Welcome to the latest edition of our reading newsletter.
Merry Christmas from DARN and all of our wonderful Reading Ambassador’s.
This month’s Christmas edition features a selection box of Christmas book reviews, puzzles, and crafts to keep you busy! We also have an exclusive interview with Mr Luisi and an update on last month’s World Book Day Celebrations. This newsletter has been put together by the Reading Ambassadors, a group of pupils who are passionate about reading and want to promote it across the school.
Please speak to Mrs McConnachie in the Library or Mrs Baxter if you want to find out more.
INSIDE THIS MONTH’S EDITION:
A selection box of Christmas reviews and other goodies! All of the winners from Book Week Scotland An exclusive interview with Mr Luisi
And much more…
by Ros, S1
ONCE UPON A BROKEN HEART
by Stephanie Garber
by Aoife, S5
Once Upon a Broken Heart is an incredible book series which follows after the other amazing series by Stephanie Garber “Caraval”. It follows the witty and clever character of Evangeline Fox who, for as long as she can remember, has always believed in true love and happily ever after, until she finds out her true love has fallen in love and is now betrothed to another. Desperate to find a way to help her with her problem she strikes a deal with the charismatic, but wicked and famous fate, the prince of hearts. In exchange for three kisses, he will put a stop to the wedding, however things don’t go as straightforward as Evangeline had thought and although she wants to get away from this untrustworthy and careless fate, she must hold up her end of the bargain. This book is one of my all-time favourite series with an abundance of mystery, daring romance and interesting story to spare. I would recommend reading the Caraval series first if you like books that will transport you to different places.
By Aoife, S5
Christmas Book Reviews
THE CHRISTMAS FIX - LUCY SCORE
By Andrea, S5
The Christmas Fix by Lucy Score is a festive novel perfect for getting you in the Christmas mood. It features Cat, a strong woman with a knack for sorting problems. When she sees the aftermath of wreckage of a storm brought to the small town of Merry, she immediately tries to help. However, Mayor Noah is against anyone interfering with his town. How will these two get over their problems? And more important will they be able to save the town in time for Christmas? This is a cute romance book that is perfect for starting off this holiday season.
THE LION, THE WITCH AND THE WARDROBE - C.
S.
LEWIS
By Tristan, S3
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe is an incredible book by C. S. Lewis which focuses on the main characters of Lucy, Edmund, Susan, and Peter.
The four children stumble into Narnia when the land is under the rule of the main antagonist of the story, the White Witch, formerly the Empress Jadis of Charn. The White Witch has plunged the land into an endless winter without Christmas. When in Narnia the four siblings must fight back against the White Witch alongside the great lion Aslan to then become the four Kings and Queens of Narnia. I really enjoyed this book and would read it again.
THE COMPLETELY CHAOTIC CHRISTMAS OF LOTTIE BROOKSKATIE KIRBY
By Murrin, S1
This book is very funny and very interesting to read. It is one of my favourite books in the ‘Lottie Brooks’ series.
Basically the book is about her crazy Christmas with her siblings, family and more!
SNOW FOAL - SUSANNA BAILEY
By Tilly, S5
Snow Foal is an emotional and heartfelt story set in a cosy winter setting! We follow 11-year-old Addie and her journey to coming to terms with her difficult family situation.
At first when Addie moves to a snowy farm in the middle of nowhere she misses her home, her friends and especially her mum. Even with people trying to befriend her everything still feels so mixed up and confused. Then one day she meets an unexpected friend, a foal who is just as scared as Addie. This book is perfect for a cosy wintery night in, I loved getting to know the characters, each with their own personal stories. If you want an exciting novel with emotional and tear-jerking moments as well as lively and dangerous adventures, then this book is for you!
By Ross, S3
by Cathie, S1
Illustrations by Murrin, S1
SNUGGLE UP WITH SOME COSY CHRISTMAS READS
A Boy Called Christmas by Matt Haig
If you are looking for a modern Christmas classic, Matt Haig’s enchanting book tells the true story of Father Christmas. A fantastical mix of fairytale, folklore and fun to enjoy.
All I Want for Christmas by Beth
Garrod
US-based Elle is a social-media influencer tired of the constant online attention and pressure to increase her following. She decides to swap places with one of her followers for the holidays. Holly lives in a small village in England, and loves Christmas more than anything else, but when her mum announces she's selling their house her plans for the perfect Christmas start to evaporate. Will swapping with Elle be Holly's perfect opportunity to escape? And far from home, will they both find all they want for Christmas? A perfect romantic read for fans of Jenny Han.
The Bear and the Nightingale by Katherine Arden
In a village at the edge of the wilderness of northern Russia, where the winds blow cold and the snow falls many months of the year, an elderly servant tells stories of sorcery, folklore and the Winter King to the children of the family, tales of old magic frowned upon by the church. But for the young, wild Vasya these are far more than just stories. She alone can see the house spirits that guard her home, and sense the growing forces of dark magic in the woods... This atmospheric and magical story is the first in the Winternight Trilogy.
I’ll be Home for Christmas by Various Authors
Produced by the charity ‘Crisis’, this excellent collection of short stories and poetry by the UK’s leading young adult authors focuses on the theme of ‘home’. Featuring authors such as Holly Bourne, Juno Dawson, Lisa Williamson and Benjamin Zephaniah, this anthology raises awareness of the struggles faced by those who experience homelessness.
Let it Snow by John Green, Maureen Johnson and Lauren Myracle
It’s Christmas Eve and the worst blizzard for fifty years has blanketed Gracetown. But as well as snowflakes, love is in the air – and appearing in the most unexpected ways… Filled with festive cheer, these three touching interconnected stories capture the magic of the Christmas holiday season.
by Cathie, S1
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.
The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas
The Hate U Give is a shocking yet vital story for young readers. It tells the story of Starr, a 16 year old Black girl who witnesses her friend Khalil being unlawfully shot and killed by a white police officer. We follow Starr’s journey as she navigates the fine line of racism at her expensive private school and her home in the ‘ghetto’ – Garden Heights. This novel highlights important themes of racism and prejudice and the importance of speaking up and using your voice. Starr is a multi-dimensional and relatable character who brings a personal touch to this disturbingly familiar story. A must read for young people everywhere.
Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
“Christmas won't be Christmas without any presents”
Little Women is the classic tale of the four March sisters: mature Meg, headstrong Jo, spoiled Amy, and sweet Beth, as they navigate the trials and tribulations of growing up while dealing with the heartache of their father being away at war.
My favourite winter warmer –Christmas won’t be Christmas without Little Women!
Both recommended by Mrs Baxter, English
DA'RISTA - STAFF BOOK OF THE MONTH
Well done to Mrs Meikle, Support for Learning Department for recommending this issue’s DA’rista Book of the Month!
Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus is a hilarious, inspiring and original feminist tale set in 1960’s America. Now a series on Apple TV, this is a ‘must read’!
Each issue of DARN will now feature 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!
CARAVAL - STEPHANIE GARBER
By Andrea, S5
Caraval, written by Stephanie Garber, is a fantasy novel that keeps your head spinning. It centres on the character Scarlett after she wins herself and her sister tickets to the most desired game in the land. However, things take a dark turn when Scarlett’s sister goes missing. Scarlett must navigate the game while trying to find her sister. But she must remember that it is only a game. This book is perfect for those in need of a fantasy book that will just suck you in.
BETTER THAN THE MOVIES - LYNN PAINTER
By Aoife, S5
HAPPY GIRL LUCKY –HOLLY SMALE
By Cathie, S1
Famous sisters Faith, Hope and Mercy have everything. Money, beauty and fame come naturally with a movie star family. But what youngest sister Hope wants most of all is love. But real life isn’t like the movies… This book is hilarious, heart-warming and kind. Fans of Geek Girl will love it!
Better than the movies by Lynn Painter is a delightful romantic comedy. It follows the story of Liz Buxbaum, a senior who loves anything and everything romance, whose dream is to find the perfect romance like the one she sees in her favourite movies. When Liz's old neighbourhood friend and former crush Michael returns after moving away when they were younger, she falls for him all over again. However, he still thinks of her as “little Liz” which makes things for her harder. Liz turns to Wes, her annoying Neighbour/ lifelong enemy to help her goal harder for her. All this plotting and planning has Wes and Liz spending more and more time together, which leaves Liz wondering if Michael is really the one for her? This book is a hilarious, fun read and the perfect antidote if you are stuck in a reading slump. I would recommend it to those who enjoy cute rom coms.
THE INHERITANCE GAMES – JENNIFER LYNN BARNES
By Tilly, S5
The Inheritance Games is a thrilling YA mystery novel. We follow the protagonist Avery as she discovers the secrets of the Hawthorne brothers and their mysterious manor. Avery finds herself inheriting billions and billions of dollars, but the catch is she has absolutely no idea why... This book is an exciting page turner filled with puzzles, suspense, and adventure. If you enjoy fantasy or mystery books you should definitely try this bestselling page turner! Find out who the Hawthorne brothers are? Why Avery inherited billions and of course what games are in store...?
THE NOWHERE EMPORIUM - ROSS MACKENZIE
By Callum H, S3
The Nowhere Emporium by Ross McKenzie offers a spectacular journey through a magical world where your imagination knows no bounds!
Daniel Holmes is an orphan living in Glasgow, who is being bullied for being different but when being chased a mysterious shop appears from nowhere. Daniel later becomes Mr Silver’s apprentice who is the shop owner. Daniel also learns the secrets of the Emporium’s vast labyrinth of passageways and rooms that contain unlimited wonders beyond anything he had ever imagined. But when Mr Silver disappears it’s up to Daniel to find him and save the Emporium from Mr Silver’s arch-nemesis, Vindictus Sharpe. Overall I really enjoyed the book and thought the story was very unique and captivating and I would rate this book 8/10.
ACE OF SPADES - FARIDAH ÀBÍKÉ-ÍYÍMÍDÉ
By Gracie, S4
Ace of Spades is a thriller set around the lives of music student Devon and Head Girl Chiamaka. They both attend a posh private school, where Devon is on a scholarship for his studies: he’s lucky as his family can’t afford to send him there. Chiamaka is the complete opposite: her family are seriously rich, she's a perfect head girl and is super popular at school. But when mysterious messages from someone called “ACES” begin to come in about them both, which are broadcasted to the whole school, Devon and Chiamaka come together to investigate who “ACES” is: and why they only spread rumours about the two of them. This book was honestly such a good read, I was so eager to find out who “ACES” was that I couldn’t put the book down. I highly recommend it.
IF HE HAD BEEN WITH ME – LAURA NOWLIN
By Gracie, S4
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.
Interview with… Mr Luisi
What is your favourite genre of book and why?
I suppose it would be non-fiction and music, because I love music so much. I actually have over 100 books on music.
Who is your favourite author and why?
When I was in primary school I remember really enjoying Enid Blyton, specifically The Famous Five, but nowadays my favourite author is actually a Scottish author, Irvine Welsh. Very adult themes, no doubt about that, not a school book at all, but I do enjoy his books a lot, he has a very wild imagination and he expresses it well on the written page.
What is your favourite book and why?
My favourite book would be Nineteen Eighty-Four by George Orwell. It is brilliantly written about a terrible time, using Stalin as the sort of model for Big Brother, but I think a lot of the things in that book probably apply to all sorts of places around the world today. It’s brilliantly written, and a sort of heart-breaking book.
Which character would you be and why?
I guess, like most blokes, it would have to be James Bond, for reasons that are pretty obvious. You would just have the world at your fingertips. Yeah, it would have to be James Bond.
Book Week Scotland Events
November 2024
Douglas Academy once again held a number of events to celebrate Book Week Scotland.
S1 Original Character Competition
To mark Book Week Scotland our S1 pupils took part in the ‘original character’ competition. Pupils were challenged to create their own original character with a drawing and back-story. There was an amazing response to this competition with many incredibly imaginative characters created with fascinating back-stories and wonderful illustrations. Congratulations go to joint winners Adele and Amelia, whose characters impressed our judges (S5 Reading Ambassadors, Aoife and Tilly)!
S2 Genre Competition
S2 pupils were asked to create a poster on their favourite genre of book. A fantastic variety of posters were produced highlighting different genres. Well done to Erin for her winning ‘fantasy’ poster and also to our runners up.
The S1 & 2 winners received £10 Amazon or Waterstones vouchers and reading goodies. Runners up and commended received reading goodies and Christmas sweets. The winning original characters and genre posters are now on display in the library. Well done to all who took part!
