DARN - Issue 14 - October 2024

DARN Douglas Academy Reading Newsletter

Issue 14

October 2024

by Gracie, S4

Welcome to the latest edition of our reading newsletter.

This month’s edition features murder mystery and all things Halloween. Inside you will find some fantastic reviews of grisly murders and spooky stories, just in time for those darker nights drawing in!

We’ve also been learning all about Black History Month – check out our feature on P. 13.

This newsletter has been brought together by the Reading Ambassadors, a group of pupils from S1 to S6 who are passionate about reading and want to promote it across the school. Anyone is welcome to be involved. Please speak to Mrs McConnachie in the Library or Mrs Baxter in English if you want to find out more.

INSIDE THIS MONTH’S EDITION:

A feature on the hit novel and series ‘A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder’ All the latest Halloween costume ideas!

An exclusive interview with Miss Bengarra And much more…

BOOK OF THE MONTH:

Murder Most Unladylike

by Robin Stevens

by Jennifer, S1

In this English boarding school, two girls’ called Hazel Wong and Daisy Wells find a murder on their gym balcony. Then everything starts to go south… As they start their investigation, secrets, scandals, and gossip start to unravel. The teachers deny everything - is the murder real or is it all a figment of their imagination?

I loved this book with all my heart - I couldn’t stop reading this book at all. If you love thrillers, murder, and secrets this book is for you!

With October coming up this is a good start to get into murder mystery - I mean who doesn’t like murder books? This will become an absolute addiction for you.

If you want to get in the Halloween season start here!

By Charlotte, S4

Book Reviews THE MAGPIE SOCIETY – AMY MCCULLOCH AND ZOE SUGG

By Charlotte, S4

A student is discovered dead on a beach with a tattoo of a magpie near a prestigious boarding school, new student Audrey and her roommate Ivy decided to investigate. However, in doing so, they unearth many other sinister secrets including the elusive Magpie society which is said to guard the school. An enchantingly dark duology told through two perspectives, this gothic mystery will keep you gripped from start to finish until you reach the final plot twist which will leave you reeling.

GOODLY AND GRAVE: IN A DEADLY CASE OF MURDER – JUSTINE WINDSOR

By Ros, S1

In the magical world of Grave Hall, there has been a theft from a magical jewel emporium.

When magical detective duo, Lucy Goodly and Lord Grave look into it, their prime suspect dies of mysterious circumstances and they are lured into a dangerous world of magic and murder. This gripping story will have you gasping in shock and terror at every twist and turn. Lots of people on Amazon say the whole series is really good and “deliciously gothic and thrilling”.

THE CURIOUS INCIDENT OF THE DOG IN THE NIGHT-TIME – MARK HADDON

By Tristan, S3

Fifteen-year-old Christopher has a photographic memory.

He understands Maths and Science; especially Physics.

What he cannot understand are other human beings.

So, when he finds his neighbours’ dog Wellington murdered he wants to find out who murdered Wellington. He starts writing a murder mystery novel about Wellington’s murder, as he investigates what other mysteries he will uncover as he undergoes this sensational journey.

I really enjoyed this book. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys murder mystery books.

A Good Girls Guide to Murder Book versus Series

By Aoife and Tilly, S5 The beloved book by many ‘A Good Girls Guide to Murder’ by Holly Black was made into a six-episode series this year. The book follows Pip and the story of her solving a murder case. The book was extremely successful, selling more than 7 million copies worldwide and translated into around 40 languages. However, its new series has many mixed opinions - reviewing well with 81% on Rotten Tomatoes, but with more than one saying, ‘not bad but not good either’ or ‘could have been better’. One of the reasons the series had some dislikes was due to the actress playing Pip. Emma Myers, who is an American actress, is very talented at acting however the book is set in a town in England making Pip a young English girl but Emma's accent made many viewers cringe and seemed something they couldn't ignore. One review says, “Emma Myers' accent is all over the place in A Good Girl's Guide to Murder, An American trying and failing to do an English accent."

However, most were disappointed just because some scenes were taken out of the book, although if you didn't read the book, it would be okay and something you wouldn't notice. Sadly, many did read it and were disappointed when bits were missing. Although most movie and series adaptations leave bits and bobs out, this series seemed to leave out quite a bit. One review said: ‘If I hadn't read the books, I probably would have loved this. But I did read the books - several times.

Sadly, this series feels like the people who made it didn't read the books at all. More like they had the plot told to them and then they piece it together from memory and got a vague resemblance to the books.’ And another saying, ‘Important and interesting scenes from the book were lost and for example 5 scenes were merged into 1 with simple dialogue without any connection to the actors.’ On the other hand, some seemed to really enjoy it with many reviews saying ‘The scenery and the cinematography was incredible’ and that the supporting cast also gave great performances, especially some of the newer talent. So, in conclusion the series seemed to be liked but not loved but at the end of the day that tends to be the story when it comes to book adaptations, and it shouldn't put you off watching it!

Halloween

Trending Halloween Costumes

By Murrin, S1

This year we have picked the BEST Halloween costumes…

Katniss Everdeen – Mockingjay

Minions

Barbie Inflatable Dino!

BELLADONNA – ADALYN GRACE

By Andrea, S5 Belladonna is a romantasy book written by Adalyn Grace that follows recently orphaned Signa, who is now being sent to live with her only living relatives. Upon arriving she realizes there is more happening behind closed doors. Signa must find out who and what is at play, that is making her relatives deathly ill. Will Signa work out the truth in time before another life is taken? This book is perfect for those who love a good murder mystery with an unexpected ending.

HARRY POTTER AND THE PHILOSOPHER’S STONE – J.K. ROWLING

By Callum B, S3 In this book, we have the privilege of seeing Harry’s early days, even before he knew he was a wizard. The story begins in Privet Drive, with Rubeus Hagrid delivering 1 year old Harry to the house of his non-magical relatives, the Dursley’s. He stays with them for 10 years, and every single day they mistreat him to the furthest extent they can. One day, Harry gets a strange letter coming from the magical school, Hogwarts. His disapproving uncle and aunt snatch the letter and go to a deserted house on an island far away from society. Hagrid comes back and takes him to the school however, so all good in the end. Throughout the course of the rest of the book, Harry makes friends with two other kids named Ronald (Ron) Weasley and Hermione Granger. The three of them learn tons of magic, find a mysterious stone that grants immortality, and get harassed by Voldemort, an evil wizard that killed Harry’s parents.

Out of all, I rate this book a solid 7 out of 10, as there are better ones in the series. The book does have quite a few heart-warming moments which really make it one of my favourites. Harry Potter will forever be one of the best series out there.

by James, S1

SPOOKY READS!!!

Looking for the latest chiller for Hallowe’en? Check out the selection currently on display in the library.

Featured here - a few to make you quiver.

Maggie Helsby isn’t afraid of spooky legends and she’s willing to prove it. But when she agrees to a dare to venture into the forest, she doesn’t expect to find a creepy castle, a vegetarian vampire and an ancient book naming her as the latest slayer.

How not to be a Vampire by Katy Birchill will have you shivering and laughing at the same time!

Hell Breaks Loose goes back 300 years from when the Skulduggery Pleasant story began.

Another twisted, scary and funny tale from Derek Landy.

Arcade-game zombies, graveyard ghosts and flesheating aliens, enter the wicked world of Read, Scream and Repeat, a collection of short stories compiled by Jennifer Killick.

Scotland has a great many myths and legends about dragons and fairies, selkies and witches, kelpies and other strange beings.

Supernatural Scotland by Eileen Dunlop features spooky stories of haunted houses, ghostly animals, curses, prophesies, magic spells and more!!

Nobody Owens, known to his friends as Bod, is a normal boy - he would be completely normal if he didn’t live in a graveyard, raised and educated by ghosts. There, living among the dead, Bod discovers that he possesses remarkable magical powers but it is in the land of the living that real danger lurks.

The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman is a deliciously dark and creepy read.

From the second they set foot on the island to join their dad and his new family, Jess and Rosie feel something’s wrong.

Nightmares haunt their dreams and there seems to be something or someone in the lighthouse, their home for the summer.

The Lighthouse by Alex Bell is a deliciously creepy read – not for the faint hearted.

STAFF / PUPIL PICK OF THE MONTH Staff / Pupil Pick of the Month highlights a junior or young adult book recommended by a member of staff.

Exodus by Julia Bertagna In the year 2100 the world has flooded, leaving no land except the highest points.

Mara, a 15 year old girl living on Wing, a Scottish island, sets course for the fabled New World cities in the sky, dreaming of finding a new life and surviving the climate crisis.

On her journey she meets survivors of the flood and she must adapt to the new world in an attempt to save her community. This novel is a thrilling piece of climate fiction (cli-fi!) which asks us to consider the future of our planet and to quest with our reluctant hero, Mara, into a dangerous world she could never have imagined.

The Girl Who Lost Her Shadow by Emily Illet Set on a Scottish Island, this exciting novel concerns Gail, a 12 year old girl who begins a quest to find her lost shadow and that of her big sister Kay. Following their parents' divorce, Kay has become depressed and lost her faith in life; her shadow disappearing makes her even more sad, so Gail sets off to find it and to help her sister get back to her old self. This novel is focussed on friendship, sisterhood and environmental issues; a mustread!

Both recommended by Mrs Baynham, English DA'RISTA - STAFF BOOK OF THE MONTH Well done to Mrs L. Dunn from the Support for Learning department for recommending this issue’s DA’rista Book of the Month! The Little Paris Bookshop by Nina George is set in a bookshop on a converted barge on the river Seine where Monsieur Jean Perdu is more therapist than bookseller, prescribing books to heal his customers. Featuring an eclectic group of characters, this is an emotional and heart-warming gem of a book.

Each issue of DARN features DA'rista ' Book of the Month' chosen by a member of staff! Staff are asked to recommend a book that could be suitable for adults or younger readers. The staff member who recommends the book of the month chosen for the next issue of DARN will receive a free coffee from DA'rista (thanks Mrs McDaid!)

Have you been inspired to get reading?

Then look no further: the school library is available for you to borrow books at break and lunchtimes every day except Thursday Lunch.

All pupils and staff are able to borrow up to three books at time.

Reading Ambassadors Our fantastic group of Reading Ambassadors meet on Thursday lunchtimes in the library. All pupils are welcome to join in, and contribute to DARN, enjoy some book chat, and play some games!

THE BOY AT THE BACK OF THE CLASS – ONJALI Q. RAUF

DIARY OF A WIMPY KID: DOUBLE DOWN – JEFF KINNEY

By James, S1

By Callum H, S3

Onjali Q. Rauf’s novel, The Boy at the Back of the Class, tells the story of a nine year old refugee called Ahmet, who flees Syria to Britain. He is the new boy in school and while he is met with kindness by most of his classmates and teacher, not everyone shares their empathy for the stranger. There’s a bully and also adults with their views – they are overheard calling him a filthy refugee kid.

When his class learns he has been separated from his parents, they come up with a plan to ask the Queen to help reunite them.

I think that this is a great book and I thoroughly recommend it.

When Greg Heffley finds an old camera he thinks this is his one way ticket to be a Hollywood film star.

His mum thinks that computer games are ruining his life and that he should embrace his “creative” side. So with his friend Rowley they plan to make a scary movie and for him to become rich and famous in the process. Will his horror film make him successful or will it turn in to a huge flop?

All and all I think this an extremely enjoyable book for all ages and it ties in with this month’s murder mystery vibe, I would rate it an 8/10.

ALL QUIET ON THE WESTERN FRONT – ERICH MARIA REMARQUE

By Aoife, S5

All Quiet on the Western Front is a brilliant war story set in World War One written by Erich Maria Remarque.

It follows the character of Paul, beginning as a 19-year-old soldier and his story during his time at war and his experience during the horrific time. This book is an extremely eye-opening story and truly shows how horrific the war was. Remarque was a soldier during WW1, making this book even more accurate with a real feeling which is both interesting and horrific. This book is filled with great character development and paints a very vivid picture. I found this book enjoyable to read as it opened my eyes to just how grim and awful the war was. I would highly recommend it to those who enjoy history, but I think better suited for older readers as it’s very graphic in some bits and requires a bit of maturity to read.

WARRIOR CATS INTO THE WILD – ERIN HUNTER

By Murrin, S1

As a house cat named Rusty leaps over his garden fence and jumps “Into the wild” he gets attacked by a wild cat named Graypaw and his world changes forever…

I love this series.

IF HE HAD BEEN WITH ME - LAURA NOWLIN

By Gracie, S4

GEEK GIRL – HOLLY SMALE

By Cathie, S1

Autumn has grown up with Finn, ever since they were really young. They live next door to each other and grew up playing together, since their mums are best friends. They have continued being friends for years, but they slowly drift apart as time goes by. The book takes place over a few years, showing how Autumn feels and changes. Finn and Autumn never speak anymore since their own new relationships, but Autumn can’t help but wonder what would have happened if Finn had been with her, because it would have been a whole different story.

I enjoyed this book so much that I couldn’t put it down, it’s full of so many surprises and turns that make you want to keep reading. I highly recommend it.

Harriet Manners is a geek. She knows a lot of things, but not why no-one seems to like her. When she gets the chance to change her life by accepting a career as a model, Harriet jumps on it.

Will she go from geek to chic? This series is funny, gripping and an amazing read. Fans of comedy will love it!

PERCY JACKSON AND THE GREEK GODS BY RICK RIORDAN

By Anna, S1

IF YOU LIKE HORROR SHOWS, BLOODBATHS, STEALING AND CANNABILISM THEN READ ON…. WANT TO KNOW HOW ZEUS BECAME THE TOP DOG? HOW MANY TIMES KRONOS ATE ONE OF HIS OWN KIDS? WHY ATHENA LITERALLY BURST OUT OF ANOTHER GODS HEAD? It’s all in this book, but remember to bring your safety glasses and raincoat, as I warn you there will be BLOOD. Percy Jackson and the Greek gods is a personal favourite of mine. It features information, facts, but most importantly it is FULL to the brim with laughs and plenty of relatable jokes. If you have read the Percy Jackson series already or want to read them, then this book is perfect for you. This book is also followed by another novel called Percy Jackson and the Greek heroes. I highly recommend this book.

PERCY JACKSON AND THE LAST OLYMPIAN - RICK RIORDAN

By Morgan, S1

Most people get presents on their sixteenth birthday. Percy gets a prophecy that could save or destroy the world.

It happens when you’re the son of the son of Poseidon, God of the sea.

According to an ancient prophecy, when Percy turns sixteen the fate of the entire world is on his shoulders… No pressure Percy!

This is a thrilling tale of adventure and madness. Percy is an epic hero who has saved Olympus multiple times. He has fought terrifying giants to a real god, Ares the god of war. He has been through the battle of the labyrinth and has held up the sky. Heck, he killed the Minotaur then went down to hell and retrieved Zeus’s master bolt at ONLY 12 YEARS OLD!!! But now his fate is tied and he is facing a new evil, will he be able to escape this war?

Interview with…

Miss Bengarra

by Cathie, S1 What’s your favourite book?

Tricky question! I tend to read one book, and it becomes my absolute favourite then read another which then becomes my favourite instead! I really liked ‘You and Me on Vacation’ by Emily Henry. It’s romance which is one of my favourite genres and I really liked it.

What’s your favourite murdermystery book?

‘A Good Girls Guide to Murder’. It’s about a teenage girl investigating an ancient murder of a schoolgirl, Andie Bell. Everyone thinks another girl did it, but she doesn’t. When she investigates, no one believes her though. It was very different to many other murder mysteries I’d read, and I really liked that.

Growing up, what was your favourite book?

Growing up, we got told to read a Greek mythology book called Antigone for

school. I actually really enjoyed it. It was dramatic, which I liked and was actually really good! Another book I liked was Twilight, which I enjoyed reading when I was 13.

What is your favourite series?

My favourite series is ‘Maze Runner’. I really liked it, and I’ve watched the books and movies (I preferred the books). It had a lot of action, and had a lot going on which I loved! Another series I liked was ‘The Hundred’, where they send one hundred junior delinquents to a new planet, to find out if it’s safe. When they find out it is safe, they have to learn to live on this strange planet with each other.

What’s your favourite book turned into a movie?

Often I’m disappointed by some movie adaptations, but a good one was ‘The Fault in our Stars’ by John Green. It was very sad, but really good!

Black History Month feature put together by Anna, S1

LIBRARY NEW BOOKS Some fantastic non-fiction (fact) books have just arrived in the library. Why not pop in and see what’s new?

Matt Oldfield’s latest book tackles one of football’s greatest questions, – “Who is the Greatest Of All Time (G.O.A.T.)” – Messi or Ronaldo. Compare the facts and see for yourself!

From the fantastic new series ‘Greatest Lives in Graphics’ this offers an excellent introduction to the life and work of the iconic artist Frida Kahlo.

With fun illustrations, ‘The History of Rock for Big Fans and Little Punks’ gives a whistle stop tour of rock’s different artists and sub genres from the 1950s to the present day.

From the amazing series ‘Big Ideas Simply Explained’, The Feminism book examines the theories, groundbreaking ideas and trailblazing actions that have shaped the feminist movement.

An insightful, inspiring and comprehensive guide.

Another excellent series ‘The Facts Visually Explained’, ‘How Technology Works’ demystifies the machinery that keeps the modern world going, from simple objects such as can openers to the latest, most sophisticated devices of the information age, including smart watches, personal digital assistants, and driverless cars.