Getting Reading

Picture This! Illustrating Children’s Books at Gallery Oldham

2012-01-17T08:00:00.002Z

I have just read about the rather wonderful sounding Picture This! Illustrating Children’s Books show at Gallery Oldham on the equally wonderful blog by Lynne Chapman.

It sounds great, with illustrations from children’s books family activities. It includes some big names too: Shirley Hughes, Anthony Browne, Jez Alborough and Helen Stephens.

Lynnes' doing a big family event on Saturday 28 January and the exhibition is on to 11 March, so lots of time to make the trip!

Barrington Stoke Solos: Bighead by Vince Cross, Take Two by Jo Cotterill, Bomb by Jim Eldridge and The After School Club by Alison Davies

2012-01-12T11:51:00.000Z

Over Christmas I read four relatively new books in Barrington Stoke's Solo range. I thought I'd write them up in one go here. Solos are described as 'short, whole novels that offer an easier introduction to real books'. They have a large difference between Reading Age (6.5 years) and Interest Age (11+).

Bighead by Vince Cross
Andy's in a wheelchair after an accident, his Dad has walked out and his Mum's struggling to find direction in her life. Understandably Andy has poor self-esteem, but the band he forms with is friends gives him the inspiration he needs. Bighead, the new band's name, reflects this new found confidence. The band can't fail on their path to stardom, and even Andy's Mum sorts herself out. Bighead is quite a cheesy story, but you can't help but smile.

Take Two by Jo Cotterill
I am afraid to say it, Take Two is aimed purely at a female audience, it includes a lot of pink, stars, dresses and glitter. It explains how Carla and Lily get their own back on the sneaky, arrogant Max. The girls see through him straight away, "he's too up himself", and find a great way to embarrass him. Take Two mixes some British, American and Japanese institutions: rugby, school proms and manga pictures. The blurb on the back tells you all you need to know; One prom + One hot boy + Two best friends = A lot of trouble!

Bomb by Jim Eldridge
I really like the way Bomb is presented; dramatic pictures, lots of talk of MI5 an secret reports. It makes the story of a bomb in a school come to life. Rob is the bomb disposal expert, he is only 19, but he's the best. But he is troubled because his best mate was killed by a terrorist bomb like the one he must face. He has 45 minutes to diffuse the bomb, this is about how much time it might take to read, so it feels like it is in real time, which is a neat trick. It ends with a classic decision of which coloured wire to cut, I won't spoil it for you!

The After School Club by Alison Davies
The pictures and words in The After School Club seem to be telling different stories. Without the pictures it would be a scary horror story about a secret club. But the images are done in a jokey cartoon way, which reduces the impact of the spookiness. Sam can't resist when Lena, the coolest girl at school asks him to join the 'Hairy Bikers' gang. Inevitably things do not go as he hoped and he has a series of run-ins with the other gang members and school bullies. The big revelation is perhaps easy to spot coming, but it is still a fun read. I would have liked the pictures to been as unsettling as the text though.

Wolf by Tommy Donbavand

2012-01-11T17:02:00.000Z

I met Tommy Donbavand at the Doncaster Children's Book Award last year, he was short-listed for Zombie !, another Barrington Stoke book. He did a brilliant routine involving giant crabs and toilet-roll mummy children. It was obvious mnosters play a big role in Tommy's world. So it was no surprise to see his latest is Wolf, a werewolf tale.

Wolf tells the story of a normal boy called Adam's incredible transformation one evening, and the amazing reactions of his parents.

Adam's first concern when claws rip out of his fingers "mum's going to kill me when she saw the mess!" That turns out to be the least of his worries, as a very gruesome transform takes place. The chapter names describe the process: Claws, Fur, Tail, Snout, Eyes, Spine and Teeth! I particularly like the Fur chapter; "it did feel like I was wearing a thick dressing gown."

More remarkable than the transformation is Adam's parent clam reaction to it. They are pretty prepared for it. As Adam struggles to overcome his animal instincts and work-out why his parents are behaving so oddly, it builds to a truly shocking final couple of pages.

Brilliant, horrific stuff. I hope I catch up with Tommy again soon, he is much friendlier in real life.

Free to download: How to Choose Children’s Books

2012-01-04T15:21:00.000Z

I just got a copy of the free to download: How to Choose Children’s Books by Aaron Mead.

It is really comprehensive, and just a little over-whelming!

It contains

Practical tips on picking great books for kids of all ages—infant through young adult.
Guidance on what makes books attractive and developmentally valuable for children.
Analysis of themes, illustrations, stories, and the use of humor in children’s books.
Philosophical reflections on the role of children’s books in the development of moral character.
A comprehensive list of online resources for finding excellent children’s literature, including book lists, sources of professional book reviews, and children’s literature blogs.

A key message for me, is that just because a book looks attractive to an adult doesn't mean it is going to be right for a young person.

It's an eBook so full of links to further reviews and resources. I think our Reading Mentors, families and other people working one-to-one with young people will find it very interesting.

World Book Night 2012

2011-12-27T10:22:00.000Z

You may have been involved in World Book Night in 2011, I certainly was and it was great! A rather important due date means I won't be signing up as giver for 2012, but might want to? If so we could help you get the books to our network of volunteer reading mentors, schools and settings.

There are certainly some interesting books on the 2012 list. Although I'd still like to see more titles aimed at a young audience, the US list at least includes The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins.

New Baby - Little Parachutes

2011-12-19T15:53:00.000Z

My start with Reading Matters was two weeks after the birth of my first daughter, Rose, see my very first blog post. Well three years later, a new baby is on the way:

It is exciting times, I may not be to coherent around the end of April!

To prepare Rose for becoming a big sister I have been looking for reading recommendations. The Little Parachutes website, in conjunction with the local library, has proved really useful. Little Parachutes provides suggestions for 'picture books to help with life's challenges' such as a new baby. I can really recommend The Perfect Baby by Tony Bradman and Holly Swain.

With other subjects including Hospitals/Operations, Fear of the Dark, Moving House, Starting School and Healthy Eating it is great for exploring issues with children via reading.

Wildlife Trust Wildlife Watch Magazine

2011-12-15T11:21:00.000Z

My colleague, Diane, passed me her latest copy of Wildlife Watch Magazine, published by the Wildlife Trust. Both the magazine and the website are super and perfect for reading partnerships where a young person is interested in nature.

Both the website and magazine are really nicely presented with lots of colour, pictures and snappy bits of text to read.

The magazine has games, competitions and activities, this edition, Winter 2011 has a beautiful Red Squirrel poster too.

The website is full of interesting things to read and do, in particular:

Exploring wildlife by seasons, habitats tracks and signs etc.
Activities with loads of suggestions
Downloads, spotting sheets, word searches, activity sheets, recipes and loads more
Games, Greenspace Race has some reading built in
Badger's blog and Watchers entries frequently updated

All brilliant stuff, well worth checking out.

Learning is lovely: 12 days of Learning Pool gifts

2011-12-07T10:41:00.001Z

I have just received the fifth gift from the Learning Pools 12 days of gifts. A really nice children's Christmas Activity Pack. Just right for reading partnerships. Whether it is Christmas or not The Learning Pool has all sorts of nice resources to check out.

Volunteering Fair at the Sinai Synagogue in Leeds

2011-11-24T13:58:00.001Z

A message from Christine Elliott about the Volunteering Fair at the Sinai Synagogue that took place last week:

Thank you to all those who made the volunteering Fair at the Sinai Synagogue in Leeds such a great event last Sunday. The hosts were extremely welcoming and I am pleased that so many people came to our Reading Matters stand to find out what we did and what volunteering opportunities were available.There were a whole host of other organisations there so it was also beneficial to chat with other voluntary organisations. Our volunteers, Pat Reader, Joan Hick, Jenny Homes and Alison House did a brilliant job manning the stand and sharing their knowledge and I understand they all enjoyed the day so many thanks to them for giving up their time. The event was so successful I understand that the organisers are considering holding another one again next year.

Christine Elliott, Reading Matters Volunteer Co-ordinator and Alison House Volunteer Reading Mentor at The David Young Academy

Reading Matters Continuing Professional Development Opportunities

2011-11-15T21:14:00.001Z

Reading Matters has a new office in Sheffield. Scotia Works is a superb training venue and I hope we'll tempt some people to pay us a visit and to help boost literacy with these Continuing Professional Development opportunities. Alternative dates are available in Leeds and Bradford next year.

MANAGING READING MENTORS WORKSHOP 23 January 2012A half-day workshop to develop best practice recruiting, supporting and retaining volunteer reading mentors from the local community.“Exactly what I needed to give me confidence with the reading volunteers I have starting next week!” Cathy Hogg, Shortbrook Primary School, Sheffield

SUPPORTING READING DEVELOPMENT TRAINING 16 March 2012An interactive, accredited training day for professionals who support young people’s literacy. We’ll provide strategies to help tackle low levels of literacy and self-esteem, supporting reading development one-to-one or in groups.
“A fantastic day” Laura Benn, Wath Comprehensive School, Rotherham

Please download a poster with a little more info and/or a booking form to reserve a place.

Video Games

2011-10-26T15:30:00.000+01:00

When trying to engage a struggling or reluctant reader, computer games can often be a less intimidating approach than a hefty tome or badly photo-copied activity sheet. I've spotted a few interactive online resources that might be of interest:

Root, an interactive spy story - This project started this week, new chapters of Root will be published every day for six weeks. Any one can get involved and influence the story by solving mysteries, foiling plans and eavesdropping into conversations!
The Binary - A brilliantly presented online adventure, like an interactive book.
Book Worm Adventures - A role-playing word game involving building words and battling monsters.
Build your own Book Mobile - This one is a bit more 'old school', download, cut out and stick together your own beautiful mobile library.
Word Fighter - This isn't out yet, but looks too cool for words (bad pun).

I guess the inspiration for this post was the song I am kind of in love with at the moment, Video Games by Lana Del Rey. Song lyrics are another great idea to read with a partner, try googling their favourite song.

Have fun.

New Reading Matters Office in Sheffield

2011-10-17T08:00:00.000+01:00

Reading Matters office in Sheffield has moved. We are now at:

Reading Matters
Scotia Works
Leadmill Road
Sheffield
S1 4SE
Tel: 0114 241 2743

Please update your address books.

This new location at Scotia Works is a wonderful location next to Sheffield Railway station, with some great training spaces that would be perfect for Reading Matters training. Reading Matters specialises in one-to-one support to motivate young people to reach their potential by becoming confident and enthusiastic readers. We provide support via:

adults as volunteer reading mentors
young people as reading leaders
parents and carers to help their own families
professional staff with a responsibility for literacy

Get in touch if this sounds of interest, it would be great to hear from you.

My Name is O by Sam Enthoven, and Pale by Chris Wooding

2011-10-15T17:06:00.000+01:00

;

I have received proof copies of two dystopian stories out in January 2012, My Name is O by Sam Enthoven, and Pale by Chris Wooding.

My Name is O, is set entirely in the Bank of England as O tells the reader of his daring break-in and the reason for it. We learn directly from O that he/she "was born in a special breeding programme run by our secret masters", the implication is that the reader is as much a part of this controlled society as O. But O has been singled out for particular conditioning, but without his masters knowledge he has "built a personality". O starts out pretty cocky, but gets more and more out of his depth, he doesn't understand his situation as much as he thinks. It's a gripping tale, set over a short time period in a single location, but very much part of a wider, scary world.

In contrast Pale, covers a long time period. In fact Jed grows, dies and comes back to live another life within the 69 pages. It is set in another scary world, in a future where some people can be resurrected as Pales. The Pales are completely shunned by regular society; jealousy, fear and ignorance all play a part. Sometimes feelings are understandable, it's hard to argue with a statement like "dead kids shouldn't be allowed to go to school". But it's clear people need to learn to deal with these new members of society. Jed, our narrator sees both sides. I hope I am not spoiling it by telling you he dies on page 16! It is tale of violence, betrayal and hatred with a gripping conclusion of rescue and revelation.

In both books, and like in all good Science Fiction, they tell us as much about our own lives as those of the characters in the fantasy settings. Pale in particular seems to be all about current news-worthy themes of immigration, religious differences and human rights. I think they would provide lots of discussion in reading partnerships.

Sheffield Summer Reading Challenge Volunteer 2011

2011-10-14T16:13:00.002+01:00

A few weeks ago we had a celebration event for the Sheffield Volunteers who supported the Summer Reading Challenge in 2011 and their parents. It was a great event. With each of the volunteers presented with a certificate and goodie bag by Dr Sylvia Dunkley, the Lord Mayor of Sheffield.

I have just got this great photo and a wonderful quote from one of the volunteers:

I want to say thanks to you [all] for the ceremony. It was a great and unforgettable experience.

I agree, it was a lovely evening. Everyone was great!

Free Copy of First News

2011-09-21T16:07:00.000+01:00

First News is a brilliant weekly newspaper for young people, it's perfect for our reading partnerships. Full of topical articles presented really nicely with lots of images, graphics and accessible text.

Courtesy of Sainsbury's magazine you can get a free copy.

Call 0800 665480 and quote SBFREE or text NEWS to 78070 before 31 October 2011.

Another good deal is 3 issues for £1.

Reading Videos

2011-09-21T07:07:00.002+01:00

A few videos I have spotted recently:

Inspiring Reluctant Readers - From the New York Times, authors James Patterson and Rick Riordan talk about thechallenge of encouraging children, particularly boys, to love reading
Booked Up Film - New video featuring the Booked Up authors and 11-year-olds talking about the current selection of books
Going West - A wonderfully crafted video for the New Zealand Book Council, Where Books Come to Life!
Dyslexie is a typeface for dyslectics - Silent video with common issues encountered by people with dyslexia, and how a new font seeks to assist

I'll leave you with a beautifully designed video of the ubiquitous Stephen Fry talking of his love of language.
:

Thanks for Teaching Us

2011-09-17T08:41:00.000+01:00

Just spotted this rather wonderful website campaign, Thanks for Teaching Us:

ThanksForTeaching.Us, a 30 day campaign to recognize amazing teachers all over the world. Our schools are in a tough spot right now, and we think there’s no better time to bring the spotlight back on the teachers that make our classrooms thrive.

Dear Great Teachers, ThanksForTeaching.Us from TBD on Vimeo.

The site is pretty inspiring, with beautiful posts from all over the world. Why not check it out and submit you own story, it would be great to get some UK schools represented.

Ninja: First Mission by Chris Bradford

2011-09-16T09:44:00.005+01:00

Chris Bradford is quite an amazing guy, before becoming the hugely successful author of the Young Samurai series he was a professional musician, he is a black belt martial artist, he is funny (check out this video) and he is a nice guy too, all the proceeds for Ninja: First Mission are going to charity!

Naturally, hugely jealous, I really wanted to hate Ninja: First Mission, his first book for Barrington Stoke, but it is hard not to love it.

The first of a series set in Japan in 1580. Taka is training to be a ninja. He is a little over-confident and the start to the story is not what you'd expect. The back story and setting is nicely woven into the story; we learn about his family history, clan, rivals, enemies, friends and training. Super language too, I love the sound of the 'Sixteen Secret Fists' technique.

The First Mission of the title, is a personal and significant challenge for Taka. We are not sure of his true motivation, is he being driven by or vengeance rather than dedication to his ninja clan? This truly adds to the thrill of the adventure.

I am very much looking forward to the continuing series. I enjoyed the realism and historical setting, a real contrast to the Lords of Pain series, and the manga-style illustrations are superb.

By the way, the video I mentioned above, is an introduction to the Ninja Challenge, a duelling card game to be played on or offline, looks brilliant for Reading Matters partnerships, more resources on the Chris Bradford website too.

The Gun by Bali Rai

2011-09-08T21:42:00.000+01:00

Like The Fall by Anthony McGowan (reviewed recently) and Them and Us an earlier Bali Rai book (reviewed a while back) The Gun is a serious book for serious times.

The scene is set in the prologue, Jonas is in a police cell. The details are specific and telling; officials, fashions and smells. As Jonas begins his tale in Chapter 1, we know from the first line, the world he inhabits, "freezing our arses off outside Lahore Fried Chicken".

Jonas is not a bad kid but his situation in life means it is tough to avoid trouble. Especially when his best mate turns out to be worryingly crazy. Throw a loaded gun into the mix and things are never going to end well.

Their estate is always violent. Jonas and his mates dabble in gangs without getting sucked right in. But it is the gun than tips them over the edge.

In his intro Rai says the story was inspired by The Wire TV series. I am still having withdrawal symptoms after this ended, so I am bias. But, I have to say, in 65 pages Rai creates some moving characters and the journey they go on filled me with affection and dismay.

Sheffield Children's Book Award and Off the Shelf Festival 2011

2011-09-07T07:00:00.000+01:00

Whilst at the Sheffield Children's Library I picked up a couple of leaflets giving details of the Sheffield Children's Book Award and Off the Shelf Festival 2011. Both look as excellent as ever.

Sheffield Children's Book Award

A nice line-up, although, if I am honest I haven't ready many at all. A few big names; Chris Riddell for Ottoline at Sea, David Walliams for Billionaire Boy, Terry Deary for Put Out the Light and Malorie Blackman for Boys Don't Cry. I'd like to mention a few local authors; Kevin Brooks for iBoy, Caryl Hart for Rhino, What Rhino and Alex T Smith for Egg.

But for me it is hard to look at anything except David Almond for My Name is Mina, a beautiful, beautiful tale, which I wrote about this time last year .

Off the Shelf Festival 2011

Like the book award, the festival has a real mix of interesting stuff;

I also notice a nice project A City Reads, mapping the books that have inspired the people off Sheffield. Pick up a programme and get involved.

Bookstart Book Crawl

2011-09-05T21:56:00.000+01:00

This weekend, I was at Sheffield Children's Library. My daughter, Rose, completed her Bookstart Book Crawl. Part of the Summer Reading Challenge. Catching up with Alexis the Librarian it sounds like the Summer Reading Challenge Volunteers are doing a great job.

Alexis and Rose!

Booktrust Newsletter

2011-08-30T10:45:00.000+01:00

I just received the latest Booktrust newsletter, I get a lot of email bulletins, but this one shone out.

An interesting intro by Booktrust CEO, Viv Bird, on the summer riots
A reminder about the BBC National Short Story Award 2011
And, The Roald Dahl Funny Prize plus the Roald Dahl Day
A great overview of Sport reading material, which is always a great way for our Reading Mentors to engage many reluctant readers, especially with the 2011 Rugby World Cup and 2012 Olympics on the horizon
Their 2011 Best Book Guide always a great set of recommendations
And finally an opportunity to win the wonderful looking In the Sea there are Crocodiles by Fabio Geda

Great stuff, sign up here.

Getting Linking 5 - Big Hitters

2011-08-22T21:28:00.000+01:00

I have been tidying up my bookmarks (I live a very exciting life), it has inspired a long overdue return to my Getting Linking series. I previously posted up lots of links resources for use in Reading Matters one-to-one sessions. This time I have a list of websites from major institutions, that you may well know about, but are none-the-less useful.

First News - Our favourite news paper for young people
Books for Keeps - Online magazine all about children's books
Ransom Books - Publishers of books for reluctant and struggling readers
Richard and Judy's Children's Book Club - Superb set of reads
Toon Books - Online cartoons and tools to make your own
Harper Collins Browse Inside - Read HC's books online
Flashlight Worthy - Handpicked book recommendations
International Children's Digital Library - Books to read online from around the world in many different languages
Tate Children's Books - Beautiful books
Page45 - Nottingham based comic shop, with a super website including excellent recommendations
Rising Stars Superscripts - series of six-part plays
Evans Publishing - education specialists
Words for Life - Book lists plus tips and ideas for reading together with children
Kid's Lit Quiz - Massive literature based competition
Illustration Cupboard - a celebration of picture books
An Illustrated Guide - new picture book review site, beautifully presented
Unshelved - daily book-based comic-strip
Booktime - Book Trust book giving scheme
National Literacy Trust; Books with Hooks List - recommended reading
Land of Me - interactive 'living picture book' from Ladybird
Project Aon - A beautiful recreation of the Joe Dever Lone Wolf choose-your-own-adventure looks (I loved these books when I was a teenager)

Enjoy

Peter Pan and Book Drum

2011-08-18T12:39:00.002+01:00

I have just finished reading Peter Pan by JM Barrie, can't believe I have't read it before. My motivation was to read it before moving on to Peter Pan in Scarlet by Geraldine McCaughrean, which has been on the shelf for a while.

I really don't know what to make of Peter Pan, I found it a very unsettling 'children's' book. This probably says a lot about me as the reader. Similarly, as many people have said before, Peter Pan is very much about the author's pre-occupations; "the desire for immortality, the urge to shirk responsibility and the role of motherhood". This is quote is taken form the Peter Pan entry on the the wonderful Book Drum website.

Book Drum offers comprehensive reading notes for a growing list of 'classic' books. Each book is covered by a dedicated fan including pictures, videos, maps and music.

I don't think Book Drum is going to be appropriate for the struggling and reluctant readers that Reading Matters supports, but I think our Reading Leaders and Reading Mentors, and anyone with a passion for reading will get a lot out of it.

The Fall by Anthony McGowan

2011-08-16T09:18:00.001+01:00

I am back on track with my Barrington Stoke reviews. After the sweetness and light of Sterling and the Canary by Andy Stanton, The Fall by Anthony McGowan is dark, dark, dark.

From the start The Fall is obviously a denser book than most Barrington Stoke titles; no pictures, more words on a page and a harder use of language. By page five we have read about death, bullying and young offenders. By then end of chapter one I was thoroughly depressed and things do not get improve as the tory progresses.

This bleakness isn't a problem, the book is hugely relevant. I read it during the Summer 2011 riots, and it got to the centre of society's issues better than most media coverage I have seen. Dealing with the causes of young people's lack of morality and angst.

Mog, the narrator, has a poetic streak that is at odds with the tale he tells. There are flashes of brightness amongst the gloom; "like the colour turned into a feeling".

The book has a sense of reality that is quite disturbing. Something about the real sounding names, nick-names and places makes the violence and destruction even more shocking. A challenging read but very deep and very worthwhile.

Rugby World Cup 2011 Resources

2011-08-15T13:23:00.000+01:00

In my spare time I like to shout at the TV in the hope the England Rugby team might live up to its potential.

With the 2011 Rugby World Cup on the horizon, why not download the National Literacy Trust Rugby World Cup Toolkit. It is aimed at schools, but has lots of great ideas and resources for reading mentors and families. It has been put together by Tom Palmer, who really knows his stuff, check out Scrum!.

Summer Reading Challenge 2011: Circus Stars

2011-08-10T11:50:00.001+01:00

I finally got my daughter signed up for the Summer Reading Challenge. It's been running for a few weeks now through the summer holidays. We really do need to get reading!

Like last year I trained some young reading volunteers to work in libraries across Sheffield. And reports are they are really making a difference to the success of this year's Summer Reading Challenge.

This year's theme is Circus Stars. The website has some nice games, opportunities to chat and author videos, including my new friend Andy Stanton.

Get reading and get some fancy stickers!

Sterling and the Canary by Andy Stanton

2011-08-08T11:24:00.000+01:00

After a full year of Barrington Stoke book reviews, I have not done any for months. What better way to get back on track with Sterling and the Canary by Andy Stanton author of my favourite Mr Gum Books.

It's all about Sterling Thaxton's attempts to get new girl Lizzie Harris to go out with him. A fairly standard sort of plot, but it's the language that makes the story fizz. Sterling "flopped around the house like a bored pancake", brilliant!

There are some great recurring jokes too. It starts raining every time Lizzie breaks Sterling's heart.

There is a super ending. With the the help of the Canary, Sterling realises what he actually wants has been right under his nose all along.

It feels like a modern take on a fable. I had to re-read it immediately, it's the sort of book you have to read twice!

It's a hard book to review, I had to go back and take out a lot of my 'ironic' exclamation marks! I really like the way Andy Stanton writes. As you read the words just flow, but you can tell it is very carefully crafted. I loved it.

Involve Yorkshire and Humber - Swan Lake heads only!

2011-08-02T14:31:00.001+01:00

I have been to a couple of Involve Yorkshire and Humber events recently, their Village hall to Whitehall: local government and the voluntary and community sector conference and Learning and Skills Voluntary Sector Network meeting. Both very interesting with lots of great people in attendance.

The Village hall to Whitehall event was at the Northern Ballet in Leeds. The post-lunch energiser was a heads-only version of Swan Lake. And inevitably this is the photo of me they have used.

No harm in looking a bit silly; here is Kate Winslet Reading one of my favourite Mr Gum books at the Port Eliot Festival in St Germans, Cornwall.

Dolly Parton's Imagination Library in Rotherham

2011-07-19T10:08:00.000+01:00

One of our Reading Mentors just sent me this one-line email:

"I am sure you will have better things to do on a Saturday morning, but there is a programme at 10.30 on Radio 4 about what Dolly Parton has done for reading in Rotherham!!!"

She couldn't be more wrong, I can think of no better way to spend a Saturday morning! I immediately looke for for some more info: BBC Radio 4 - How Dolly Got Rotherham Reading.

Thanks Anne.

Bideford Learning Community Book Relief Training July 2011

2011-07-15T08:28:00.001+01:00

Last week I was in Bideford, North Devon, training 30 Volunteer Reading Mentors and School co-ordinators to begin reading sessions in Bideford Primary Schools in September.

We had a wonderful couple of training days full of enthusiasm and ideas, it was an inspiration, as was the Devon landscape.

Organised by the local Book Relief charity and The Bideford Learning Community, and funded by Awards for All and The Bideford Bridge Trust, I know the programme is going to be a huge success. I don't usually make a big deal of the end of training session evaluation forms, but there are some lovely comments from these particular days:

Excellent course, I feel very confident and very excited about becoming a Reading Mentor
Very useful and easy to understand. Will be able to use what I have learnt with confidence
Very useful information, relaxed atmosphere, friendly tutor
So encouraging, very informative and feel equipped to start reading mentoring
A great day full of good tips, knowledge and [I am] looking forward to starting
Encouraging, very informative - ready to put into practice at school.
Richard was very encouraging and a brilliant course leader, time passed very quickly and I've gained loads of useful skills today, thank you.
Tutor was very informative and was made to feel comfortable with what I was learning and doing
I am looking forward to being school co-ordinator for our mentors, very exciting!

ESCAL - Mad Hatters Talk Picnic and Presentation Afternoon

2011-07-14T15:45:00.002+01:00

I am a bit late reporting, but 29 June 2011 was Communication Day in Sheffield, part of the National Year of Communication and Sheffield Children's Festival. The highlight was the Mad-Hatters Talk Picnic - Thosands of pupils having fun in the Peace Gardens:

Those are my photos, there is much better coverage at:

On the same day Reading Matters had a small stand at the Presentation Afternoon for council employees and ESCAL Partners at the Town Hall. It was a really nice event:

Wortley Hall Remembered - 7 July 2011

2011-06-28T11:00:00.000+01:00

Some of our partner schools and Fay, one of our Reading Mentors, are involved in a Summer Show of drama, history and music at Wortley Hall on 7 July 2011. Sounds like a great evening out. Download a pdf programme.

Continued Professional Development Opportunity - Supporting Reading Development

2011-06-16T20:17:00.002+01:00

one day accredited training course

11 July - Sheffield, Bannerdale Centre

14 July - Huddersfield, Brian Jackson House

An interactive training day for professionals who support children’s literacy:

Gain an insight into the literacy curriculum

Understand how children develop reading skills

Diagnose reading difficulties

Develop strategies to improve pupils’ reading skills and confidence

Develop experience and confidence in supporting pupils to become enthusiastic and confident readers

Analyse reading support practice

Prepare for NOCN Level 2 accreditation

Lunch and refreshments provided

Just £195 per person

Please contact 01274 692219 or info@readingmatters.org.uk

Download a poster [pdf] to display on your notice board.

Book Relief - Community Volunteer Reading Mentors Programme in partnership with the Bideford Learning Community

2011-06-09T11:03:00.003+01:00

Reading Matters will be delivering some accredited training and support sessions on 6 and 7 July to prepare Volunteer Reading Mentors to deliver reading sessions in Bideford schools.

It is an exciting new progamme organised by the Book Relief in partnership the Bideford Learning Community.

Full details are available on the Book Relief website. Do take a look, especially if you would like to become a Volunteer Reading Mentor in a Bideford school and really help to improve the reading skills and confidence of young people, and gain some valuable work experience and a national accreditation.

Dr. Seuss says Read Read Read

2011-06-08T19:07:00.002+01:00

A wonderful letter with great advice from Dr. Seuss:

Sent in response to a Librarian in Troy, Michigan in 1971. Found with more letters on Jack Cheng's blog.

Reading Mentor Resources at Firth Park Community Arts College

2011-06-01T13:57:00.001+01:00

I was at Firth Park Community Arts College last week, placing a new Reading Mentor. We explored all sorts of new resources including many for particularly reluctant or struggling readers. I wanted to share them with you:

Dark Man series by Peter Lancett - Minimal text and dark pencil illustrations, in particular the use of repetition helps embed word recognition
Dark Flight series - 'Horror' tales designed to grab the attention of young teenagers with low reading ages
Right Now! series by Dee Phillips - Very low word counts fiction books for teenagers lower reading ages
Zig Zag series - Aimed at younger children but still popular at the secondary school
Barrington Stoke - Barrington Stoke are our go-to publisher, the series above are aimed at young reading ages than Barrington Stoke's traditional audience, but their Solo and Go! series, plus the new Tribe series, will be suitable.

I also learnt that the rather wonderful author, Malorie Blackman, is name checked in the song Written in the Stars by Tinie Tempah. How cool is that!

Peace in the Park Festival Self Help Africa Reading Aloud World Record Attempt

2011-05-24T16:15:00.004+01:00

Via the Reading Zone Website, I learnt about a great event at my favourite local festival.

One of the chosen causes at the Peace in the Park Festival on 4 June 2011 in Sheffield is Self Help Africa. At the festival they are going to try and break the World Record for the most adults reading aloud to children.

They will be reading Lion Storyteller Bedtime Book led by story-teller Shona Leigh, and will be attended by adjudicators acting on behalf of the Guinness Book of Records.

I go to the festival most years, it is always great fun. This year sounds especially good!

Reading - Fun Stuff

2011-05-17T15:05:00.001+01:00

I haven't posted for a while. So to get back in the swing of things. Here are some fun/silly things about reading I have spotted recently.
Attack of Literacy! T- Shirt
Available now from the rather marvelous Threadless website.

Diary of a Wimpy Kid Poptropica Game
Play as Greg and in other games on the Poptropica site!

The Great Dr Seuss Read Aloud Competition
Enter a video, win prizes (or just watch)!

Captain Kirk - should have been a librarian!

Confessions of a Book Fiend
Available as a print from Incidental Comics.

Books = Good | Games = Bad !

2011-04-19T14:00:00.000+01:00

An interesting response to a new British Cohort Study by Mark Taylor of Nuffield College, Oxford. The project analysed data from 17,200 people, looking at which activities they did in their spare time for pleasure at age 16 in 1986, responses were checked against the jobs they were doing at the age of 33, in 2003. The resulting headlines show the various interpretation of outcomes:

It's a timely study as sales of electronic books overtake physical versions in the US, adding further to the hazy divide between spare time activities.

Overall I'd suggest it's a welcome study, but doesn't teach us too much, a passion for reading (in any format) will stand you in good stead.

The Lord of Tears by James Lovegrove

2011-04-08T17:05:00.000+01:00

The Lord of Tears by James Lovegrove is the sequel to The Lord of Void which I reviewed last year. It is book 3 of the 5 book series, The 5 Lords of Pain, in which young Tom Yamada must save the world by defeating five demons.

After a short re-cap the action begins. 18 pages of the first 40 are given over to a epic battle against a host of Shinobi Ghosts. This is one example of some tricky language. It helps describe the Tokyo setting very well, but words like Konnichiwa, Harajuku and Yoyogi may put off a few struggling and reluctant readers the book is ostensibly aimed at.

Lovegrove obviously knows his stuff, there is a nice reference to Death Note manga, And I think he may have also read some Alex Rider books, Tom has his own mind just like the youthful spy.

We learn a little more about the Yamada family history and meet some interesting family members. Including Mai who blackmails him to let her fight in the contest. Tom is hugely conflicted; he knows he should be preparing for the fight but the sense of normality is such a relief. In the end Tom's 'pride' forces his decision to fight. In battle the Lord of Tears is super quick, Tom can't get near him, and he must use his brain to defeat him.

It's pretty dense, long book for a Barrington Stoke publication, and lots of puzzles are going to need solving in the final two stories. I'm looking forward to seeing how it pans out.

Barrington Stoke Books

2011-04-05T07:13:00.000+01:00

I have been reviewing Barrington Stoke books for some time now. It is very rewarding and I don't plan to stop doing the reviews, but I am going to change my approach a little.

Barrington Stoke have been sending me pre-release copies for review. I am going to focus on these, and dip into the back catalogue occasionally. So to get me started I have:

I'm really looking forward to checking these books out - hot off the press!

Photos: Doncaster Book Award and Bradford Reading Mentors Meeting

2011-03-25T20:44:00.013Z

I was involved in a couple of great events last week, the Doncaster Book Award and Reading Matters termly Volunteer Reading Mentors Meeting.

Doncaster Book Award

Gareth P Jones' novel The Thornthwaite Inheritance won the 2011 prize at a fabulous ceremony that I played a very small part in, I awarded the Creative Writing Prizes.

The day kicked off with a brilliant dance routine, with books! Lead by Lesley Hurworth, Chair of the Doncaster Book Award, and Reading Matters' Reading Leaders co-ordinator at the Armthorpe School.
Hosted by Dave Cryer, we were then treated to three brilliant performances by Phil Sheppard, The Two Steves and Tommy Donbavand:

Tommy's session, involved two lucky/unlucky candidates being turned into mummies like Cleo from the Scream Street Books:
It was a superb, packed day. I met all sorts of dedicated people, who all love to read!

Reading Matters Volunteer Reading Mentors Meeting

Reading Matters termly Volunteer Reading Mentors in Bradford was a little calmer affair, but still thrilling to catch-up with so many people dedicated to developing reading skills.

Sheffield Poetry Festival

2011-03-24T08:29:00.005Z

At the great World Book Night, I heard local authors from the MA Writing course at Sheffield Hallam University read from a their ‘Matter’ anthology and as a result found that, Fay Musselwhite's poem has been chosen by Simon Armitage for a Sheffield Poetry Prize.

Fay is one of our Reading Mentors. She is also involved in the first Sheffield Poetry Festival. She is collaborating with award winning filmmaker and taxidermist Susannah Gent to present a 30 minute performance piece called Goat Boy and Other Journeys, as part of the Sheffield Poetry Festival on Saturday 2nd April, 3pm at Bank Street Arts.

Sounds incredibly intriguing.

World Book Night 2011 at Waterstone's in Orchard Square, Sheffield

2011-03-10T16:22:00.004Z

That's me at Waterstone's in Orchard Square, Sheffield on World Book Night, 5 March 2011. It really was a great evening. The Waterstones' guys really looked after me. Everyone was super friendly. Well, they were when I had explained that my copies of The Curious Incident Of The Dog In The Night-time by Mark Haddon were for Reading Matters Reading Mentors, not just up for grabs!

Loads of familar faces turned up from schools and other settings, aplogies to anyone I didn't speak to very much, it was pretty busy for a while. I did sneak a peek at the other attractions:

Rachel Genn reading from her forthcoming novel The Cure.
Local band Nat Johnson and the Figureheads (very quiet even for a books hop, but cool)
Local authors from the MA Writing course at Sheffield Hallam University read from a their ‘Matter’ anthology (as I was checking this out, I saw one of our very own Reading Mentor, Fay Musselwhite's poem has been chosen by Simon Armitage for a Sheffield Poetry Prize, brilliant)

World Book Night was all round a great evening, I am looking forward to what the Reading Mentors and their partners make of The Curious Incident. I almost ended up with more books than I started with! I have registered my interest for 2012, and I'm hoping some more books for young people are included, I'd suggest Holes by Louis Sachar, but what do I know!

Crystal Peaks Library | World Book Day | Save Our Libraries

2011-02-25T12:17:00.007Z

An important community event in aid of World Book Day (3 March 2011) is taking place in Crystal Peaks Library to help promote libraries in a bid to 'Save our libraries'.

A full day of events taking place for adults and children, including readings from famous authors and a visit from The Lord Mayor of Sheffield.

Michelin Starred TV Chef and author Tessa Bramley talks about her books and books that have influenced her life.

Award winning play write and novelist Elizabeth Baines, reads from her books and talks about how libraries played a role in her life.

Local author Martyn Johnson reads from his book "What's tha up to, memoirs of an Attercliffe Bobby" and talks about his involvement in the making of the book Black Diamonds.

Local poet Rob Hindle reads from his books and talks.

Local Community theatre group read from children's books and plays.
Workshop on reading to your children.

I am not going to make it, I'll be at the FOOTSEY Expo, but I hope some Reading Matters representatives will be there.

World Book Day 2011

2011-02-25T09:29:00.000Z

Thursday 3 March 2011 is World Book Day 2011. As usual there are a fantastic array of activities and resources to get involved with. I particularly like the look of some of the £1 books available this year; in particular Dr Seuss on the Loose, S.W.I.T.C.H Bug Battle by Ali Sparkes and Traction City by Philip Reeve.

Also new is the Digi-Tale website, with some cool looking gear to be won.

I may have missed it in previous years, but there seems to be a lot more promotion of the Quick Reads programme for older readers. They too have a fine line-up of books for 2011, including Bloody Valentine by James Patterson, Trouble on the Heath by Terry Jones and Tackling Life by Charlie Oatway. Whilst browsing the Quick Reads site, I found a smart looking book Worlds Beyond Words: True Stories About the Power of Literacy, and a lovely video by one of the contributors.

Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes - Guinness World Record attempt

2011-02-24T10:33:00.002Z

On 1 March 10.30-11.15, across the country people will be coming together to break the record for the largest number of children, parents and carers performing ‘Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes’.

In Sheffield where I live, people are assembling in the Peace Gardens in Sheffield City Centre, part of the ESCAL project.

It is happening nationally as part of this years Chatterbox Challenge.

My daughter, Rose, will be there. Unfortunately I won't be. Instead I'll be meeting Reading Matters new Young Embedded Advisor in partnership with Chantry YMCA in Rotherham. It's a pretty exciting project too, but maybe not quite as much fun as a mass 'Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes'!

Useless by Tanya Landman - Barrington Stoke Book 42

2011-02-17T08:29:00.004Z

Right from the first page there are some great phrases in Useless by Tanya Landman. A phrase like "her lips shut tight as a cat's bum", is going to catch anyone's attention. Just the right level of naughtiness for a reading partnership.

Despite this tone, the book covers some serious issues. Rob's dad left and he blames his Mum. Despite not seeing him for two years, Rob hero worships his departed Dad. So when a new man arrives in the house, he is instantly "the enemy".

I really like books where the reader can't trust everything a character is telling us. I believe it is called an unreliable narrator. It credits the reader with some intelligence as they can read-between-the-lines. I also think it makes the book ideal for discussion and prediction, so again, perfect for a reading partnership.

Rob begins to see sense. He gets to like his Mum's new man, "it was like peace had been declared". And when his Dad arrives on the scene, he gets a deeper understanding.

The tone is jokey, and there are just 40 pages of text and 10 intriguing illustrations. But Useless covers some traumatic themes, including alcoholism, very sensitively.

Watcher by Lee Weatherly - Barrington Stoke Book 41

2011-02-15T08:26:00.002Z

Watcher is inspired by the by Lee Weatherly's visit to a school to do a writing workshop. I just wanted to take the opportunity to recommend this sort of work. I know a local school here in Sheffield where Bali Rai visited. This was a bit controversial, he is not the most 'politically correct' speaker, but this is exactly his appeal to the children he met.

Meeting authors in this way makes it clear they are just regular people with no super powers. Being a writer or whatever is accessible to anyone with the dedication.

The other benefit of authors visiting schools is new inspiration for books like Watcher.

It is a proper novel with dense chapters that move the story along and builds the tension.

Sarah tells her story, she is bullied and lonely and self-conscious about her weight. This in part due to her mum leaving seven years ago with little explanation. Sarah learns that her mum is living nearby and stalks her for an opportunity for revenge for her departure. This makes her even more moody and temperamental, and affects her relationship with her father and friends. Her behaviour becomes more an more extreme as she seeks to 'break in' to her mum's life.

The book ends quite suddenly after a dramatic resolution. We are left knowing Sarah's future is not going to be easy. But with everything out in the open, it is going to be better.

I know a lot of people will relate to Sarah's tale, feeling let down by her parents affects all aspects of her life, at one point she announces she is "fatter than ever". A modern story for older readers.

Free book on World Book Night

2011-02-15T06:48:00.007Z

I have been selected to be one of 20,000 givers on the first World Book Night on 5 March 2011.

I’ll have 50 copies of The Curious Incident Of The Dog In The Night-time by Mark Haddon to give away. I’ll be giving them out to our wonderful Reading Mentors and School Co-ordinators, to read, share and talk about in school, but I am sure I could find a spare one for you too!

If you would like a free book I will be at Waterstone’s in Orchard Square in Sheffield on the inaugural World Book Night onSaturday 5 March 2011 from 5pm-8pm.

Waterstone's will be staying open later than usual. There will be bands playing and readings taking place to celebrate the night. There is a Costa Coffee on site that will be open too.

You can use Facebook to let me know if you'll be coming, I'll reserve you a book.

It should be fun.

Flint by Chris Powling - Barrington Stoke Book 40

2011-02-10T16:28:00.005Z

The first thing to say about Flint by Chris Powling is that it is really short, but from page one, you'll be hooked (excuse the bad pirate pun). This is because the action is in full flow when we pick up the story with cabin-boy Edmund and the bosun imprisoned by Flint, the evil pirate chief with a 'snake-like smile'.

The next thing to say is that it is pretty grizzly. Flint flogs to death the captain of Edmund's ship. There is even a picture to back-up the gruesome text.

Third point is the nice terminology, we learn what bilges, bosuns and cat o' nine tails are. The language is pretty fruity too, Edmund feels "as if the Devil himself has just farted in my face'.

The length, less than 50 pages and the blood n' guts and pirate talk, mean Flint will really appeal to blood-thirsty pirate lovers looking for a gripping read.

Edmund learns that he and the bosun are just being kept alive to bury the treasure, after which Flint will kill them, so only he knows the location. They even have to dig their own graves. I hope I don't spoil things by saying that by the end of the story no one is what they seemed at the start.

Death Leap by Simon Chapman - Barrington Stoke Book 39

2011-02-10T16:23:00.002Z

The Barrington Stoke website describes Death Leap by Simon Chapman like this:

Jake sees a murder and the hitmen are after him. He needs all his biking skills to survive.

And that really is all that happens, it is perhaps the shortest book I have read. The time period covered is a matter of minutes. The website also adds:

Adrenaline-fuelled page-turner.

And that is so true too. The short length and the fact that the action takes place in no time at all, means the story grips from page one and the pace doesn't let up until the end.

The minimal text is supplemented with great pictures of mountain bike action, gunmen and bloody injuries. It is a very simple story, but that is the point, it would be a perfect first book for an older reluctant or struggling reader, or a younger reader looking for a challenging 'older' book.

Reading, Communicating, Mentoring

2011-02-10T06:36:00.003Z

This week I was at the northern launch of the National Year of Communication - Hello, it was a different audience than I am used to, lots of Speech and Language Therapists and people from Early Years settings such as Children's Centres. There are some good resources on the Hello website if you want more information.

It reminded me about how reading is just once facet of communication, but also what a difference the reading partnerships we help facilitate can make to all aspects of children's lives, a sample quote;

At 11 years old only a fifth of children with significant speech, language and communication needs reach the expected levels for their age in both English and Maths

Another benefit of successful reading partnerships is the supportive relationships they help build. Reading Matters have been working with the Mentoring and Befriending Foundation to really explore this aspect of the reading partnerships.Their Supporting Life's Journeys Campaign is a great way for anyone to sign up to the the cause.

Shhh! - National Day of Action for Libraries

2011-02-03T10:40:00.005Z

What are you doing this Saturday? Why not pop along to your local libary to support Shhh! - National Day of Action for Libraries.

Look at the Guadian's map for an event near you. I'll be at Sheffield Central Library taking out my quaota of 15 books!

Whether you can make it or not you can get involved in all sorts of ways see the CILIP website (Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals).

There is also a super set of images in support of the campaign by Phil Bradley in the style of World War 2 posters.

Reading Partnerships in Action

2011-02-02T15:52:00.006Z

Since October 2010 I have been working in a new role, which has meant I have not caught up with our Reading Mentors and Reading Leaders as much as I used to. This week I did get into a few schools to see some reading partnerships in action. It reminded what a great job I have!

It is great to see what a difference the simple half hour reading sessions make, how varied, fun and engaging they are. It is the enthusiasm and positivity of the Reading Mentors at Yewlands School and Reading Leaders at Seven Hills School that really inspires. However, I wanted to share a few of the reading resources the Reading Mentors at Yewlands School and Reading Leaders at Seven Hill School had found for their reading partnerships. In no particular order:

It is quite a list, and reflects the dedication, time and effort our Reading Mentors and Reading Leaders put in.

Jeremy Strong's Campaign for Fun

2011-01-26T15:50:00.006Z

Author Jeremy Strong is looking for the funniest school in the UK and Ireland with his Campaign for Fun.

By being a bit silly you could win all sorts of cool stuff! Mr Strong also has some nice downloadable resources to check out. He has also introduced the Campaign for Fun in an article on The Guardian website. He list all sorts of great books to cheer us all up:

For something a bit more involved but no less fun how about The Reading Zone's picture book competition.

A Kind of Magic by Catherine MacPhail - Barrington Stoke Book 38

2011-01-21T15:29:00.004Z

A Kind of Magic by Catherine MacPhail is another book that Barrington Stoke don't seem to be publishing any more. Like Turnaround by Alison Prince, that I review previously, I think this is a shame. It is a mischievous little book that is bound to appeal to a certain audience.

A found or stolen fossil may or may not be magic. Either way the results include zits, the runs and a bit of snogging! It's pretty disgusting in places, perfect for a certain type of young person!

Despite, the gruesomeness, some interesting themes are explored; guilt, morality, the cause and effect of our actions. Two such ideas are quoted by characters in the story:

You get what you wish for
You get out of this word what you put in

A cheeky book like this, is a great way to explore these themes with a reading partner.

Map of The Voyage of the Silver Bream

2011-01-13T22:49:00.008Z

I am currently looking for books with a local, connection. With this in mind The Voyage of the Silver Bream by Theresa Tomlinson has been a revelation. It is based in an area I know well, The Sheffield Canal and River Don. I have a bit of a thing for old industrial areas, and have spent a lot of time mooching about in those areas. The Voyage of the Silver Bream gives these locations an involving historical context.

The geographical setting feels very close to home, but so are the central themes. The family in the story are forced to adjust to new economic circumstances, as the railways take-over from the canals. I know a lot of families that are having to make similar changes today as the availability and security of jobs and education changes.

Perhaps I am feeling all too emotional, but some of the passages that describe the family pulling together really brought a tear to my eye.

I was so caught up in the book, I plotted the locations on an online map, which I have shared below. I think this is a really nice way to explore a story or factual account, especially one set in a local area or on a topic you want to explore. A good idea for a reading partnership, I think.

View The Voyage of the Silver Bream in a larger map

The Voyage of the Silver Bream by Theresa Tomlinson is part of a series called Victorian Flashbacks, there is a Victorian Flashbacks: Teachers' Guide which looks like it would provide plenty of resources to explore the stories further.

Snakebite by Robert Swindells - Barrington Stoke Book 37

2011-01-05T20:47:00.002Z

According to the Author's Note Snakebite by Robert Swindells is inspired by a Bradford journalist, so just about qualifies for my search for books with a local connection. In fact, judging by the language, it seems to be set in Glasgow (although I am basing this on a view viewings of Trainspotting and the Chritopher Brookmyre books I have been reading recently.

Where ever it's set, Snakebite is a smart read, with an engaging narrative direct from Alex, the unemployed, bullied main narrator. He's into animals and gets a snake for his seventeenth birthday. Because he's lonely, bored and scared of the violent gang members on the estate, he starts taking the snake out with him.

Almost inevitably the snake in the pocket comes into it's own. but not before the bullying becomes pretty scary. It is made worse by some very dark undertones. Alex's parents are oblivious, the police don't care and the gang are linked in with some serious drug gangs.

The use of language, "acting the numpty" and Alex's general upbeat demeanour take the edge of what would otherwise be a terrifying tale.

Interplay Leeds Volunteer Reading Mentors Meeting 2

2010-12-21T11:53:00.005Z

I said in my last post about our recent Volunteer Reading Mentors Meeting at Interplay in Leeds, I would share my short presentation. So here it is:

Reading Matters Presentation - Interplay 10-12-09

My overall message was that, despite so many changes, in schools, government and at Reading Matters, the need for us to keep on improving reading skills and changing lives is as great as ever.

In fact, the week after our meeting there was a flurry of news stories about how thousands of boys start secondary school 'barely able to read', the BBC report highlighted some of Reading Matters core areas of work. For example, in Rotherham 14% of 11-year-old boys in state schools did not reach level three in their reading tests this summer, this means they were at the level expected of a seven-year-old.

It is true that 'raw data' from the controversial SATS reading tests will not provide the full story, but headlines like these indicate there are still huge numbers of children and young people in primary and secondary schools that do not have special educational needs but still need extensive support for them to reach their full potential in life.

The next part of my presentation shows that through Reading Matters Reading Mentors, Reading Leaders and other programmes, we do reach these young people with simple, targeted and effective support. In fact in the the 2009-10 academic year we supported 3768 children and young people.

The last 12 months we have won a number of awards and accolades that back this up, including the Yorkshire Forward Creating Better Future Awards 2010 and Business Link Social Enterprise Awards 2009. But even more important to me is the feedback form the schools we work in:

“The Reading Matters scheme not only improves the reading ability of all students involved, it also creates a fantastic reading culture, promoting responsibility and maturity”. Sheffield School Co-ordinator at
Firth Park Community College.

Like all everyone to continue to meet our objectives, Reading Matters is finding new and innovative ways of working and new partners such as the Summer Reading Challenge, Special Schools and Foster Carers. Having said that, we will be drawing the line at canine support.

Happy Christmas everyone.

Interplay Leeds Volunteer Reading Mentors Meeting

2010-12-16T06:30:00.005Z

Last Thursday (9 December 2010) we held our latest meeting for Volunteer Reading Mentors and School Co-ordinators. The first thing to say is that it was very cold and very icy, so thanks to all those people that made it along. Leeds was Frozen.
We are very grateful to Steve Byrne and all the staff at Interplay for hosting us and supplying generous amounts of much needed tea, coffee and cake. The refreshments were not the main reason for travelling to Interplay however, we were there to hear about their latest project, which has potential for Reading Matters to work along side them in schools.

Interplay have been delivering a workshop in Special Schools that is based on the short Story Spit Nolan (Creative Short Stories), author of Alfie.

The workshops provide a thrilling and engaging sensory learning experience centred around the construction of old-fashioned go-carts that feature heavily in the story.

We are hoping that as Interplay take the workshops to more schools, Reading Matters will provide Reading Mentors and/or Reading Leaders to sustain and embed the inspiration and enthusiasm generated by this exciting project.

At the same meeting I gave a short presentation about some recent developments at Reading Matters. I'll share these with you in a separate blog post very soon.

2010 Book Awards - Sheffield Children's Book Award and YoungMinds

2010-11-23T16:29:00.009Z

Today (23/11/10), I was at the Sheffield Children's Book Award at the City Hall where the 2010 winners were announced. I am sure there will be an official announcement with all the winners, but here is a hint - Morris the Mankiest Monster by Giles Andeae and Sarah McIntyre did really well.

It was a superb event the City Hall was full of kids shouting and screaming and stamping their feet for books and reading! I have never done so much clapping in one hour.

I was at the Children's Book award with some of the volunteers I had trained as Volunteers for the Summer Reading Challenge. Both project are organised by the Sheffield Library Service, who deserve a lot of credit.

Another award I have been involved in was also announced this week. The 2010 YoungMinds Book Award was won by Siobhan Curham, author of Dear Dylan.

There is a lovely post on Siobhan Curham's own blog about the award. She writes about how she struggled with a lack of confidence, and that 'I love being able to go into schools and tell the least confident of kids, ‘if I can do it then so can you.’ It is quite emotional and the blog post after she won is even more so.

I think our Reading Matters Mentors can also play a big part in boosting the self-esteem of struggling students, the comments on Siobham's blog show what a difference it can make.

Request - Books with a local connection.

2010-11-09T15:46:00.005Z

I was in Cromford at the weekend. I notice an advert for Derbyshire Reading Detectives. I checked it out and it's a fantastic project, plotting books with a Derbyshire connection on an online map.

When writing about Meet Me by the Steel Men, I suggested books with a local connection are great for use in reading partnerships.

I have a little list of Sheffield and Rotherham ideas, but I would love to hear some more. I have set-up a Discussion on Reading Matters Facebook Page for people to add their suggestions. Please come and join in!

Twocking by Eric Brown - Barrington Stoke Book 36

2010-11-01T20:26:00.001Z

Twocking by Eric Brown is quite a controversial book. A story about stealing cars with a stated reading age of 8 years, but crucially the Interest age is 14+.

There is death and tragedy from the very first paragraph, which sets the tone of the story to follow. With Chapter 2 dealing with sex, drugs, drink and violence. Joey is very simply lead astray by Emma, it could be lust or drink that is the cause, but probably just boredom. "Bradford Council closed the rec" says Joey, but it's no real excuse for what happens, as Joey and Emma begin Twocking - T(aking) W(ithout) O(wner's) C(onsent), ie. nicking cars.

The Bradford setting makes it very close to home for me (Reading Matters head office is in Bradford), as they speed out of the city and onto the moors.

Things escalate when Emma starts doing drug runs for local small-time gangster Skelly. The ending is simply horrific; heroin, and car accidents and more.

I can see why such a book isn't always going to be appropriate. It's such serious subject matter, for such a readable, accessible book. But the morals are right there are ramifications from all of Joey's actions.

There is a very smart review from what sounds like a, Reading Mentor, and her partner over on Amazon that really backs up the fact that this is a challenging book, but that is just what makes it attractive, especially to read in a partnership.

Dream On by Bali Rai - Barrington Stoke Book 35

2010-10-29T15:19:00.001+01:00

Dream On by Bali Rai has a lot of elements that indicate it is going to be a bit of a cliched 'multi-cultural' story, but this turns out to be completely wrong. Baljit's family run an Indian take away, but it's a fish and chip shop. There is family tension, but there are no arranged marriages. They suffer racism, but authority figures step in to deal with it. And these themes aren't even the heart of the story.
Dream On is all about Baljit's attempts to be a top-flight footballer, and as he says "I never see even one Indian playing the football". A brilliant turn-of-phrase, and the book is full of them. I learnt a few Indian slang words myself ("Chadd deh" means "leave it"!). As a result the dialogue is really sharp, and the relationships between mates, school staff and family members highly believable. Baljit's Dad uses"innit", but this doesn't stop the youngsters taking the mickey.

The endearing characters mean the football trials are nail-biting affairs, they are really well described. However, the story could end any way, and it wouldn't matter because it is the personalities Bali Rai has created that matter most.

[The publishers, Barrington Stoke, produce a pack of resources to accompany Dream On, which look like they are worth checking out.]

Kelham Island Museum Volunteer Reading Mentors Meeting

2010-10-19T20:07:00.003+01:00

Today (19/10/10) we had a super meeting for Volunteer Reading Mentors in Sheffield and Rotherham at Kelham Island Museum guests of the Sheffield Industrial Museum Trust .

It was the normal opportunity to meet other Reading Mentors, collect resources and have a cup of tea. But the main attraction was an introduction by Kirsten Timms, Education Officer of Sheffield Industrial Museum Trust about the 'Changing Face of Work in Sheffield' Pods.

The pods are fantastic packages of information, archives, resources and articles from the museum's collection. They wonderfully contrast aspects of work in Sheffield over the last 200 years. They are available for schools to use and explore, especially when combined with visits to the museum.

For our Reading Mentors they introduced a new angle on reading activities (and some old favourites), and perhaps more importantly reminded us of the living history of South Yorkshire's industry, and the passion it can inspire.

The aim of the meeting was to explore the possibility of Reading Matters volunteers accompanying the pods when the go to schools, to help the staff and pupils get the most out of them and support their use with a programme of reading sessions. If you would like to take part in such a scheme, please do get in touch.

Reading Leaders at Seven Hills Special School

2010-10-19T12:41:00.002+01:00

Just a quick post, last week I trained a bunch of new Reading Leaders from Seven Hills Special School. I said that I would be writing to say how awful it had been and how I never want to work with them again! In fact I'll be back in a couple of weeks, to present the previous Reading Leaders with their certificates from the Open College Network.

I am second on the bill to the Lord Mayor of Sheffield, just like I was at the Summer Reading Challenge Celebration.

I hope to catch-up with the new Reading Leaders too, they were a great bunch and I am sure they are going to do a great job with their reading partners. It was interesting working with children from the 'special' school. They had all the same questions and ideas as anyone else. And they read exactly the same sort of things; Facebook, Sports Pages, Tracey Beaker etc. In fact they were a lot more enthusiastic than some of the ultra-cool older Reading Leaders from mainstream schools.

Turnaround by Alison Prince - Barrington Stoke Book 34

2010-10-14T20:10:00.004+01:00

I am not sure Barrington Stoke are still publishing Turnaround by Alison Prince, which is a shame because it's a very short touching read.

At face-value Kerry has a lovely life helping out her parents B&B. She organises the 'turnarounds' of visitors. But, behind the scenes, family life is very traumatic. This is made worse because no one wants to face up to it. Tellingly, breakfasts are eaten in silence.

Paul comes to stay and Kerry develops a new relationship. In the end, with Paul's help Kerry must face up to the problems in her life; alcoholism and depression.

It is heavy subject matter, but handled very well. The characters are very believable. I like Kelly's Gran, she's a Beach Boys fan! The first two thirds of the book let you get to know these sympathetic characters, so when the drama arrives in the final third you really feel for them.

Things do not end perfectly, but necessary corrections are made, as Kerry says "the turnaround always seem to take ages".

Booked Up at Newfield and Crookes in the Library

2010-10-04T21:06:00.011+01:00

Last Friday (1/10/10) , I visited my friend Louise at Newfield School. As well as giving me some top tips for future reading (Something Wickedly Weird by Chris Mould, Tanglewreck by Jeanette Winterson and Uncle Montague's Tales of Terror by Chris Priestley amongst others) she also reminded me about the fantastic Booked Up programme.

Booked Up is organised by the Book Trust and delivered through schools. It allows Year 7 pupils to choose a free book from a specially selected list. The whole project is mainly promoted by school librarians like Louise, but the website is well worth a look. The list of books is always great, their are some nice pages and ideas for parents and carers and interactive tools, games and competitions for participating young people.

After my Newfield visit I was off to Sheffield Town Hall for a little celebration event for the young volunteers I had trained as part of the Summer Reading Challenge. I'll give a bit more info and some images when I get them through. Safe-to-say it was a splendid evening the volunteers were all quietly brilliant and I met the Lord Mayor too. The volunteers all got free tickets to The Crookes gig that was happening in the Library that evening. I heard the band on 6Music the next day - a very literary bunch they sounded too. I didn't go to the gig, but I did get a flyer!

Gigs in libraries - I love it!

Mina's views on school

2010-09-28T21:40:00.002+01:00

I have just been reading Skellig by David Almond. I can't believe I haven't read it before. It is truly one of the most beautiful books I have read in a long while. I was reminded to pick it up of the shelf by the recent publication of My Name is Mina, a sort of prequel that I will definitely be getting hold of.

Mina is a key character in Skellig; the strongest personality in the book. I particularly like her views on school. Her friend Michael brings home a book from school with a red sticker on the back. "It's for confident readers" he explains. "What if other readers want to read it?" she responds. Quoting Tyger, Tyger by William Blake she goes on to ask "Is that for the best readers or the worst readers? Does that need a good reading age?"

David Almond was a primary teacher, and obviously has a view on this sort of thing. I really agree with Mina. I get hung up on reading ages tests and interest levels, when sometimes we just need to focus on interest and excitement of books and other reading materials.

There has been a lot of focus recently about teaching boys. I get frustrated when any groups of children are spilt up based on something as arbitrary as gender. Lots of girls like climbing trees and lots of boys like cooking, it's impossible to generalise in this way. A particular bug-bear of mine are gender specific book covers. Just like we can't find any Clarks shoes for our daughter that aren't pink, it's hard to find a Jacqueline Wilson book that a boy is going to pick up of the library shelf, but I know a lot would get a lot out of them.

Meet me at the Steelmen (Meadowhall)

2010-09-21T11:46:00.005+01:00

Yesterday, I met some Reading Matters collegaues at Meadowhall. Firstly I couldn't believe how busy it was on a Monday morning.

Secondly it reminded me of a book I have been meaning to blog about. Meet me by The Steelmen, is one of four Time Slip adventures by Theresa Thomlinson. In these stories children are whisked off to times past due to a historical connection with a place they visit. In Meet me by The Steelmen Jenny visits the steelmen from the statue in the shopping centre, in their own time at Hadfield's Steelworks which stood on the site Meadowhall was built.

The books are beautifully done, making strong connections between modern children and somewhere they might visit. The short lengths, accessibility and use of illustrations makes them similar to the excellent Barrington Stoke books I have been reviewing.

The other title I have read, with another Sheffield link, is Errand Lass. A painting in the Millennium Galleries, transports Maddy back to the time of the Buffer Girls. The experience gives her to courage to deal with issues in her own life. Great Stuff.

I think a book or any sort of reading material that a reader can relate to is going to be ideal for a reading partnership. I have added a few more books with a Sheffield/Rotherham connection to our Amazon store. Let me know if you have other similar ideas.

[pic credit: lovestruck94]

Problems with a Python by Jeremy Strong - Barrington Stoke Book 33

2010-09-20T19:04:00.005+01:00

I love the way Problems with a Python starts, with a great big full-page illustration that really sets the scene. The text gets going quickly too. Gary is going away for a week so Adam nervously agrees to look after his pet snake. Safe to say the week does not go smoothly!

As you'd expect from Jeremy Strong it is written in a very jokey way, but still very believable and factually specific (it's an Indian Python). All the characters are excellent. I personally really related to Rob, the Weedy boyfriend of Adam's big sister. The snake is scary enough but Emma is worse! Adam himself is easy to empathise with, he is so naughty, it's hard to believe he gets away with it.

Adam is in Year 6 and I think this is the perfect sort of age range for readers. The story is just on the edge of believability, I know children of this age would love the idea of loosing a snake in their school.

Rose and Roald - Two important birthdays

2010-09-13T09:39:00.004+01:00

Today, 13 September, is my daughter Rose's second birthday. It is also the day Roald Dahl was born. I am very pleased that every year Rose will be sharing her birthday with Roald Dahl Day.

A key part of Roald Dahl Day in 2010 is the Roald Dahl Reading Relay; read three Roald Dahl books during September to December. The first 5,000 entrants win an exclusive I'm a Revolting Reader badge.

The Reading Zone has a great list of some of the other activities taking place.

Bloodlines by Kevin Brooks - Barrington Stoke Book 32

2010-09-10T16:15:00.002+01:00

After the previous Kevin Brooks book I read, Jonhny Delgado, Bloodline had a lot to live up to. And it does, the story zips along like a Danny Boyle film.

Actually, the first Chapter starts very slowly, four generations of men bored in a dark room.But by the end of the chapter they are in a full-blown hostage situation.

It's a real chapter book, with cliff-hangers and chapter titles taken from the text. There is also a bit of swearing and no pictures, so definitely for older readers.

Finbar is our 15 year-old narrator, he tells the tale of the beautiful kidnapper with a very insightful voice. There are some great descriptions, grandad gets up like a "skinny old monster wearing a cardigan". None of the characters are the stereotypes I expected, at one point grandad states "I didn't ask to be born", That's something you'd expect from the teenager, but Finbar seems like the most good-hearted member of the whole family.

The five people in the story are all deeply flawed, and everyone has been double-crossed before the story plays out. I like the fact that even by then end, we are not sure if Finbar has done the right thing or not.

My only criticism is the cover, I don't think it really reflects what the story is all about, which is a shame, because it's great.

8 September is International Literacy Day

2010-09-08T08:06:00.000+01:00

Today is . Founded by UNESCO, raises awareness of the importance of literacy across the globe.

The TES have a nice set of resourses to celebrate the day.

Mood Boosting Books for World Mental Health Day

2010-09-07T10:20:00.001+01:00

To prepare for World Mental Health Day on 10 October why, check out the selection of Mood Boosting Books on the BBC Headroom pages.

Put together by the Reading Agency, it is a great list for adult readers. Maybe you could think of other titles for younger readers?

Runaway Teacher by Pete Johnson - Barrington Stoke Book 32

2010-08-19T10:06:00.001+01:00

Another Pete Johnson book, Runaway Teacher, and just like the others I have read recently, it's a perfectly drawn and believable scenario. Scott and Martin's class have seen-off two English teachers already this year. But 'MT' is different (the use of his initials is a compromise between 'Sir' and his first name). Scott in particular forms a real bond with this new style teacher.

Whether trickery or inspiration, MT gets the most out of his new class. But not every one sees it in the same way. His rebellious streak does not go down well with the Headmaster and some of the pupils' parents.

There are some great quotes. When Scott meets MT in town with his girlfriend, she says "He's been in that library for hours - it's like his second home" (my girlfriend has said very similar things about me, and I am guessing the author can relate to this too).

After this meeting in town, Scott gets to know MT out of school too, they seem to have a lot in common. The relationship is mutually beneficial. But perhaps too close for a teacher and his pupil.

The book shows, in a simple but brilliant way, that teachers are human beings too. Over the course of just 87 pages the relationship between Scott and MT becomes pretty intense. Scott says towards the end "you treated us like mates last night. And we let you down" which shows that MT needs Scott as much as Scott needs MT. There is never going to be a big happy ending. But everyone, including the reader, learns a lot.

The Best Holiday Ever by Pete Johnson - Barrington Stoke Book 31

2010-08-18T12:52:00.002+01:00

Just like I have over-dosed on Alan Gibbons recently, I have had a bit of a run on Pete Johnson. I see his books everywhere, so thought I best check them out. The TV Time Travellers has been shortlisted for the Sheffield Children's Book Award Shortlist 2010 and How to Get Famous was the Community Library favourite last year. I can recommend both of these slightly longer books set today, in realistic settings with characters that are very easy to relate to.

The Best Holiday Ever is no different. It is a very easy to read story about three girls on holiday on there own for the first time. These three different characters are just like any girls of a certain age and anyone can identify with their exploits. Having said that, the book is going to be mostly for girls who are just getting a desire for more independence.

There is not much of a plot to The Best Holiday Ever, but as the girls holiday develops it is fun to read how their personalities and relationships to each other change. It is amazing to think it is written by a middle aged man, but Mr Johnson has a real knack for getting into the minds of his teenage characters. I'm looking forward to reading more of his books.

Night Hunger by Alan Gibbons - Barrington Stoke Book 30

2010-08-16T14:55:00.003+01:00

I said I had been reading a lot of Alan Gibbons recently, and here is another. Night Hunger is a classic Barrington Stoke book. It is very short and written in the first-person, so we get very direct story-telling with no words wasted. We learn first hand about 16 year old John's mental state. But this is not just a bad case of puberty, John has the Hunger!

Even before John meets sexy, disturbing Beth, he is going through some changes, especially in his diet. He eats anything and everything. But when Beth gets her hands on him, things get a lot more serious. There are some vivid descriptions of meals of raw steak and chicken bones. I'm vegetarian, so might be particularly sensitive, but I think most readers will find it pretty gross (and therefore a possible reason to read the book!) Next come dreams, which are all too real. More vivid descriptions, this time of Beth as a predator-hunter.

This is all really entertaining and gripping but the seriousness of the story really goes up a gear in the second half of the book. I am not going to spoil it, but what happens to one of John's teachers, comes as quite a shock, especially at it is told to us directly by John.

A "thirst for blood" builds to a party on the night of the full moon. A night of lust and fear. John has to manage his out-of-control instincts and "fight the hunger". It does not end with out some blood being spilled.

The issues (girls, school, bodily changes etc.) and the gory nature make this perfect for 15-16 year olds, looking for a grizzly tale. My stomach turned, but I couldn't put it down.

The Greatest by Alan Gibbons - Barrington Stoke Book 29

2010-08-07T11:26:00.002+01:00

Another Alan Gibbons book, he is certainly versatile. The Greatest is in Barrington Stoke's FYI range, that's 'Fiction with Stacks of Facts', like The Number 7 Shirt I reviewed previously.

I think the FYI books are perfect for reading partnerships. I can imagine a partner reading the main story and a reading mentor reading the more tricky fact bits. These two styles are nicely separated by different fonts.

The Greatest is all about Ali, a twelve year old Muslim boy, who has had his bike stolen by a local bully. Just like Muhammad Ali! With the greatest boxer of all time as inspiration, Ali takes on the biggest fight of his life. He'll be up against the racist bully that nicked his bike.

The first half of the book is the big build up to the match. Not much happens but we learn a lot about Ali and the tension builds nicely. The rest of the book is the fight itself. This feels very well judged with the bulk of the book centred on the crucial match.

Muhammad Ali often won despite the odds, using brains as well as strength. He knew he was an inspirational figure. By the end of this story not only has Ali's life changed, but the life of his bully opponent has been altered too.

It is clear author, Alan Gibbons, has a deep passion for Ali, as he says Muhammad Ali is "much more than just a sports man"! This is born out in the facts and fiction in The Greatest.

The Cold Heart of Summer by Alan Gibbons - Barrington Stoke Book 28

2010-08-05T21:07:00.003+01:00

I have read a few Alan Gibbons books recently, including Shadow Of The Minotaur, which I have been meaning to check out since he talked about it at our Reading Matters event last year.

The Cold Heart of Summer is shorter, but not too dissimilar to Shadow Of The Minotaur. Both are 'horror' stories and feature children with troubled lives. Debbie is the heroine of The Cold Heart of Summer. Debbie and her Dad are fixing up 'The Grange'. They are desperate for the cash so much stick with it even when the houses murderous past comes back to haunt them.

It is very similar to The House with No Name which I have reviewed before, and it is also reminiscent of The Shining; families changing in disturbing surroundings.

The Cold Heart of Summer is a basic horror story but (as in Shadow Of The Minotaur) you can also see that the real fear comes from the characters having to adjust to unfamiliar family life. However you read it, it will grip you to the end.

Virtual Friend by Mary Hoffman - Barrington Stoke Book 27

2010-08-03T20:22:00.002+01:00

Virtual Friend by Mary Hoffman felt familiar to me because the first illustration is one Reading Matters often uses in training sessions. It turns out the theme of book is very similar to the areas we explore using the illustration. Ben is an only child, his Mum has died recently and his Dad has buried himself in his work. They have moved to a new town, so Ben has started at a a new school late in the term and has not made any friends.

Ben and his Dad are befriended by the mad professor next door. They use his latest invention, a Virtual Reality programme. Ben creates a new best friend, Rory Polestar, who is all too real to him. When the power is lost Ben experiences a real sense of loss.

To Ben's surprise and confusion, next day, Rory turns up at school! No one is sure who is real and who's not. Rory helps Ben break the ice with the other kids. This is all he needs. When Rory 'goes home' only Ben remembers him. But all his new friends are still there.

It's a really sweet little story, I really felt for Ben. The illustrations, by Shaun McLaren, give a real window into the story and themes too. Which is why we use one of them in our training!

Summer Reading Challenge Sheffield Volunteers

2010-07-23T09:57:00.006+01:00

This week I trained 20 young people from Sheffield, who have volunteered to help young visitors to Sheffield libraries take part in the Summer Reading Challenge. It is such a great project to be involved with.

This years theme is Space Hop, and the libraries are full of spacey resources, and there are plenty of activities to take part in.

The enthusiastic bunch of volunteers I trained were mainly recruited from schools (Meadowhead, Tapton, Birley and Fir Vale were particularly well represented). They are going to be helping out at the Sheffield Central Children's , Woodseats and Broomhill libraries. So naturally these are the best places to visit, but the Summer Reading Challenge is a national programme, so why not head down to your local library and get involved.

I have just spotted a great article that shows the benefit of summer reading like this, the Kids Lit Blog reports on an American study that has proven that summer reading has a very positive impact for children who participate.

Horner Brothers and Reading Matters win Creating Better Future Awards with Yorkshire Forward Result

2010-07-22T16:25:00.004+01:00

I'm really please to say Reading Matters won a Creating Better Future Awards with Yorkshire Forward earlier this month. The award is in recognition for our partnership with Horner Brothers Print Group.

Since 2008 Horner Brothers staff have been attending Brinsworth Comprehensive School to carry out reading sessions with pupils. It has been a brilliant success for everyone involved and I have been really pleased to be involved. Long may it continue!

The awards were presented by Michelle Mone OBE, she said:

“The winners have all demonstrated inspirational partnership working, and their awards recognise the dedication and passion of those involved in each project.”

Dick Turpin: Legends and Lies by Terry Deary - Barrington Stoke Book 26

2010-07-07T16:34:00.001+01:00

Terry Deary is famous for the incredibly popular Horrible Histories series. Horrible Histories and their spin-offs are great for reading partnerships. Plenty of grizzly facts and information, and the non-fiction format means you can dip in and out.

Dick Turpin: Legends and Lies, is a bit different. A fictionalised telling of the hanging of Highwayman Dick Turpin. Told in the first person by a poor boy aged about 12 who probably shouldn't be watching a hanging at all. He learns about Turpin's life from the other crowd members. Opinions are mixed from the very start, is he a hero or a villain?

This story-within-stories approach is very fitting for a man who was such a myth, even whilst he was alive. It is very hard to get a picture of the real man. An epilogue shows that most of the story is based on facts that have been twisted over time.

The hanging does not bring the revenge people want, just more bitterness. Even after his death, Turpin's story is not simple. His body is stolen from it's grave. A crime our narrator gets very involved in. There are some nice historical details, and plenty of gruesomeness. But they aren't the main reason to keep reading, because it is an enthralling story from beginning to end.

In doing a bit of research I looked-up Terry Deary's website. It has a whole load of resources that you could use in reading partnerships; jokes, recipes, songs, plays, quizzes, stories and more. Great stuff.

A few football reading resources

2010-07-06T10:04:00.000+01:00

I have been going on about football a lot recently, my last review was a football story. But the World Cup means (almost) everyone is hooked on the sport.

At both the Inspired for Life event in Rotherham and a celebration event at Sheffield Town Hall for Volunteer Reading Mentors last Friday, I talked to people about engaging reluctant readers. We found football was often a great 'hook' . I thought I would list a few of the resources I have found that can work really well:

Football based stories, such as The Dirty Dozen I reviewed recently
Football Games such as these England Football Stars Top Trumps Specials or this BrainBox Football Quiz
Comic style stories such as My Brother's a Keeper or Moving the Goalposts
A football based play, such as Not Just a Game or Selling Out
Some non-fiction such as Great World Cup Moments or Wicked World Cup 2010
Poems; I Love You, Football or Fantastic Football Poems
Biographies, the Name Your Link are great and include Wayne Rooney and Hope Powell
Learn some new skills with Soccer Skills (Usborne Activity Cards) or Football Skills
Football Things to Make and Do or the official 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa Activity Book

The Dirty Dozen by Tony Bradman - Barrington Stoke Book 25

2010-07-05T12:14:00.003+01:00

With the World Cup still in full swing, I picked a football themed book to review next, The Dirty Dozen by Tony Bradman.

Robbie gets his mates together as a football team. But his motivation is not what it appears. He wants to get into another team of richer kids, who snubbed him before.

Robbie's team-mates aren't stupid and they realise Robbie is not the team player he pretends to be. His best friend Gary is involved for the right reasons, and he takes over the coaching. Gary feels betrayed by Robbie.

Robbie realises he is behaving just the same as the spoilt brats he was trying to beat.

You can probably guess how it all ends, but there are some very well described episodes to get to a feel-good conclusion. The Dirty Dozen is a short book with plenty of pictures.; perfect for a bit of World Cup inspired reading.

For more Football Reading activities, see some of by previous posts:

Man of Steel - Inspired for Life at Magna

2010-06-29T14:20:00.005+01:00

This weekend I was at Magna in Rotherham for the Inspired for Life event. We had a little stall and ran some workshops for the carers who came along. One of the speakers was Lemn Sissay, he pointed out that most of our superheroes are foster kids:

Superman
Harry Potter
James (and the Giant Peach)
Pippi Longstocking
Batman

We celebrate these guys, but as a society are fearful of anyone 'in care'.

I thought it was a great point. Then I spotted one such Foster Carer in 'Man of Steel' Superman T-shirt . How perfect; celebrating superhero foster kids in Magna an ex steel works.

L-L-L-Loser by Catherine Forde - Barrington Stoke Book 24

2010-06-25T20:31:00.005+01:00

A common feature of Barrington Stoke books is a short introductory note by the author. Catherine Forde writes one for L-L-L-Loser. You don't have to read it to enjoy the story, but it feels like a personal message from the author to the reader, which I really like.

This personal tone continues in the story itself, which is told directly by John with a sense of familiarity. This is enhanced with some nice use of fonts, punctuation and page design.

John thinks he is incredibly cool, he is in a band and pretty good-looking. In contrast, his brother and his mate are deeply uncool Star Wars geeks. This is true, but John might not have the full picture.

John's one-sided take really adds to the drama of, what turns out to be, a pretty fantastic adventure. The geeks end up on telly, and no one is sure if this makes them cool or not.

The distinctive voice, design tricks and flawed perspective means any reader needs to concentrate to keep up. But if you can, L-L-L-Loser will certainly keep you entertained. If you are reading in a partnership L-L-L-Loser will give plenty to talk about (not least, lots of pop culture references and brands that older readers may need some help with)!

Them and Us by Bali Rai - Barrington Stoke Book 23

2010-06-17T09:38:00.004+01:00

As I mentioned in my last post I am taking the books long-listed for the YoungMinds Book Award to Meadowhead school for the Reading Leader s to review. I thought I would sneak a look at Them and Us by Bali Rai for my latest Barrington Stoke review.

I am not surprised Them and Us is up for an award. Bali Rai, has a deep understanding of how to construct a thought-provoking story in the quick read format. Them and Us is just 85 pages, (all the other long-listed books are about 200 pages or more).

Bali Rai has written five books for Barrington Stoke with more on the way, he is an expert in writing short, powerful books. Them and Us is no exception. Unusually it starts in a low-key way. Page one is mostly concerned with house work. By page three we get drink, drugs, domestic violence and, crucially, racism.

David moves to a new flat and a new school to escape his abusive father. He is a white kid in a black neighbourhood. He suffers racist abuse, and when his dad catches up with him he must deal with intolerance on both sides.

The subtle details really make the story for me. David lives with his single mum and is often on his own whilst she works shifts. He is amazed at his Asian friend's home of three generations. Similarly the real trouble starts with a silly argument about Christmas.

Them and Us is a great read that handles the difficult subject matter perfectly. It seems like there will be no end to the cultural clashes. The book doesn't offer a happy-ever-after ending, but David and his mates definitely point the way forward for all of us.

YoungMinds Book Award Meadowhead School Reading Leader Reviewers

2010-06-14T21:33:00.007+01:00

I used to work for a great organisation, YoungMinds, the children's mental health charity. I was with them when their Book Award got started. It was something I loved being involved with (especially as we discussed the books in the local pub).

I am really pleased to get back involved with the YoungMinds Book Award. I have just received a full set of books on this years long list. I will be taking these to Meadowhead School to be reviewed by the Reading Leaders there.

Any young person can get involved by reviewing a book, more details on the YoungMinds website. The 2010 long list is:

Dear Dylan, by Siobhan Curham (AuthorHouse)
Desperate Measures, by Laura Summers (Piccadilly)
Ember Fury, by Cathy Brett (Headline)
Ice Lolly, by Jean Ure (Harper Collins Children’s
Books)
Inside, by J A Jarman (Andersen press)
Lottie Biggs is not desperate, by Hayley Long
(Macmillan Children’s Books)
No Way To Go, by Bernard Ashley, (Hachette)
Running on the cracks, by Julia Donaldson (Egmont)
Them and Us, by Bali Rai (Barrington Stoke)
The Truth about Leo, by David Yelland (Penguin)
When I was Joe, by Keren David (Frances Lincoln
Children’s Books)
Zellah Green, by Vanessa Curtis (Egmont)

I am personally really pleased to see Them and Us by Bali Rai on the list because it is Barrington Stoke book, just like those I have been reviewing this year.

Barrington Stoke have been doing very well on the awards front recently. The Story of Matthew Buzzington by Andy Stanton has been shortlisted for both the Leeds Book Award and the Leicester Junior Book Award. And Night Hunger by Alan Gibbons was voted best Short Novel in the Hackney School Short Novels Awards.

The Beast by Michaela Morgan - Barrington Stoke Book 22

2010-06-12T10:08:00.000+01:00

A bit like my last review (Coma), The Beast by Michaela Morgan was not quite what I expected from the cover and book blurb. It looks like it is going to be a scary sort of story. But the actual text, and especially the pictures have a very jokey feel. It does not really fel like a horror story at all.

It is still a very readable book. Robbie is telling his story about 'the beast' to a journalist. He is pretty good at it too, with a nice turn of phrase "the wind in the trees made a soft, sad sound".

Right from the start Robbie and his mate, Gaz, want to be stars. This is their reason for spending more time in the scary woods that is healthy. The fact they are being interviewed means they achieve their aim, but not in the way you would expect.

As well as being scared silly in the woods, the boys have to put up with a lot of laughing. Not only from their school friends but also the police!

Michaela Morgan has written a number of books for Barrington Stoke. They are all quite different. She is obviously very skilled at writing for this particular age and ability level, and The Beast confirms this.

Heritage Park Community School Reading Leader

2010-06-11T09:39:00.005+01:00

I have just got back from a Key Stage 4 Assembly at Heritage Park Community School to present a NOCN Certificate to Fiona, a Reading Leader. Fiona, who is autistic, has been a real star and her reading sessions with a younger pupil have been very impressive; organised, fun and really constructive.

As well as her great set of reading sessions and gaining the NOCN qualification. Fiona was visited by the people from Chilypep. They wrote a great article for their Positive Image Campaign [pdf]. She also very nearly stole the show from Alan Gibbons at our Celebration event in December 2009.

We hope to run another Reading Leaders course for Heritage Park Community School with other Special School in Sheffield later in the year. Fiona will be a hard act to follow.