Wellington College Belfast Co-educational Grammar School
Library
Living La Vida Library
The library played host to a range of activities at WCB again this year. Highlights included the Readathon which raised over £3,000 in support of cancer care for children in Northern Ireland, a Roald Dahl Day Quiz for chocoholics, a Narnia themed Open Night complete with theatrics, a Body in the Library Twilight themed mystery, a collaborative e-book project with five other schools, award shadowing for the Teenage Trust Book Prize, World Book Day Celebrations, a Book Fair and a nail biting Regional Heat of the Kids Lit Quiz where 27 teams from 20 schools across the province competed for reading honours. Our Year 9 team plucked the title away from two time winners Sullivan Upper and will be battling it out at the World Final in Edinburgh against New Zealand, South Africa, Scotland, England and Wales. All these events were supported by an enthusiastic and creative Library Squad who produced colourful displays, imaginative reading promotions, online book reviews and took part in team work with other schools.
2010 brings fresh reading challenges. We will be encouraging visual learning through the medium of the graphic novel as well as introducing new schemes in the library such as Reading Olympics, a book exchange system run through the ReaditSwapit site and collaborative schools projects. Reading fans will also have the opportunity to try out for the Kids Lit Quiz Regional heat which will take place on the 11th of November 2010. Check out www.kidslitquiz.com and the library pages on the college’s website for further details. WCB is also a member of the Reading Champions Awards scheme which rewards boys with bronze, silver and gold status for promoting reading. It encourages male role models for boys such as football and wrestling stars and involves fathers as reading coaches. For more information please see: http://www.literacytrust.org.uk/campaign/Champions/index.html.
By promoting learning, celebrating reading and offering a wide selection of resources WCB library aims to open up new worlds and unleash the power of the imagination. According to award winning writer Maurice Sendak, “It is through fantasy that children achieve catharsis. It is the best means they have for taming Wild Things.”
Written by Miss T.Jennings, School Librarian & Kids Lit Quiz NI Co-ordinator.
Wellington Wizards Win Kids Lit Quiz World Final
The 9th of July 2007 was a day to remember for Year 8 students Emily, Eimear, Adam and Caroline. Having demonstrated their wide book knowledge at the Regional and UK heats of the Kids Lit Quiz, they travelled to Oxford and proved themselves as reading ambassadors for Northern Ireland. The fantastic four faced ten rounds of killer questions from the Kids Lit Man in the Purple Hat, Wayne Mills and beat off tough competition from New Zealand, South Africa, China, Wales, Scotland and England to be crowned World Champions.
It was fastest on the buzzer as literary whizzkids from around the globe tackled questions covering all aspects of reading including First Lines, Myths, Poetry, Book to Film, Soundtracks of Books, Nursery Rhymes, Settings and Characters. The atmosphere was electric among attending authors and school supporters as Wellington took the lead in the early stage with New Zealand hot on their heels. After each round the audience also had the chance to compete for prizes.
Tension mounted as Emily, Adam, Eimear and Caroline showed nerves of steel while other teams dropped points around them. They were quick on the buzzer with the right answers to puzzlers such as name the poet who wrote ‘Tyger Tyger Burning Bright’ and ‘who charmed rats with his music?’ At Half Time the teams just had time to take refreshments, meet top authors and get books signed before they were back into the fray. It was nail biting action as New Zealand leapt ahead but Wellington rose to the challenge and regained the lead finishing in first place with 39 points while New Zealand came 2nd with 35 points and England 3rd with 26 points after a play off with China. The Wellington team could then relax and celebrate their win with £100 in prize money each and treasured books to keep as well as the World Kids’ Lit Quiz trophy cup. After the excitement all the teams met up at a special banquet and shared their experiences.
- Tanja Jennings, School Librarian
Rave about your Fave
Ness, Patrick. The Ask and the Answer. Walker Books, 2009.
“Sci Fi Fantasy Delivers Shocks”
In novels I enjoy the fantasy genre. Among my favourites are The Edge Chronicles by Stewart and Riddell but I was really impressed by The Knife of Never Letting Go. So I was only too happy to read the follow up and give my impressions of it. I thought The Ask & The Answer started off strongly. It opens with an established dictatorship where surprisingly things in society have changed for the better. That's until a conspiracy begins. Although it didn't have as funny an introduction as The Knife of Never Letting Go, it's still a worthy book. I think the character of Mayor Prentiss can be compared to leaders like Adolf Hitler because while he is trying to bring peace to Prentisstown, he is murdering people in the process. I also think Patrick Ness uses the treatment of the Spackle and Todd's experiences to highlight wrongs in our society such as racism and discrimination. The role of women is also explored because it represents them as being restrained while men are vocal. I thought the impact on the reader of the scene where a woman is tortured was shocking and that Ness used it to open up debate on a controversial issue. I think he uses the medium of Science Fiction effectively to explore wrongs evident in our society today. It's a really good read providing the reader with lots of cliff hangers.
Reviewer: Chris M.
Gaiman, Neil. The Graveyard Book. Bloomsbury, 2009.
“Weird and Wonderful award winning fantasy”
I love reading because it is so random. I'm especially into Sci Fi and one of my favourite authors is Isaac Asimov.
I thought The Graveyard Book was one of the best books I've ever read. It was mysterious so you wanted to know what happened next and it gripped me because every chapter kept me guessing.
It followed Nobody Owens over the course of his childhood and I thought it had a cool and weird mixture of characters. I found it entertaining on a lot of levels as it had plenty of comedy and mystery. I also thought the illustrations were amazing, particularly the one of the spiky guy in Chapter 2, as they made the book come alive for me.
When the librarian asked what flavour I thought it reminded me of, after laughing a lot, I decided it was spicy with a hint of chilli. What I liked especially was that Nobody had confused ideas about life because they were from a ghost's perspective. It was also really random and strange the way it moved between the worlds of the living and the dead. I wished it could go on after it ended.
Reviewer: Harvey Y.
Grant, Helen. The Vanishing of Katharina Linden. Puffin Books, 2009.
“How can a 10 year old girl vanish in a place where everyone knows each other?”
The vanishing of Katharina Linden is an interesting detective story combining mystery with humour. This book is set in Germany and has some mild German swear words. Pia is seen as an outcast by just about everyone after her grandmother’s shocking accidental death. This has led her to hang out with fellow outcast Stefan otherwise known as Stinkstefan. When local girl Katharina disappears Pia realises she was the last person to see her alive and teams up with Stefan to discover the truth but not everything is as it seems.
If asked what the flavour of this book is I’d say it’s like sweet and sour. It has its sweet moments between Stefan and Pia and its sour moments with the creepy events that take place. I think the author has made a great effort at portraying horror, the supernatural world, creepiness and humour. I found it to be a very refreshing and surprising read as I normally like vampire fiction. Ultimately it’s a great mystery novel and a real page turner.
Reviewer: Stephanie M.
Gray, Keith. The Ostrich Boys. Definitions, 2009.
“Emotional & Exciting Road Trip”
I enjoyed this book because it is full of humour, banter, arguments and mishaps between three friends but underneath the surface lies a serious subject which is rarely touched on in teenage novels. I think it is a topic that needs more exposure.
What I love about this book is that as the boys come closer to their destination the realisation begins to hit them that, in spite of being best friends, they really don't know much about each other. This is not just the story of a trip to Scotland but the story of the emotional journey that the boys go through. The author's style appeals to me and it makes me want to read more of his books. It is full of excitement that drags you into the story and grabs your attention.
Reviewer: Robert D.
McLachlan, Kate. Love My Enemy. Andersen Press, 2004.
“Divided Love.”
Love My Enemy explores prejudice and sectarianism in Belfast through the eyes of 15 year old Zee and her 17 year old brother Gary who are still trying to come to terms with the brutal murder of their father. While Gary is eaten up with hatred and dreams of revenge, Zee just wants to get out and build a new life for herself in England. Then she suddenly raises the stakes by falling for her neighbour Conor under the jealous eye of Gary’s bigoted friend, Des. This gritty and graphic novel examines teen relationships, the desire to fit in with the crowd, anger, fear, and the consequences of acting first and thinking later. With a “love across the barricades” theme similar to Joan Lingard’s popular “Kevin and Sadie” series, this novel’s raw energy knocks tamer versions for six. It is a Must Read for Belfast teens.
Reviewer: Bookaneer
Dowswell, Paul. Auslander. Bloomsbury, 2009.
“Conscience at War”
I found Auslander to be an interesting read because it was fiction based on fact. I thought the historical details made it easier to understand although the plot dragged in places.
I think Peter is a likeable character who turns away from Nazism because his conscience tells him that it's wrong. Things also change for him when he meets Anna who gives him a new perspective on life. At first he appears to be happy with the family he is placed with after his parents are killed but then he rebels and disappears.
The book is an intense read full of revelations. It reminded me of a rich and dark chocolate cake with different layers. Although I was disappointed because it ended abruptly, I it offers the reader surprises.
Reviewer: Kyle D.
Valentine, J. The Ant Colony. Harper Collins, 2009.
“Wacky Read”
My favourite author is Terry Pratchett because he tells good stories. I'm always curled up in a corner reading a book because it means I get to explore lots of different worlds. The Ant Colony was quite a different read from what I am used to as I normally enjoy fantasy. I thought it was sad but uplifting.
It deals with an interesting concept and the characters are really believable. They are facing up to serious problems and the author's message is that you can't run away from trouble. You need to find the courage to sort it with the help of friends.
The book had quite a bitter-sweet taste and as you read it revealed itself in layers. I liked Bohemia because she has ginger hair like me. She came across as an unusual and weird character but in a nice way. I think the book takes its name from one of the male characters who is obsessed with ants. It is fresh and original as well as being serious and slightly mental in parts.
Reviewer: Rose J.
Wooding, Chris. Havoc. Scolastic, 2010.
“There’s no escape from Tall Jake.”
Seth is on the hunt for Kady and Justin but how can he find Malice again? A storm is raging and the monster from hell is after him. A renegade army is on the move but can Tall Jake, master of all evil be destroyed? Will teens continue to die in Malice? Dare you enter their world to find out?
This dark fantasy sucks you inside a comic book and doesn’t let go. Double the shocks and thrills of ‘Malice’ as ‘Havoc’ takes you to the Dead House where Zombies rule, an ancient city where the walls are alive and a spooky house where a creature lives in the attic.
Reviewer: TJ
Ness, Patrick. Knife of Never Letting Go. Walker Books, 2008.
"Fantasy, conspiracy & murder in one thrilling read"
When I first heard the book's name, I thought 'flip, what an unusual name!' When I finished reading it, I realised why it was so named. When I started reading it the flavour was very unusual, almost bland you could say. This could be because the narrator (Todd Hewitt) speaks in the present tense. I quickly got over this, and became engrossed. The flavour was interesting, even sweet and tangy! Flicking over to the last page and BAAM! I was so shocked I closed the book and chilled out. It is a whopper ending! (Which I'll not spoil.).
The storyline is very interesting. You arrive in a settlement called Prentisstown. The inhabitants have moved through space from 'Old World. They can hear everyone's thoughts! No women have lived there for a long time. The town is on the edge of a swamp, where the 'Spackle' lived. In the past a war raged on 'New World' between the humans and the Spackle. The story continues after the war, and Todd and a girl venture out of the swamp with a knife for help (if you want to know why, read the book) and journey to different villages to receive it.
It's an unusual and exciting read from a very imaginative writer. I can definitely recommend this book to everyone (careful, mild swearing). 100% sub zero!
Reviewer: Chris Millar
Mieville, China. Un Lun Dun. Pan Books, 2008.
"Exciting and strange-this is a Sub Zero Read"
This book is my all time favourite. It starts with a girl, the Schwazzi, and her friend, Deeba. The Schwazzi has been having weird things happening to her. When she sees an umbrella flying around in the street she follows its trail and finds UN LUN DUN, a magical place where people wear books, have houses made out of rubbish and wear different heads. The girl is mesmerized at the beginning as she doesn't know who or what the "Schwazzi" is. So she and her friend decide to investigate only to get chased by a hoard of rubbish. Just as it strikes a ghost named Hemi saves their lives. At first he scares them and they run off, into a big market. Here they get shouted at because of their clothes by a weird guy who is wearing pages from a book. The man later takes them to see people called the profiteers, a weird bunch of prophets guarded by a bunch of Binjas (ninja-bins). All this seems even madder when they are sent out to save UN LUN DUN from the SMOG. I would recommend this book because it's a good adventure. It will appeal to readers who like fantasy with a wacky twist.
Reviewer: Kyle Graham
McKenzie, Sophie. Girl Missing. Simon & Schuster, 2006.
This book is a must-read for all teenage girls!!
One day adopted teenager Lauren decides she wants more details on her real parents. After her adoptive parents refuse to give Lauren any information she looks up adoption agencies on the internet and what she finds out is any teenage girl's worst nightmare! She is suspicious that her adoption was not legal and that she may have been abducted as a baby! She finds a picture of a young girl on the internet who went missing when she was 1 year old. She wonders if it could be her.
Lauren decides to go on a quest to find her real parents to find out the truth about her real identity. This leads her to America where she uncovers a past that threatens to destroy her.
I recommend this book for all 12-16 year old girls. It really is a brilliant book and every teenage girl should read it.
I give this book 10/10!!! Pick it up from the library today.
Reviewer: Ellie Neill
Wooding, Chris. Malice. Scholastic, 2009
"You Can't Escape"
This book is about a comic book and there is a legend to it. The legend is that if you do the ritual and call on Tall Jake, he will come and take you away to a SCARY place called Malice.
There are three main characters called Seth, Kady and Justin. Seth and Kady find out about Malice through their friend Luke who does the chant and gets taken to Malice. Then they believe that Malice is real and you can get killed because they saw their friend being killed. This is a bad place where teenagers that go can be killed and people that read comics can see them being killed.
There is only one way of stopping Tall Jake and they need his enemies but that is all I will tell you as YOU will have to read it yourself.
This book has a gripping storyline and will make you want to read it all in one go. At the end of every page there is a part that makes you want to turn so quickly that you might rip the page out by accident!
I definitely recommend this book because I really think YOU will want to read it. There is a new issue coming out called Havoc and Malice leaves us on a cliffhanger so we want to get Havoc and read it too. I hope you read Malice and enjoy it.
Reviewer: Garreth Boyd
Reading Rocks
http://www.kidslitquiz.com/ (The ultimate opportunity to have fun celebrating reading. School teams can sign up now for NI Regional Heat to be held on Thursday the 11th of November 2010. Ring Miss T Jennings on 02890642539 for further details.)
http://www.readkiddoread.com/home
http://www.insideadog.com.au/ (Australian website celebrating books)
http://www.literacytrust.org.uk/readingconnects/wbdevents.htm (WCB Library celebrates World Book Day)
http://www.questseekers.org.uk/index.htm
http://www.bookarmy.com (Check out what everyone's reading & create your own lists of your favourite reads. Win Prizes)
http://www.carnegiegreenaway.org.uk/shadowingsite/default.asp (Follow the Carnegie awards & discover what schools rate what reads. Check out W.C.B's choices.)
http://www.loverading4schools.co.uk/ (Check out WCB Library's top reads. Features opening extracts to give you a flavour of the books recommended by students for students. Site offers 25% discounts to parents & chance to earn free book vouchers for the school library)
http://www.galaxybookclub.co.uk/Default.aspx (Chance to win books.)
http://www.stepheniemeyer.com/trilightseries.html (Twilight fans alert)
http://en.childrenslibrary.org/ (Travel around the world with these online picture books)
http://www.lovereading4kids.co.uk (Pick of new Teen Reads)
http://www.literacytrust.org.uk/campaign/Champions/index.html (Check out our WCB reading Champions & find out what reading challenges you can do for your school library. Cool competitions and free reading promotion resources.)
http://www.thebookbag.co.uk (Reviews)
http://www.lovereading.co.uk/genre/rj9 (Richard & Judy's Choice)
http://www.readitswapit.co.uk (Swap your old books for New)
http://www.bookcrossing.com (Release a book into the Wild & find one in hiding)
http://www.cool-reads.co.uk/ (Reads for teens rated or slated by teens)
http://www.readingrants.org/category/fanging-around/ (Teen fiction with bite)
http://www.readwritethink.org (Create your own character Trading Cards)
http://www.noflyingnotights.com (Join the Manga Revolution)
http://www.readyourselfraw.com (Graphics & Comics)
http://www.channel4learning.net/sites/bookbox/ (Would you like to write a story? Pick up some handy hints from the Writer's toolkit)
http://www.spinebreakers.co.uk (For story surfers & web explorers)
http://www.mrsmad.com/ (Jokes, Stories, games & Reviews)
http://www.readingmatters.co.uk/ (Try the Bookchooser to find the book for you)
http://www.storiesfromtheweb.org (check out Gothica Academy by Claire Crawford under Gallery)
http://www.bbc.co.uk/arts/bigread
http://www.encompassculture.com/ (What would you like to read? Search for a book by genre.)
http://etext.lib.virginia.edu/ebooks/subjects/subjects-young.html (Would you like to read a classic? Try these e-books online)
http://www.achuka.co.uk/achukareviews/
http://www.ultimatebookguide.com/teen/
http://www.childrensbooksequels.co.uk/ (Visit here if you want to know what comes next in a series)
http://www.booktrustchildrensbooks.org.uk/show/feature/search/Reading-Group-Diaries-2009/