SGS Library Blog - February 2023

Welcome back after the half term break.  Did you read any good books?  Don't forget to send us a book review via the Reading Cloud.  It would be great to hear your thoughts on the books you've read ahead of World Book Day, which we will be celebrating in school on Friday 3rd March 2023 (for more details see below).  February sees some fantastic new books in our library and we have a themed bookcase which is regularly updated with topical books for you to read.

We have some wonderful new books for you to read at home or on the go: Chaos Mage by Stephen Aryan; The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman #mrclue; Three Sisters by Heather Morris; Which Way to Anywhere by Cressida Cowell; George and the Ship of Time by Lucy Hawking; Windrush Child by Benjamin Zephaniah.

LOVE a Book

Love is in the air for Valentine’s Day in February, so we asked some of our students which books they have ‘loved’ reading and we had some heart-warming answers: Manas 7L - Alexander the Great by Dominic Sandbrook; Shumayl 7G – Adventures of Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain; Soloman 7M – First Aid Manual by DK; Aaayush 7T – Highrise Mystery by Sharna Jackson; Shaisra 12ET – Kafka on the Shore by Murakami; James C. 12A – Brief History of Time by Stephen Hawking.

And for those who enjoy a good teen romantic novel, check out these, ‘love at first sight,’ recommendations: Heartstoppers by Alice Oseman; Twighlight by Stephenie Meyer; The Fault in Our Stars by John Green.

Empathy Week starts
27^th February 2023

Empathy Week is a time for us to reflect on our empathy skills around others. This allows us to broaden our understanding, wellbeing and communication within our society, whilst building resilience and reducing bias in the ever changing world we live in.  Through the power of film, explore this year’s theme ‘Opportunity and Education,’ as we learn about the lives of Mingma, Tendi, Santwanna and Chira, living in Nepal.
Watch the trailer: www.empathyweektrailer

We have some great book suggestions with an empathy theme running through them: Clap when you land by Elizabeth Acevedo; Look Both Ways by Jason Reynolds; The Last Paper Crane by Kerry Drewery.  Pick one up in the library and remember to do a book review through the reading cloud so you can share your thoughts with others.

Don’t forget to check on SORA, we think these books are great: Fish in a tree by Lynda Mullaly Hunt; Same Sun Here by Silas House & Neela Vaswani; Chinglish by Sue Cheung

Lockwood & Co Novels Grip Readers Galore

The Lockwood & Co book series have busted to the forefront of popular reads due to the success of new Netflix series (by the same name.)  Follow Lockwood, George and new recruit Lucy Caryle as they battle the epidemic of dangerous ghosts that have been effecting Britain for more than fifty years. Adults are powerless against them…. but can Lockwood & Co, a child-run detection agency, defeat them?  The Screaming Staircase is the first in this spine-chilling series; full of suspense, with and ghastly ghosts. Don’t look behind you…..!

Happy Birthday
Dave Rudden!

In case you’ve never heard of him, Dave Rudden is the author of a series I hold dear to my heart, Knights of the Borrowed Dark, which is a must read for any teenager out there. Born on the 13^th February 1988, Rudden started off as a simple storyteller in Dublin at nights like The Monday Echo and Milk And Cookies before realising ‘it might be a good idea to try writing some of this stuff down’. After this revelation, he started writing anthologies and journals but in 2013 he had one of his greatest achievements: The Fantasy Book Review Short Story Prize. This was followed by getting listed for the Hennessy New Writing Award and the Bath Short Story Prize. After finishing UCD, he added on to another small story, which later became the Knights of the Borrowed Dark, and since then, he has written Doctor Who books, plays, TV shows, music videos and RPGs. Now, he teaches creative writing at the UCD and has served as the DCU’s writer in residence 2022, plus travelled to more than 800 schools and libraries all over the world about ‘writing, mental health, and monsters’.

By Rohan C 10T – Blog Buddy

The Ocean at the End of the Lane

English author Neil Gaiman’s popular book, The Ocean at the end of the Lane, was initially supposed to be a short story written for Gaiman’s wife.  However as Gaiman continued to write, so the word count increased, until it became a complete novel.  The Ocean at the End of Lane was published and has since adapted into a sensational stage show, currently on tour after it’s huge success in London. We would recommend the book and show for year 8 upwards.

Watch this insightful interview with Gaiman talking all about The Ocean at the End of the Lane and reading some excerpts from it.
www.youtube.com/watch

Take a look at Neil Gaiman’s other books: Coraline KS3, Neverwhere KS4, Norse Mythology KS3.  SORA have lots of Neil Gaiman books available to borrow, simply type in the author name and press search.

If you have access to an Audible account you can listen to Neverwhere with the impeccable talents of actors, Christopher Lee; James McAvoy and Natalie Dormer narrating the dramatization of the book or there are lots of great Neverwhere items on the BBC website, ask a parent/guardian to sign-in for you.

LGBT+ History Month

“Fredrick the Great”  

Despite his widespread fame, when historical LGBT+ figures are mentioned, Frederick II “the Great” (King of Prussia, reigned 1740-1786) is seldom brought up, even though he was nearly indisputably homosexual.

Frederick the Great is most famous for his military exploits in the War of the Austrian Succession (1740-1748, with Prussian involvement in 1740-1742 and 1744-1745) that secured the province of Silesia for the Prussian kingdom and elevated it to the ranks of a great power, in spite of its small size. Later, in the Seven Years War (1756-1763), he protected his kingdom from a coalition of Austria, Russia and France, proving that Prussia could protect its newfound geopolitical status from its enemies.

In addition to his military prowess, Frederick the Great was a keen flautist and writer, known for his “Anti-Machiavel”, a refutation of Machiavelli’s “The Prince”, and his correspondence with the famous writer, Voltaire.  This taste for art and literature was in direct contrast to his father, Frederick William I, known as “The Soldier King” for his militarism. The two had a hostile relationship, most famously evident in the Katte affair. Hans Hermann von Katte was one of Frederick’s companions and very likely, his lover. In 1730, he and Frederick planned to escape Prussia for Britain, but were arrested by the King and Frederick was forced to watch Katte’s execution.

Ultimately, Frederick the Great was forced into a childless marriage with Elisabeth Christine of Brunswick-Wolfenbuttel-Bevern, an unhappy relationship. He moved to the famous Sanssouci Palace and left Elisabeth Christine in Berlin, only occasionally visiting her. When Frederick the Great saw her for the first time after the Seven Years War, he famously remarked, “madam has grown fatter” – a testament to the nature of their relationship. Without children, Frederick the Great’s womanising and indolent nephew, Frederick William III, succeeded him as King.

By Alexander H 10W – Blog Buddy
Reference: Fredrick the Great, King of Prussia by Tim Blanning
ISBN: 978-0141039190. Published by Penguin 2016.

We have some great LGBT+ reads available in our library, check out these titles: Funny Boy by Shyam Selvadurai; Simon vs The Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertali; My Brother’s Name is Jessica by John Boyne; Her Name is James by CJ Heath; From Prejudice to Pride by Amy Lane.  Don’t forget to look on the Reading Cloud and SORA for even more!

Ms Trentinella Reviews
Understanding Comics by Scott McCloud

"Understanding Comics" by Scott McCloud is a ground-breaking work that explores the medium of comics and its potential as an art form. The book is presented in the form of a comic book itself, which adds an interesting layer of meta-commentary to the author's analysis. McCloud examines the elements of comics, such as panel layouts, symbols, and word-image relationships, and shows how they can be used to create meaning and convey emotion.

The book is both informative and entertaining, making it a valuable resource for anyone interested in comics and graphic novels. McCloud's writing is clear and accessible, and he manages to convey complex ideas in an easy-to-understand way.

Overall, "Understanding Comics" is a must-read for anyone interested in comics and graphic novels. It provides a unique and insightful look into the medium and its potential as an art form. It's a classic and a benchmark in the field of comics studies.

St. David’s Day 1^st March 2023

St David is the patron saint of Wales and the feast of St. David is celebrated by welsh people yearly on 1^st March, which was the day that he died in 589 (sixth century).  St David was canonised by Pope Callixtus in the 12th century and is the only native born patron saint of the countries Britain and Ireland. Here are some great and amusing facts about St. David:
www.st-david-five-facts

Wales has many great authors, Roald Dahl, Sophie Anderson, Manon Steffan Ros and Dylan Thomas to name but a few.  So check out these titles in our Library:  The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar and six more by Roald Dahl; The House with Chicken Legs by Sophie Anderson; Blue Book of Nebo by Manon Steffan

SGS announces Dominic Sandbrook
for World Book Day

We are excited to announce that author Dominic Sandbrook is coming in to talk to students on Friday 3^rd March 2023 when we will be celebrating World Book Day.

Sandbrook’s ‘Adventures in Time’ book series, which are written for Young Adults, will be available to purchase on the day in the school library for £10 each, cash,
while stocks last. 

In addition, Sandbrook has written some fantastic KS5 books which are a great resource for History & Politics A-Level students, ‘Who Dares Wins’ and ‘State of Emergency.’  Limited copies of these titles will also be available on the day to buy from the school library.  At the discounted cash price of £12.50 each.  Dominic Sandbrook will be available in the Library at break times to sign his books.

Watch out for our Masked Reader videos and much, much more as we celebrate World Book day, SGS style!!  Can you guess who’s that behind the mask?

Wicked Writers: Be the Change 2023

National Literacy Trust have introduced an exciting new writing competition in partnership with the acclaimed stage musical Wicked and children’s author Sharna Jackson to create a writing competition about changing our world – for the better.  The closing date 31^st March 2023 and aimed at young people (up to and including KS3) with superb prizes to be won, including a trip for your class to see Wicked!  For more details see the link below or ask your English teacher:
www.literacytrust.org.uk/wicked-writers

Holocaust Memorial Day

On Friday 27^th January 2023 we marked Holocaust Memorial Day in our library with a display of themed books and a presentation on our big library screen. If you are interested to learn more about the Holocaust, The Wiener Holocaust Library holds one the world’s biggest archives on the Holocaust, the Nazi era and genocide.  It has a unique collection of related items including many books, press cuttings, photographs and eyewitness testimonies.  They also have virtual and in person events running and exhibitions showing.
www.wienerholocaustlibrary.org

Amazing Author Competition

Blue Peter has launched the “Amazing Author Competition” where children (aged 5 – 15) write an original short story or poem with the ultimate prize of having it brought to life by children's author, Tom Fletcher.  For more information visit:
www.blue-peter-amazing-authors-competition

International Women’s day
8^th March 2023

This year’s them for International Women’s Day is ‘#Embrace Equity.’  The campaign focuses around the concept of two words ‘equity’ and ‘equality.’  Although these words are similar they have different meanings which are important to understand. Take a look at this excellent link (below) explaining the views surrounding equity and creating a more equal environment for individual women in the workplace and beyond.

www.internationalwomensday/Equality-v-Equity

In our library we have some inspirational books that will spark your interest and expand your mind on importance of equity.  The Quiet at the End of the World by Lauren James; Women in White Coats by Olivia Campbell; I am Malala by Malala Yousafzai.

Load the SORA app on your device and explore more related books on International Women’s Day: soraapp.com
For the Reading Cloud: https://u022387.microlibrarian.net

Remember: Use your school email address and 8 digits of your DOB to login
(i.e. password: 01012009).

Book Trailer Competition Winners

Thank you to everyone that contributed to the year 10 Library Book Trailer Competition 2023, we were blown away by the effort that was put into them.  The top five entrants will all be awarded two achievement points each.

Congratulations to Vedant M & Varunan V 10T for winning first prize for the brilliant Minecraft book trailer. We thought the presentation, content and imagery, together with voice soundtrack and editing, really stood out – well done! 

Runner up prizes have been awarded to: Vishwaa K 10T for The Gruffalo book trailer and Oliver K 10M the Fahrenheit 451 book trailer.  Jake L 10T and Rayan AB 10W are also in our top five entries – well done for your Percy Jackson and Game of Thrones book trailers.  Please come into the Library to collect your prizes and certificates.

British Science Week
11-20^th March 2023

This year’s theme for British Science Week is Connections and there are lots of interesting STEM activities going on. We particularly liked the What’s on? Feature, where you can watch Science Farm Live, BBC Tech (live from the Science Museum) and the DadLab Youtube live experiment.

Also, check out I’m a Scientist, you can connect with a broad range of scientists with an expansive skill base, why not put to the test by asking your question? 

The British Science Week 2023 Poster Competition is now open!
Check out the link below for more details:
www.britishscienceweek/poster-competition

Check out our brilliant selection of Science books under sections 500 – 612 in our school Library: The Ultimate Book of Saturday Science by Neil A. Downie; Kay’s Anatomy by Adam Kay; Is There Anybody Out There by Dara O Briain.

SGS Library Blog - January 2023

Happy New Year to all students from
SGS Library.

We have lots going on already to kick start January 2023, new books, competitions, clubs and our rolling library screen is full of exciting information and book inspiration.  We would love to hear if you have read any good book box sets recently or have listened to any audio books?
Email us: library@suttongrammar.sutton.sch.uk

Cast your eyes on these novels which have just arrived: Endless Night by Agatha Christie; The Lizzie and Belle Mysteries by JT Williams; Predator’s Gold (Book 2 - Mortal Engines quartet) by Philip Reeve.  For Agatha Christie fans check out our ever growing collection of her books on our library shelves under ‘CHR.’  In addition, log on to SORA for more Agatha Christies titles including: The Mysterious Affair at Styles, The Murder on the Lines and Poirot investigates.

Start your New year’s reading with these books: In the After Light by Alexandra Bracken (Book 3 - A Darkest Mind series); The Spy Who Came in from the Cold by John Le Carre; The Escape by Robert Muchamore (Book 1 – Henderson Boys series).

2023 Yoto Carnegies Medals

The UK’s longest running children’s book awards, Yoto Carnegie Medals have announced their book nominations for outstanding writing and illustration.  A total of 125 books have been nominated for the 2023 medals that are uniquely judged by librarians.  This year also sees a rebrand for the awards, now combining the Yoto Carnegies for Writing and the former Kate Greenaway Medal for Illustration, which will now collectively be known as ‘The Carnegies.’

Click here to view the writing nominees:
yotocarnegies.writing-nominated-titles-2023

We already have some of the long listed books for writing on our library shelves: Skin of Sea by Natalie Bowen; All that’s Left in the World by Natasha Bowen; Green Rising by Lauren James; The Blue Book of Nebo by Manon Steffan Ros.

Chinese New Year
22^nd January 2023

Chinese New Year, also referred to as Lunar New Year, is celebrated by people living in China and Chinese communities worldwide.  2023 is the Year of the Rabbit.  We asked Ms Lo to tell us how she celebrates Chinese New Year in this interview:

Q1: How do you celebrate Chinese New Year?
“On Chinese New Year Eve we have a big dinner and during the New year, we visit our relatives and friends. We bring presents, traditionally red packets are given to the young and unmarried members of the family.  We greet each other with the words Kung Hei Fat Choi which means wishing you prosperity."

Q2: What does the Year of the Rabbit symbolise?
"The people born in the year of the Rabbit are said to be vigilant, witty and quick minded."

Q3: What do you like to eat when you are celebrating Chinese New year?
“I am from Hong Kong, Southern China and we eat radish cakes, sweet sticky rice cakes, fried dumplings and Tangyuan (sweet rice balls)."

Q4: What decorations do you hang in your home?
“We hang red spring couplets to welcome in the New Year and express good wishes to the family.  The colour red is important to us.  There is a myth that long ago, there was a monster that came to a village to eat people and livestock.  During the day of New Year’s eve, people fled to the mountains to avoid the monster.  People lived in fear until an old man dressed in red scared away the monster by pasting red papers on the doors, burning bamboo and lighting candles in the houses.  After that people did this and the monster never returned.”

We have books galore on the animals depicted in the Chinese Zodiac, here are a few novels we have selected, can you guess the animals?

Watership Down by Richard Adams; Life of Pi by Yann Martel; Eragon by Christopher Paolini.

You might like to try these books inspired by Chinese culture: Fire World by Chris d’Lacey; Young Samurai, The Ring of Water (book 7) by Chris Bradford; Chinese Cinderella by Adeline Yen Mah, is highly recommended by Ms Lo.

Celebrate Chinese New Year with a selection of folk stories, food, drink, craft and costumes organised by Sutton’s Council’s Cultural Services. Visit the link below to find out more:

www.eventbrite.co.uk

Mr Wroth Reviews Tintin
Le Trésor de Rakham Le Rouge
by Hergé

Le Trésor de Rakham Le Rouge was written, and drawn, by the Belgian cartoonist Hergé between February and September 1943.  Belgium was under occupation by the Nazis at this time and the country’s biggest selling francophone newspaper, Le Soir, had to be creative in finding ways to keep up circulation figures and avoid the wrath of the Nazi censors.  Entertaining its readership with the adventures of the young reporter Tintin was one of the ways it attempted to do this.  And a very successful strategy it turned out to be.

The story brings together the classic family group of Tintin, Minou (Snowy in English), Le Capitaine Haddock and Le Professeur Tournesol (a sunflower, yes but it is not his name in the English version).  There is also an appearance by the two clumsy inspectors Dupont and Dupond (Thomson and Thompson in English).  The plot centres around our trio (plus Minou), who set off to the West Indies in search of treasure which was once stolen by the infamous pirate Rakham Le Rouge.  They think they are on to a certain winner because they have managed to place together three parts of an old map drawn by Captain Haddock’s great ancestor Sir Francis Haddock.  But they make a schoolboy error.  When following a map written in French, which meridian do you follow?  Greenwich or Paris?  Comedy, intrigue and drama all have their place in this classic bande dessinée and I have to say that I loved re-reading it after a gap of more than twenty years.  Above all, I love Captain Haddock’s legendary insults.  A lot of them get lost in translation but all of them have interesting origins and were not simply made up by Hergé.  If you want to find out more, I have un dictionnaire de Haddockismes in Rm 74.

Does Tintin find his treasure or is going to be frustrated once again by those around him?  To discover what really happens, head off to the bibliothèque and take out the book, in French of course; or one of the other Tintin titles on the shelves.  They have something for everyone and if you have not learnt much French yet, there are always the pictures to help.  Voilà!

Holocaust Memorial Day
27^th January 2023

The theme for Holocaust Memorial Day 2023 is Ordinary People.  During World War II, Hitler, leader of the Nazi Party, ordered the mass genocide of the Jewish Community, including other groups, Roma and Tuti.  These were ordinary people and it was also ordinary people who were ordered to kill them.  On Holocaust Memorial Day we remember the atrocities that happened during the Holocaust and more recently the genocides that have happened in Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia and Darfur.  It is these events that make us aware that ordinary people can be perpetrators, witnesses and saviours.

Explore the Ordinary People theme below, we particularly liked the thought provoking quotes:

www.hmd.org.uk/HMD-2023-Theme-Vision.pdf

Our Library has many books about the Holocaust (see section 940), here are a small selection of titles: Hilters Willing Executioners by Jonah Daniel Goldhager; When Hilter Stole Pink Rabbit by Judith Kerr; The Pianist by Wladylaw Szpilman.  Please do come into the library if you would like to be pointed to other books around the Holocaust.  Don’t forget SORA has lots of books ready for you read too, simply type in Holocaust in the search box.

The Light in the Hidden Places by Sharon Cameron; Projekt 1065 by Alan Gratz; A bag of Marbles by Joseph Joffo (Graphic Novel); The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas by John Boyne.

The Portico Sadie Massey Awards

Open to all students in KS3, KS4 & KS5 – why not have a go at the Portico Sadie Massey Reading and Writing Competitions?  It’s free to enter!

For more details visit:  
www.theportico.org.uk/portico-sadie-massey-awards

Winners of Guess the Book Covers Competition

Congratulations to our Year 7-9 Christmas Quiz winners:

First Prize: Madhur S (7M), Second Prize: Ivan Z (7L),
Third Prize: Joshua P (8M)

Runner-ups: Felix W (7L), Kavish K (8L), Zachary W (7L)

Form with most correct entries: 7L

SGS Library Blog - December 2022

December is a busy and exciting month in the library. Christmas is fast approaching and our library is full of festive cheer, books and baubles.  Year 7 have been decorating our “Favourite Book” Christmas tree and we have our yearly "Christmas Quiz" book cover competition for KS3 is always fun and sparks a bit of friendly competition between forms - winners to be announced in the next blog.

SORA ebooks at Christmas

SORA has Christmas all wrapped up this winter with it’s easy to borrow and downloadable ebooks to read or listen to, with lots of titles and genres to choose from. Use the SORA app and get reading this Christmas holiday. In the library we have selected a few titles: Ice like Fire by Sara Raason; Virtually Christmas by David Baddiel; A boy called Christmas by Matt Haig; A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens; We wish you a Merry Christmas, selection of poems by Chris Riddell; The Midnight Guardians by Ross Montgomery and The Peanuts guide to Christmas by Charles M Schulz.

Unsure how to logon to SORA, download by pressing:
https://sorapp.com
Setup code: uksecondary and select SGS
Sign in using: email.319suttongrammar.london
using your email password.    

Check out these amazing new books that have arrived Just in time for Christmas: Ghostlight by Kenneth Oppel; The Revelry by Katherine Webber; The Rise of the Dragon by George RR Martin; The Captive Kingdom by Jennifer A. Nielsen; Normal People by Sally Rooney and Djinn Patrol on the Purple Line by Deepa Anappara.

Silent Night, a Christmas Story

Children's author Tom Palmer has written a short story called 'Silent Night.' It is linked to his recent book 'Resist,' based on the famous actress and humanitarian Audrey Hepburn, who grew up in occupied Holland during WWII.  Silent night is a thought provoking short story told by Tom Palmer is this video: www.tompalmersilentnight

If you would like find out more about how Audrey Hepburn's childhood inspired Palmer to write Resist, please do come into the library and pick up the book, it will be a fascinating read.

Who Dunnit at Christmas?

We are big Agatha Christie fans in our school library, not only is she the best selling novelist of all time but she has written 66 detective books and 14 short stories loved by readers all over the world.  Christie’s play “The Mousetrap,” is the longest running stage producton in British theatre history since it began on 12^th April 1958.

Our latest Agatha Christie edition to our collection is “Poirot at Christmas.” This book features her famous detective character Hercule Poirot as he seeks to solve the mystery of a family reunited for Christmas, only to discover the host dead in a private room.  For more on Agatha Christie novels go to: www.agathachristie.com

Top 3 Best Fantasy Books for Students in Year 10
Based on the Type of Stories You Like!

If action is what you love in a book, and you happen to be a fan of Alex Rider or Artemis Foul, a book series I’d highly recommend is Maximum Ride by James Patterson. This series contains many twists and turns, following the story of a girl by the name of Maximum Ride, who in fact has wings, along with her group of friends who also share the same human-avian hybrid characteristics. If modernity is not your vibe, a book I hold greatly to my heart is The Lord of the Rings, which is sure to give you the early 20^th century vibe that you crave, while still maintaining a captivating storyline well ahead of its time. I’d strongly suggest reading The Hobbit first, as that sets the scene, and once you’re done with the Lord of the Rings, go challenge yourself with the Silmarillion, in my opinion Tolkein’s most glorious book of all! Finally, if you are desperate for a fantasy series, however old classics bore you, a series which you must check out is Game of Thrones by George RR Martin. With a more modern style of writing compared to Lord of the Rings, yet still transporting you into a vivid world, this series is definitely a must, keeping you on your toes throughout its course. Beware though, covered with betrayal and treachery, this series is not for the faint hearted, and do be warned, there is a flurry of adult content which you must be aware of!

This article was written by one of our Blog Buddies, Rohan 10T.

Currently trending on the ‘Poetry by Heart’ website are some fantastic poetry timeline anthologies for KS3/4, together with Poem of the week and all the latest news.  We loved the free ‘Poe-tree Advent calendar,’ simply follow the link below and click the windows to reveal a new poem every day throughout December.
www.poetrybyheart.org.uk/advent-calendar

The Booker Prize is full of Surprises!

The Booker Prizes just got festive! That's right, this Christmas they have launched a brilliant audio advent calendar where you can open a door and listen to a snippet of every book in recent years that has won the Booker Prize.  Our favourite is Shuggy Bain by Douglas Stuart, suitable for KS5. ​So, grab a hot chocolate drink, snuggle up and listen, maybe you'll find a book to inspire you:
https://thebookerprizes.audio-advent-calendar
(Please note, this is suitable for KS5 and you might need ‘Twitter’ to view this, always ask a parent or guardian before signing up to social media).

Man Reads all Booker Prize Shortlisters

Meet the Man who has read every book ever shortlisted for the Booker Prize!  Bob Jackson has read all 315 books in the Booker Library and managed it in less than four years! Read how he did it, the books he found engaging and the most challenging novels, in this interview:

https://thebookerprizes.com/mansreadeverybookshortlisted

The Worst Class in the World

Fancy something hilarious and quick to read this Christmas, why not try The Worst Class in the World books by Joanna Nadin. They are available on SORA and are sure to get you rolling on the floor with laughter.

Don't forget to add the London Consortium to your Sora account, for even more books!

Year 10 Books

We have some real Christmas reading “crackers” for our Year10.  If you are in Year 10 and looking for ideas on what to read next, come into the library for some inspiration or look on the Reading Cloud so see what’s new.  Our recommended picks are: Blood Mage & Chaos Mage by Stephen Aryan and Order of Darkness by Philippa Gregory

Calling All Year 10 History Students

If you are taking History GCSE or would like to widen your reading, check out these history books which have been carefully selected by Mr Marshall: The Afrika Reich by Guy Saville; Dominion by C J Sansom and Berlin Noir by Philip Kerr.

Year 10 Competition Time!

The library has launched an exciting NEW competition for the innovative movie makers among us.  If you like creating videos and you are in year10 then this could be a fantastic opportunity for you to show off your skills by making a short advert for any book you have read.  The deadline is 31^st January 2023 to submit your video. 

A link will be sent to all of Year 10 next year with instructions on how to upload the videos. Top prizes of Spotify vouchers and edible prizes for the runners up.

Good luck!

New Graphic Novels

If you like Graphic novels and comics, take a look at these great new books we have in our library, you will find them under section 741: Astroboy by Osamu Tezuka; Demon in the Wood by Leigh Bardugo & Dani Pendergast and 1984 by George Orwell.

KS3 National Reading
Champions Quiz 2023

Next year we will be submitting a team for National Reading Champions Quiz 2023. Please come into the library if you would like some more information. 
And remember being an avid reader is the key!

Year 8 Comic Club

Comic Club have been very busy working towards entering The ReadingZone ‘Create a Comic Competition.’ Entries have been filled in and sent off.

Comic Club runs term time for Year 8, period 7 every Monday. New members are welcome and there are plenty of biscuits to go round.  If you like Comics, come a give the club a go!
Our next meeting will be Monday 9^th January 2023.

A big thank you goes out to Leon, 8G for his amazing Comic Club logo – we think it’s great!

Christmas Jumper Day

Free Christmas Holiday Activities

Football! Stories From the Beautiful Game in Guildford and Beyond
26 November 2022 - March 2023
Tuesdays to Saturdays; 10am to 4.30pm (last entry 4pm)
If you have enjoyed watching the World Cup and what to find out about football nearer to home, check out this new exhibition at Guildford Museum.  The exhibition looks at a number of local clubs and teams, some of which are over 100 years old and others which have been formed more recently.
Where: Guildford Museum, Castle Arch, Quarry Street, Guildford, Surrey GU1 3SX
https:///football-stories-from-the-beautiful-game

Nine Lessons & Carols
Sunday 18th December 2022 at 6.30pm
The 'Nine Lessons' tells the Biblical stories leading up to the birth of Jesus using exerts from the book of Gensis, the prophetic books and the Gospels, interspersed with Christmas hymns and carols.
Where: St Mary Magdalene, Kew Road, Richmond TW9 2NA
https://events/nine-lessons-carols

Oaks Park at Christmas
Open all year round
Relax and enjoy the beautiful open space at Oaks Park and explore the historic site of the Oaks Park Mansion formly the home of the Earl of Derby. The old stable block is now home to resident artists.  It’s great place to visit on a frosty winter day.
Where: Croydon Lane, Banstead, Carshalton SM7 3BA
https://www.goparks.london/park/oaks-park
 

Activities in the Christmas Holidays with an Entry Fee

Rookery Christmas Fair
Sun 18th December 2022 at 10:00 am to 2:00 pm
Entry is by donation, kids under 12 go free
The Rookery Christmas Fair is a great event and is back this year with beautiful craft and gift stalls from local makers and producers.  The Rookery is an attractive garden within Streatham Common and this packed event promises delicious food, music and carol singing, marshmallow toasting around a campfire, and Santa’s Grotto, what could be better!
Where: Streatham Rookery, Covington Way, Streatham SW16 3BX
https://www.sccoop.org.uk/events

Moonfall Circus Show
Mon 19th Dec - Sat 24th Dec
Adult £17, Child £15,  Family ticket £60
Moonfall is a 45 minute comical story-telling performance using a rope, a hoop and lots of imagination. Follow princess Amaya and her brother as she dreams of leaving her Kingdom behind in search of an adventure to the moon!
Where: The Horton, Haven Way, Epsom, Surrey KT19 8NP
Tel: 01372 747662
https://thehortonepsom.org/events/moonfall

Epsom and Ewell in WW2
Wednesday 20th Dec 2022, 10.30am to 12pm
£5 per child
Find out how the Borough of Epsom & Ewell suffered from heavy bombing during World War II.  A fact filled morning activity detailing the events from 1940 - 1944 and how it affected residents in the area.
Where: Bourne Hall Museums Kid Club, Spring Street, Ewell, Surrey KT17 1UF
Tel: 0208 394 1734
Email dbrooks@epsom-ewell.gov.uk
https://www.bournehall.org/whats/museum-activities

Treasures Tour
On until 31st Dec 2022
Price: £10 Adult/£8 Child
This one-hour journey takes you through the some of the treasures of the British Library such as the Magna Carta and other historical documented events.
Where: Entrance Hall, The British Library, 96 Euston Road, London NW1 2DB

The Sky Is Black Tonight 
By Berlie Doherty

The sky is black tonight;
Coal-black, crow-black.
But in that black
Is the white-bright light
Of a star.

That star has a gift tonight:
A birth-gift, for-all-the-earth-gift.
For in that star
Is a fly-by-night:
Is a bird!

That bird has a song tonight:
A love-song, high above-song.
And in that song
Is the silver tongue
Of a bell.

That bell has a wish tonight;
A bell-wish, a well-wish.
And the wish
In the bell
In the song
In the bird
In the star
In the black
In the sky
Is Peace.
Is Peace.
Is Peace.

Wishing you all
a Merry Christmas
from SGS Library staff