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. 

The Foyle Young Poets of the Year Award

The Foyle Young Poets of the Year Award is now open for aspiring poets aged 11 to 17. 

Founded by the Poetry Society in 1998, the competition welcomes poems of any length and on any theme and winners receive an amazing range of prizes, including mentoring, a residential writing course and membership of the Poetry Society and books.

The closing date is 31^st July 2017.  For more information on how to enter and top tips on writing poetry click here.

If you need inspiration, why not check out the great selection of poetry books available to borrow from the Discovery Library.

Keep Calm and Carry on Revising in the War Memorial Library

We have a good selection of revision resources available in the War Memorial Library – come and have a browse or ask one of the Librarians.  There are some useful GCSE revision websites listed on the blog, as well as Post 16 resources, which provide A-level revision websites and advice on referencing.

One of our P16 lunchtime library helpers has also recommended the Get Revising website, which allows you to organise your time with a study planner, create useful tools including mind-maps and flash cards and discuss your subjects with other students. To check it out visit Get Revising.

Mental Health Awareness Week 2017

To mark Mental Health Awareness week 2017, we have created a useful display of fiction and non-fiction books in the War Memorial Library. This year's awareness theme is relationships.

And there are some useful websites too.  Click here and here and here  and here  and here . 

And because

we have a great selection of books in the Discovery Library to make you

Free Comic Book Day 2017

If you love comics, this Saturday, 6^th May, is Free Comic Book Day 2017!  The titles being given away this year include Spider-Man, Wonder Woman, Doctor Who, The Simpsons and Guardians of the Galaxy.

The Forbidden Planet is hosting events and giving away bags of comics (whilst stocks last) – for more details and their nearest store checkout their website. 

You can also pick up a free comic at branches of the some London public libraries, namely Hammersmith and Fulham, Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea and Westminster.

You may also want to check out Piranha in Bromley High Street, which sells comic books and cult collectables.

Meanwhile, don't forget to check out the Graphic Novel collections in the Libraries!

First News and Stabilo – Young Journalist of the Year 2017 Writing Competition

This is a great competition for anyone who loves writing and has a keen interest in journalism and To enter the competition, you must write a column of no more than 300 words about something that is happening in your local area or school or an issue affecting your family or friends that you would like to raise awareness about.  A column is where the writer gives their opinion on an important issue, which appear in newspapers, magazines and web sites.
current affairs!

The closing date is 7^th July and is open to 8 to 18 year olds.  The winners get their own column published in First News and win a bundle of STABILO stationery products worth £1,000 for their school.

For hints and tips and how to enter go to http://www.stabilofirstnews.co.uk/.  Copies of First News are available in the Discovery Library.