Carnegie Shadowing 2017 at TRS

A group of our Year 7 students, Alfie, Aimee, Amy, Avril, Dominika, Juliette, Oscar, Sebastian and Tanaka, took part in shadowing this year's CILIP Carnegie Children’s Book Awards.  This involved reading, discussing and reviewing the eight shortlisted titles selected by the judges.

Known as the Cosmic Ravensbourne Readers, the Shadowing group met for the last time on Tuesday, 27th June.  As well as discovering books they wouldn't normally choose, that challenged their existing ideas, the group enjoyed being able to express their opinions in a relaxed and friendly environment. As a thank you for taking part, everyone received a certificate, bookmark, printed copy of our Shadowing magazine, chocolate and a free book of their choice. We look forward to Carnegie Shadowing 2018!

The winners of the awards were announced on Monday 19th June.  They were Salt to the Sea by Ruta Sepetys and The Bone Sparrow by Zana Fraillon.  These books, and the other shortlisted titles, are available to borrow from the Discovery and War Memorial Libraries.

Summer Reading and Post-a-Read 2017

We would love you to send us a postcard of what you are reading over the summer! It doesn’t matter where the post card is from, Bromley or Borneo, Luton or Las Vegas, as long as you tell us what you are reading.  All entrants will have their postcard displayed and will be entered into a free prize draw!  

If you are looking for ideas of what to read ask your Librarians or check out the Lovereading4kids.com summer reading suggestions.

We have brilliant displays of new books as well as old favourites to browse and borrow.

Summer Reading in the WML

Harry Potter celebrates 20th Anniversary

Today, Monday 26th June, is the 20th Anniversary of the publication of the first Harry Potter book by J K Rowling, Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone. There are lots of celebrations taking place, including the Harry Potter: A History of Magic exhibition at the British Library running from October 2017 to February 2018.  

Carnegie and Greenaway Medal Winners 2017 Announced!

The 2017 CILIP Carnegie Medal, awarded for an outstanding book for children, has been won by Ruta Sepetys for Salt to the Sea, a heartbreaking and inspiring novel, told from the perspective of four young people, each with a secret to keep.  Based on true events, it tells the little known story of the sinking of the Wilhelm Gustloff passenger ship during World War II, carrying 9,000 civilian refugees, nearly all of whom were drowned.

The brilliant Bone Sparrow by Zana Fraillon was awarded the Amnesty CILIP Honours, as the book on the shortlist that most distinctively illuminates, communicates, or celebrates our personal rights and freedom.

The Greenaway Medal for most outstanding illustration for children and young people was won by Lane Smith for There is a Tribe of Kids.

Check out the our Shadowing page, the Cosmic Ravensbourne Readers, soon to find out which books were our Shadower's favourites!   

Your school needs you!

Nominate us to win £5,000 of National Book Tokens in a free prize draw.  You can also win £1,000 of tokens for yourself too!  To enter click here.

Lauren Child announced as new Children's Laureate

The very talented award-winning author, illustrator and artist, Lauren Child, has been named the Waterstones Children's Laureate, 2017-2019. Her work includes the Clarice Bean and Ruby Redfort series, which are available to borrow from the Discovery Library.

During her time as Laureate, Lauren Child will focus on inspiring children to use their imaginations and be creative, "igniting in them the delight of reading for pleasure".  

The role of Children's Laureate is awarded every two years to celebrate an exceptional author or illustrator of children’s books and to recognise their importance in creating new readers.  Lauren Child will be the 10th Laureate and follows on from fellow author and illustrator, Chris Riddell.

Former Children's Laureates drawn by Chris Riddell

YA Book Prize 2017 - winner announced

From: http://www.thebookseller.com/ya-book-prize

The Booksellers YA Book Prize 2017, announced at the Hay Festival, has been won by Patricia Lawrence for Orangeboy.  

Orangeboy tells the story of a 16-year-old boy, Marlon, who faces an impossible choice after a date ends tragically.  He finds himself caught up in London's gang culture, despite not wanting to follow the same path as his older brother, Andre.  Described as a 'coming of age urban thriller', this novel has also also been shortlisted for the Best Crime Novel for Young Adults, the Costa Book Awards for children 2016 and has won the Waterstones Children's Book Prize for Older Readers.

Orangeboy is on our wish list so look out for a copy in the War Memorial Library very soon.  In the meantime, check out Alex Wheatle's brilliant Crongton series of books including Liccle Bit and Crongton Knights.