READING NEWSLETTER
Welcome to our first edition of the St Cuthbert’s Reading Newsletter of 2025. In this issue, we will update you on how we have promoted and celebrated reading this half term. With half term finally upon us, what better time to pick up a book with which to relax? Our theme this half term is all about empathy and our recommendations link to this theme.
“Imaginative Empathy”
In the penultimate week of this half term, Mr Willis and Ms Black led assemblies on the importance of reading for Years 7 - 11. The assemblies laid importance on the role books have on developing, what Pope Francis describes as, “imaginative empathy”. In a letter from last summer, the Pope writes of the importance of “seeing through the eyes of others.” Reading helps us to to develop this empathy, as we connect with fictional characters and how they respond to their fictional situations.
The assembly drew links between the Pope’s message and the message delivered by Dua Lipa at the 2022 Booker Prize award ceremony. During her speech, Dua Lipa posited that “Good writing has the power to make people feel seen and heard;” that books help people to “connect;” and help us to “love and to be loved in return.”
The important message is that books help us to connect in a world that can sometimes feel divided. When we truly listen to others and see the world through their eyes, we grow stronger together. And this ability to empathise is nurtured and developed through our reading of books.
READING IS AN ADVENTURE!
What better way to spend half term than with a book in your hand? Your challenge this half term is to take a picture of yourself reading somewhere fun! It might be at the beach or your local park, or it might even be on the bus. Bring in your picture to Ms Black in the library after half term to be in for a chance to win a prize. All entries will receive a sweet treat. Happy reading!
Pupil Book Reviews
‘The Den’ by Keith Gray
Jake Dixon, Year 7
"I liked ‘The Den’ because it is an entertaining book about curiosity and betrayal. It is focused on rivalry and the resulting wreaked friendship."
‘Enola Holmes- The Case of the Missing Marquess’ by Nancy Springer
Jacob Thottumkal, Year 9
" A spin on the legendary Sherlock Holmes stories Bringing new mysteries and stories through the character Enola This book explores the status of Victorian women which Enola greatly defies."
AninterviewwithMissCunningham,TeacherofEnglish
What is your favourite book and why?
C.S Lewis’s ‘The Chronicles of Narnia.’ My childhood favourite collection as I read them with my Granddad and he inspired my love of reading and Literature. I have fond memories of that time spent with him.
When and where do you most like to read?
At home with a cozy blanket and my galaxy projector with a YouTube reading playlist, having a cuddle with my dog. Or by the pool on holiday!
Why do you enjoy reading?
I am transported to other worlds; it is escapism at it's finest! I imagine myself there with new characters and I love understanding new perspectives and ways of life. Reading opens your mind up to that. Plus where else can you find fantastical creatures that fly and talk?
What are you currently reading?
‘The Cruel Prince’ by Holly Black (from our school library)
BOOKRECOMMENDATIONS
YEAR7
This is the story of one of those days - a day so bad you can barely get out of bed, when it's a struggle to leave the house, and when you do, you wish you hadn't But even the worst of days can surprise you When one sad ghost, alone at a crowded party, spies another sad ghost across the room, they decide to leave together What happens next changes everything
Because that night they start the The Sad Ghost Cluba secret society for the anxious and alone, a club for people who think they don't belong
Wonder
by R J Palacio
Auggie wants to be an ordinary ten-year-old He does ordinary things - eating ice cream, playing on his Xbox He feels ordinary - inside But ordinary kids don't make other ordinary kids run away screaming in playgrounds Ordinary kids aren't stared at wherever they go
Born with a terrible facial abnormality, Auggie has been home-schooled by his parents his whole life Now, for the first time, he's being sent to a real school - and he's dreading it All he wants is to be accepted - but can he convince his new classmates that he's just like them, underneath it all?
YEAR9
The Alchemist
by Paulo Coelho
Heroes by Marcus
Rashford
Marcus Rashford is not only an England International footballer – he's also a campaigner who has been on a mission to end child food poverty Starting on this journey was never something that he could have done alone, and in Heroes Marcus wants to shine a light on ten brilliant people who have inspired him to make a difference
Each person has changed Marcus's life in their own way, and now he wants to show YOU how his heroes can inspire you to be your best self, and make a difference to the world around you Featuring profiles of 10 inspirational people from around the world who have inspired Marcus, this book is full of brilliant advice and top tips
YEAR8
Dare to be You by Matthew Syed
Drawing examples from sport, science and even business, Dare to Be You empowers young readers to follow their own path, love what makes them different and question the world around them With You Are Awesome's trademark mix of hilarious text, stylish illustration, personal insights and inspiring real-life examples, including Greta Thunberg and Malala Yousafzai, Matthew Syed introduces children to the power of diverse thinking
When you stop doubting yourself, embrace change and let your kindness loose, you become your own action hero This groundbreaking, practical and positive book will help kids develop the inner confidence to grow into happy adults who know - and, more importantly, LIKE - themselves
Santiago, a young shepherd living in the hills of Andalucia, feels that there is more to life than his humble home and his flock One day he finds the courage to follow his dreams into distant lands, each step galvanised by the knowledge that he is following the right path: his own The people he meets along the way, the things he sees and the wisdom he learns are life-changing
With Paulo Coelho’s visionary blend of spirituality, magical realism and folklore, The Alchemist is a story with the power to inspire nations and change people’s lives
Atomic Habits by James Clear
People think that when you want to change your life you need to think big But world-renowned habits expert James Clear has discovered another way He knows that real change comes from the compound effect of hundreds of small decisions: doing two pushups a day, waking up five minutes early, or holding a single short phone call He calls them atomic habits
In this ground-breaking book, Clears reveals exactly how these minuscule changes can grow into such life-altering outcomes
Hope By
Pope Francis
A"Hope" by Pope Francis is a deeply personal and reflective autobiography in which Pope Francis shares his life story from his childhood in Argentina to his journey as a priest, bishop, and ultimately, the Pope In this heartfelt narrative, the Holy Father reflects on his spiritual growth and offers insights into his hopes for the future of the Church and the world
For anyone who is seeking a deeper understanding of Pope Francis both as a person and a Pope, this book offers just that 'Hope' is the ideal companion for Lent, helping the reader to reflect on humility, service, and hope in the face of adversity It is an excellent choice for any one seeking to live with compassion, joy, and a deeper trust in the inexhaustible mercy of God
Living Prayerfully By Jared
Brock
While filming a documentary about sex trafficking, Jared and Michelle Brock felt a deep need for prayer in their personal lives In an effort to learn more about prayer, the couple traveled the globe, exploring the great Judeo-Christian prayer traditions: in mountains and monasteries, in Christian communities and cathedrals, standing up and lying down, every hour and around the clock
20.7% of children and young people who read in their free time said it helps them to connect with the world around them.
The Sad Ghost Club by Lize Meddings
