Sophie McKenzie on Richard and Judy

Do you have any of Sophie McKenzie’s books in the Library? “Yes, several copies,” I reply, “but they’re all on loan: I can put your name on the reserve list though.” There is no doubt that an author visit genuinely increases reading in our school.

In addition Sophie signed about 100 copies of her books, which were sold during her visit. Girl, Missing has a waiting list of 4-6 weeks on Amazon, so we were lucky to have plenty of copies of this award-winning title, thanks to our local book shop, The Bookstore.

As well as winning the Longer Novel category of the Red House Children’s Book Award in June, Girl, Missing is now on the shortlist for Richard and Judy’s Children’s Books for Fluent Readers.

Richard & Judy's Best Kids' Books is on Channel 4 at 8pm on Thursday 25 October.

Sophie McKenzie will be on one of their live Author Chats this coming week, see the list below for details.

Read more at www.richardandjudybookclub.co.uk/childrens and an article in The Times.

Live author chats
Monday 22nd October 2007
Robert Muchamore - 10.15am
Author of CHERUB: The Recruit

Kevin Brooks - 1pm
Author of Lucas

Derek Landy - 3.30pm
Author of Skulduggery Pleasant

Wednesday 24th October 2007
Mark Walden - 9.30
Author of H.I.V.E: Higher Institute of Villainous Education

Roderick Gorden & Brian Williams - 11am
Authors of Tunnels

Sophie McKenzie - 3pm
Author of Girl, Missing

Friday 26th October 2007
Michael Lawrence - 11am
Author of Killer Underpants

Author Visit

Sophie McKenzie, winner of the longer novel category of the Red House Children’s Book Award for Girl Missing, will be visiting Our Lady’s Abingdon on 16 October. She'll be talking to Years 7 & 8, plus leading writing workshops with Year 9 forms. Our local book shop will be supplying any books ordered, and copies will also be on sale during the week.

Open Morning

A mini Kids' Lit Quiz will be taking place in the Library during Open Morning this Saturday, 13 October. Members of Chatterbooks reading club will be demonstrating this fun event from 11 o'clock for about 15 minutes.

It's also hugely entertaining, and spectators will also be able to take part. There will be two rounds of 10 questions on books and reading. The teams collaborate and write down their answers, so no-one is 'put on the spot'.

Everyone always enjoys the experience, and discovers new authors, books to try and like-minded friends along the way.

www.kidslitquiz.com

Guardian children's fiction prize

Finding Violet Park by Jenny Valentine has won the 2007 Guardian children's fiction prize.

It's a hugely enjoyable read which leaves you thinking, and our copy in the school library has already been enjoyed by many borrowers.
Read more by clicking here.

Blue Peter

The BBC's Blue Peter programme is a great promoter of reading and books for children, and each year presents its own awards, see the list below for this year's shortlist.

Book mark the BP Book Club area! It's worth visiting regularly. This week, for example, you could post questions on the Message Boards for these authors: Michael Rosen, Eoin Colfer, Malorie Blackman, Charlie Higson, and today Jacqueline Wilson.

Star Author Justin Somper, author of the Vampirates books, has spent the last 20 weeks writing a blog for Blue Peter. It's a fascinating read. In it he also explains how his books are published, and answers questions about writing.

In Meet the Writers top authors give tips and advice: Andy Stanton; Anthony Horowitz, Cathy Cassidy, Jeremy Strong and Jacqueline Wilson.

The Blue Peter shortlists
The Book I Couldn't Put Down:
Framed by Frank Cottrell Boyce
The Bad Spy's Guide by Pete Johnson
The Outlaw Varjak Paw by SF Said and Dave McKean

Best Book with Facts:
Why is Snot Green? by Glen Murphy
The Worst Children's Jobs in History by Tony Robinson
A Little Guide to Wild Flowers by Charlotte Voake

The Most Fun Story with Pictures:
Melrose and Croc Together at Christmas by Emma Chichester Clark
Charlie Cook's Favourite Books by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler
You're a Bad Man, Mr Gum by Andy Stanton and David Tazzyman.

National Poetry Day

National Poetry Day is a campaign to promote and celebrate poetry, of all kinds and in all sorts of places.

For one day each year the enthusiasm, passion and skill of poetry readers and writers is channelled into a national celebration. There is a different theme each year. Past themes include Britain, Food, and Identity; this year the topic is DREAMS, with an opportunity to explore the legendary lyrics of Bob Dylan.

I consider myself a poet first and a musician second.
I live like a poet and I'll die like a poet. Bob Dylan

More information www.nationalpoetryday.co.uk