Monday 13 July 2015

New Books and Summer Reading


Last term was hectic, we hardly had time to draw breath, so apologies for such a long time since you heard from us.

We are delighted with your support for our library fundraising and look forward to visiting a brand new library in the near future.

But what about reading?  Yes, we’re still there devouring every new book that comes into school.  Our PSAs have been working very hard to provide new book boxes for every class in the school – no mean feat with 20 classes!  This means we all have easy access to a fantastic range of books for every level of reader in each class, so thank you very much to all our wonderful PSAs.

Now what about some new books?  Well two sets of group novels have arrived for P6.  The first is an amazing book called ‘Wonder’ by the American author R J Palacio.  It is a deeply moving book about a young boy born with a serious facial disfigurement and how he manages (or not) with the staring, whispering and awful bullying encountered in his daily life.  Having been home-schooled for too many years, August is now encouraged by his parents to attend the local school where he has to deal with new and bewildering situations caused by children and adults who have judged him without ever taking the time to get to know August and consider how life might feel in his shoes.  A must read – for adults as well as P6 and P7 pupils!

Have you read and enjoyed Varjak Paw by S F Said?  If so, you’ll love his new book, ‘Phoenix’ - an exciting adventure set among the stars, raising tough questions about friendship and trust.  Definitely for the more experienced reader, supported by beautiful illustrations, you will recognise the author’s traits and be transported into other worlds but never very far from the fundamental questions about the meaning of life itself.

When you are next in school take a look at the cupboards on the first and second floors containing our group novels.  Miss Scott and Miss Broadley have both given up time during their summer holiday to clean out the shelves, throw out old stock and reorganise the books in alphabetical order.  What a fantastic job!  And what great books we didn’t realise we had.

As always, there are great opportunities for reading over the summer.  The Guardian has just published the long list for their Children’s Book Award so if you have any pocket money or book tokens get down to your local bookshop and buy something new.


After reading your new book, you could enter the review competition and win even more books.


Good luck and happy reading.  See you in August, ready for the Edinburgh International Book Festival.

Your friendly Book Club.