environment? How much of what you do every single day actually contributes to climate change?
The truth is that all of us need to be more mindful of our actions and their impact on the world around us. We should always ask ourselves: “What can I do today that will reduce my carbon footprint?”
In conclusion, the effects of rising sea levels are being felt all over the world. We have a moral responsibility to change our behaviour so that we don’t contribute to climate change and its effects on people around the world.
By Toby 8M, Blog Club
Check out these books on climate change: A Very Short Introduction to Climate Change by Mark Maslin; There is No Planet B by Mike Berners-Lee; How Bad Are Bananas? By Mike Berners-Lee; The Climate Casino by William Nordhaus.
If you like fiction novels around saving the planet, why not give these books a whirl by the talented Tom Huddleston: Flood World and the sequel Dust Road.
Mr Gunning Reviews
Stasiland by Anna Funder
The pages record a series of interviews with former East Germans: we hear the voices of some who were victims of the East German secret police, the Stasi, and others who worked for it; influential figures of this period also contribute their thoughts.
The book is remarkable because the journalist responsible is not German, but Australian; due to her perceived distance from the events, citizens of the former republic were prepared to talk frankly. Such a book was perfect in 2003, when memories were fresh and the principal actors were able to tell their stories. It makes for a fascinating read.
World Book Day is Coming
Our whole school will be celebrating World Book Day on 7th March 2024. We are already getting excited about planning our library activities to get everyone involved and talking about books on the day.
World Book Day has a number of free resources on their website, in particular, from January 2024 you will be able to access a selection of
Free audiobooks. Keep tuned into the Library Blog for more details in the New Year.
Don’t forget, if you are over 13 years old there is still time to enter the Christmas book giveaway with World Book Day, in association with National Book Tokens: www.worldbookday.com/competitions
Credit: www.worldbookday.com
If you enjoy the buzz of an audio book, remember you can access SORA or try Borrow Box. Just download the app and ask your local library for the pin number which is linked to your library card.
If you need help or you are uncertain about downloading an app, always ask an adult first.
Yoto Carnegies Longlist is Announced
Nominations have been announced for the 2024 Yoto Carnegies, the UK’s longest-running and best-loved children’s book awards.
A grand total of 129 books have been nominated for the 2024 Medals.
69 books are in contention for the Yoto Carnegie Medal for Writing which is awarded to a book written in English for children and young people that sparks an outstanding reading experience and 60 books for the Yoto Carnegie Medal for Illustration, which celebrates an outstanding reading experience through illustration. This includes 6 titles that have received nominations in both Medal categories.
www.yotocarnegies/writing-nominated-titles-2024
www.yotocarnegies/illustration-nominated-titles-2024
We have books written by many of the authors featured on the Yoto Carnegies Longlist for Writing 2024 including: Kwane Alexander; Phil Earle; Dan Freedman; Simon James Green; Paul Jennings; Elle McNicoll; Beverley Naidoo and Marcus Sedgwick.
Steady for This by Nathanel Lessore and The Boy Lost in the Maze by Jospeh Coelho have been nominated this year, both are available to borrow now!
Design a Bookmark Competition
Calling all Year 7-9 Students…. It’s design a bookmark competition time!
This year our theme is ‘Reading is Power,’ to encourage book borrowing from our school Library.
You can create your bookmark digitally or drawn by hand and we would like to you to include an inspirational quote/slogan by either an author or famous individual. Enter your designs by 30th November 2023, remember to put your name and form on your artwork and hand your bookmark into the library.
The winning design will be printed and distributed to SGS Library users and achievement points will be awarded.
Good Luck!
BookTok Made Me Read It?
This November log into SORA for some inspiration and page turning reads and audio books. In particular, we love the ‘BookTok made me read it’ collection. You’ll be sure to seek a book written or recorded for you to enjoy, so don’t delay download the app today soraapp.com ! Use your school email and email password/select Sutton Grammar School from the secondary schools list. If you have any problems, come and speak to Ms Taylor, Mrs Payne or Ms Lo.
Wicked Writers Competition
The Wicked Writers competition will be opening on 29th January 2024. This year’s theme is ‘Be The Change.’ Students are being asked to write 500 words on a persuasive piece about environmental issue that is important to them.
The prizes are amazing and include free class tickets to see the stage musical Wicked at the Apollo Victoria Theatre, London; writing workshops; books for your school and more. Please email the library staff to express an interest in this exceptional opportunity.
Warm Spaces in Libraries
Pop into your local library to warm up, access books and other resources. You’ll find friendly staff are on hand to advise and chat, you might even be offered a free hot drink in participating libraries. Find your nearest #Warmlibrary:
www.surreycc/warm-welcome-venues
www.libraries.sutton.gov.uk
Author Event at Epsom Library
Epsom Library are running an author event with Crime novelists, Jacqueline Sutherland & AA Chaudhuri, on 7th December 2023, 6pm-7pm. The tickets are £6 each. Click on the link below to book. The event is suitable for KS5 students.
www.eventbrite.co.uk/crime-thriller-evening
Play the Book Island Challenge
National Book Tokens is running an online game for children to guess which book characters live on each of the islands featured. Click on the link below and see how many books you can guess? You’ll be surprised, it’s quite a challenge!
hiddenbooks.nationalbooktokens.com
