READING NEWSLETTER
Welcome to our last edition of the St Cuthbert’s Reading Newsletter of this academic year. In this issue, we continue to reflect and update you on how we have promoted and celebrated reading last half term and hear from book-loving pupils, students, and staff. We hope you have a wonderful summer. What better time to relax with a book in the sun? If we get any...
WOn 2nd July, we were delighted to welcome author, James Campbell, to the school. Pupils in Year 7 and Year 8 enjoyed a very humorous talk in the morning, which engaged pupils in key environmental issues, and inspired pupils to take action to save our planet.
His latest book, Don’t Panic, We Can Save the Planet is both funny and inspirational. Many pupils enthusiastically rushed to the library at lunch time to speak with James, and to buy a copy.
In the afternoon, a selection of Key Stage 3 pupils worked with James in a series of interactive workshops, all centred around becoming writers. A very enjoyable day.
SUMMER READING CHALLENGE
Take a book wherever you go this Summer with the ePlatform app!
For every book you read over the Summer holidays your name will be entered into a prize draw in September.
For every eBook/audiobook you read, your name will be entered twice!
Pupil book reviews
Sudais Muhammad 7H1
‘The Deep End’ by Jeff Kinney
"I have never read this wimpykid version so I knew I had to get it I got so hooked,I forgot to pack upfor my next lesson. This book gets a new theme and another wild tale of Gregs and Rodricks life. You can also learn about character and theme I recommend this book a lot "
Austin Knaggs 10B1
‘Her Dark Wings’ by Melinda Salisbury
"I love this book,it was great! I love how the storyis a modern day take on Greek Mythology and a retelling of the Persephone myth."
An interview withMrs Casey, HeadofHistory
What is your favourite book and why?
‘Harry Potter’. I loved the first book when it first came out in 1997 and couldn't wait for the next! I love re-reading the books and watching the movies. Every time I read/ watch I seem to learn new things about the characters.
When and where do you most like to read?
On holiday in the sun by the pool.
Why do you enjoy reading?
It allows me to relax and escape from reality. Also I find a good book addictive.
What are you currently reading?
‘The Thursday Murder Club’ by Richard Osman.
How can you support your son's reading at home?
Allocate
BOOKRECOMMENDATIONS
YEAR7
The Super Sunny Murder Club by
Serena Patel and Robin Stevens
Grab your sunnies and your magnifying glass and join the Murder Club for more sensational short stories as they lead you on a journey of foul play and murderously magnificent mysteries! This is the perfect holiday entertainment and collection to pack in a holiday bag!
A collection of sizzling summer-themed crime and mystery stories by thirteen of the most popular, exciting children’s book authors!
Ravencave by Marcus
Sedgwick
A grim discovery brings disturbing revelations in this chilling ghost story from the late Marcus Sedgwick
While mucking about in the ruins of an old farm while on holiday in Yorkshire James hears strange laughter echoing around the walls The ghost of a young girl appears to him and urges James to follow her but at first he’s too afraid
When she appears again this time James follows But will he be able to face the terrible truth she reveals ?
YEAR8
The Storm Keeper’s Island by
Catherine Doyle
When Fionn Boyle sets foot on Arranmore Island, it begins to stir beneath his feet
Once in a generation Arranmore Island chooses a new Storm Keeper to wield its power and keep its magic safe from enemies The time has come for Fionn's grandfather a secretive and eccentric old man to step down Soon a new Keeper will rise
But deep underground someone has been waiting for Fionn
As the battle to become the island's next champion rages a more sinister magic is waking up intent on rekindling an ancient war
YEAR9
Elsewhere by
Gabrielle Zevin
Welcome to Elsewhere It is warm, with a breeze, and the beaches are beautiful It's quiet and peaceful You can't get sick and you can't get older In Elsewhere, death is only the beginning
Elsewhere is where fifteen-year-old Liz Hall ends up, after she is killed in a hit-and-run accident It is a place very like Earth, yet completely different Here Liz will age backwards from the day of her death until she becomes a baby again and returns to Earth But Liz wants to turn sixteen, not fourteen again; to get her driving licence and graduate from high school She doesn't want to get to know a grandmother she's never met before and have to make all-new friends How can Liz let go of the only life she has ever known and embrace a new one?
18-year-old Bel has lived her whole life in the shadow of her mom ’ s mysterious disappearance Sixteen years ago, Rachel Price vanished and young Bel was the only witness Rachel is gone, presumed dead
The case is dragged up from the past when the Price family agree to a true crime documentary Bel can’t wait for filming to end for life to go back to normal But then Rachel Price reappears and life will never be normal again
The detective duo everyone is dying to meet!
Summer in London is hot, the hottest on record, and there's been a murder in THE TRI: the high-rise home to resident know-it-alls, Nik and Norva Who better to solve the case?
Armed with curiosity, home-turf knowledge and unlimited timeuntil the end of the summer holidays anyway The first whodunnit in a new mystery series by Sharna Jackson
Paper Towns by John Green
Quentin Jacobsen has always loved Margo Roth Spiegelman for Margo (and her adventures) are the stuff of legend at their high school So when she one day climbs through his window and summons him on an all-night road trip of revenge he cannot help but follow
But the next day Margo doesn't come to school and a week later she is still missing Q soon learns that there are clues in her disappearance and they are for him But as he gets deeper into the mystery - culminating in another awesome road trip across America - he becomes less sure of who and what he is looking for
Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow By
Gabrielle Zevin
Sam and Sadie meet in a hospital in 1987 Playing together brings joy escape, fierce competition - and a special friendship Then, all too soon, that time is over and they must return to their normal lives
When the pair spot each other eight years later in a crowded train station the spark is immediate and together they get to work on what they love - creating virtual worlds to delight challenge and immerse Their collaborations make them global superstars but along with success, money and fame come betrayal and tragedy
12 years of trend data shows there is a negative correlation with increased screen time and children’s reading for pleasure
The Farshore and HarperCollins Children’s Books annual review of Children’s Reading for Pleasure (2024)
High Rise by Sharna Jackson
The Reappearance of Rachel Price by Holly Jackson
