DARN Issue 16 April 2025

DARN Douglas Academy Reading Newsletter

Welcome to the latest edition of our reading newsletter.

Issue 16

by Cathie & Jennifer, S1

Happy Easter from DARN and all of our wonderful Reading Ambassador’s.

This month’s Spring edition features Valentine’s Day Reads as well as a focus on Reading Around the world. We also have an exclusive interview with Mrs McDaid 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:

The origins of Valentines Day and some Romantic Reads!

An exciting feature on reading around the world An exclusive interview with Mrs McDaid And much more…

April 2025

BOOK OF THE MONTH:

THE BOY AT THE BACK OF THE CLASS

by Onjali Q. Raúf

by Murrin, S1

The Boy at the Back of the Class is about a young boy called Ahmet, a boy who comes to London from Syria. This book is fiction. This book is for ages 10 and over. Ahmet starts a new school without any friends.

When Ahmet gets bullied by Brendan, his classmates stand up for him. Josie (one of Ahmet’s friends) goes to meet the Queen to persuade her to let Ahmet stay in the UK. This book shows true friendship and what it’s like to lose something and move to a new place where he doesn’t know anyone there.

I liked this book because it was very interesting and fun although parts of the book were kind of sad, I would recommend this book to anyone who likes happy endings.

By Aoife, S5

The origins of Valentine’s day…

By Jennifer, S1

Interested in Valentine’s Day I see, maybe it’s for someone special or a family member? Well, this is how Valentine’s Day started…

The story is that Valentine’s Day was because an Emperor killed two men called Valentine on February 14th but that’s not very romantic is it?

Other stories say Valentine’s was started when angels called 14 bells on the second month.

Valentine's Day did not come to be celebrated as a day of romance until about the 14th century funnily enough.

Why was February 14 chosen as St. Valentine's Day? The 8th-century Gelasian Sacramentary recorded the celebration of the Feast of Saint Valentine on February 14. The day became associated with romantic love in the 14th and 15th centuries, when notions of courtly love flourished, apparently by association with the "lovebirds" of early spring. What is the true history of Valentine's Day? As far as we can tell, the Saint Valentine of Valentine's Day was one of two guys preaching the good word in Rome in the third century (Valentine of Rome or Valentine of Terni). One of these two was martyred on February 14th 269, thus giving us the date for his eponymous day.

ONCE UPON A BROKEN HEART – STEPHANIE GARBER

By Aoife, S5 Once upon a broken heart is spellbinding, addicting, romantasy series written by Stephanie Garber. It is set in the same world as Garber’s other fantastic series Caraval so I would highly recommend reading that series first as it will set the scene and introduce some characters.

The story follows how Evangeline Fox, a girl who has always believed in fairytales and happily ever after's life takes a tragic turn of events when she finds out her one true love plans to marry her stepsister.

Desperate and convinced her true love has been put under a spell; she makes a reckless decision to seek out Jacks the prince of hearts, a charming yet mischievous figure who deals in curses and bargains. In exchange for his help in stopping her love’s wedding, Evangeline makes a deal with him, hoping he can use his magic to prevent the ceremony. As the story unfolds, Evangeline is stuck with the prince of hearts until her side of the bargain is complete. With him she is introduced into a world filled with curses, illusions, and love that both heals and hurts. I love this book with my whole heart as Garber blends romance, fantasy and adventure into a thrilling and magical read. I would recommend to any and everyone who is looking for a great read or wants out of a reading slump.

TWILIGHT – STEPHENIE MEYER

By Aoife, S5

SOULMATES – HOLLY BOURNE

By Gracie, S4

Twilight, written by Stephanie Myers, is one of the most famous romance novels ever written. The story weaves a dark, captivating tale of forbidden love between Bella Swan, a human, and Edward Cullen, a vampire. The novel is set in the small rainy town of Forks, Washington and the forbidden slow burn love drives the narrative. After Bella moves to Forks with her dad, she meets the Cullen family - an unusual and unique family. After arriving at her new school Bella meets the mysterious and brooding boy Edward Cullen and becomes entangled in a whirlwind romance with him.

However, after finding out Edward’s secret Bella must decide if the danger is worth it all. Meyer brings the story to life through her amazing characters and the forbidden love, making it very appealing to young adult readers. I would recommend to those who enjoy romance novels, especially paranormal romance!

Poppy had never believed in finding a soulmate. It had felt impossible to find one when you’re 17 years old, busy with coursework and live in a boring, small town. However, when she meets local guitarist Noah, she falls extremely hard for him, so hard that the pair are inseparable. That’s until the huge twist in their relationship, when they realise that their romance is a lot more powerful than they thought...

I loved this book by Holly Bourne, just as I loved all her other books too.

I highly recommend her books, and I think this one is my favourite so far.

By Aoife, S5

FAMOUS EXOTIC LIBRARIES

By Morgan, S1 Admont Abbey Library - The Admont Monastery Library in Austria, is one of the great masterpieces of European Late Baroque. It combines various forms of art (architecture, frescoes, sculptures, writings, and printed works) into a cohesive unity, serving as a repository of knowledge spanning centuries.

Stuttgart City Library - Do you already know one of Stuttgart's

most photographed buildings? The city library on Mailänder Platz not only impresses with its breath-taking architecture, but also with its central children's library, music library and graphics library.

A favourite motif on Instagram and other social media channels.

In terms of content, there is a special focus on the literary scene of the Stuttgart region: a permanent exhibition on Stuttgart authors and prize winners has been extended to cover the entire cultural region.

Special feature: on the ground floor you can borrow audio guides. Discover the architectural route (architectural concept of the new library building by Eun Young Yi) or the library route, which presents the library's offer, use and content concept.

Highlight: The roof terrace is freely accessible and rewards you with a fantastic view!

Biblioteca Vasconcelos - Biblioteca Vasconcelos, also

known as the Megabiblioteca by the press, is a library in the Buenavista neighbourhood of Mexico City. It is dedicated to José Vasconcelos, the philosopher and former president of the National Library of Mexico. The library is spread across 38,000 square metres (409,000 sq Ft.), and had an initial planned cost of 954 million pesos (roughly US$98 million).

The Congress of Mexico proposed plans to reduce the budget of 2006 that included cuts for all three branches of government, but the National Action Party (PAN) presented an alternate budget that preserved funds for Enciclomedia and the Vasconcelos Library.

The library is located in Delegación Cuauhtémoc at the Buenavista train station where the Metro, suburban train, and Metrobús meet. It is adorned by several sculptures by Mexican artists, including Gabriel Orozco's Ballena (Whale), prominently located at the centre of the building.

Library of monastery of el Escorial - The creation of a grand

library in Spain had been in Philip II's mind since 1556, but the "transhumant character" of the Spanish Court delayed the project. Around that time, the king told some of his advisors, such as Paetz de Castro, to gather books for a royal library.

As the court was already established in Madrid, the royal decision to choose San Lorenzo de El Escorial in 1559 as the construction site was a controversial decision that went against the indications of his advisors, who were in favour of places such as Salamanca, since it had a university tradition and therefore a greater interest, on a general level, in books. In addition, the remoteness of the place with respect to the university centres par excellence of the time, such as Salamanca or Valladolid, was considered another problem.

The first books began to arrive in 1565. The first acquisitions corresponded to 42 duplicates of books that were already in the palace.

SPY X FAMILY – TATSUYA ENDO

By Cathie, S1

Expert spy Twilight is the best spy of his agency. However, with his next mission – infiltrate an elite private school to get close to his next target, he’s going to need a wife and child. In seven days.

Twilight sets to work, getting a child, Anya and a wife, Yor. However, what he doesn’t know is his wife is an assassin and his child is a telepath!

This book is funny, dramatic and addictive. Once you’ve read it, you’ll be eager for the next one!

EDGAR & ADOLF – MICHAEL WAGG AND PHIL EARLE

HERC – PHOENICIA ROGERSON

By Callum B, S3

By Charlotte, S4

Edgar and Adolf is a book written by Phil Earle about a 17 year old German boy named Adi who goes to Scotland to talk to a football team mate of his grandpa named Edgar Kail to ask more about him since he never met him. He also wanted to give his badge back, which was originally given to Adolf (his grandpa) as a gift but then wanted it to be given back after he died. The book has a lot of flashbacks which I found quite interesting and added to the story quite a lot. Overall, the book is a great read and anyone that has the time and is interested in football should give it a try.

Witty yet tragic, Phoenicia Rogerson’s Herc tells the story of Hercules from the perspectives of those around him.

From his nephew who idolised him to the king who hated him and did everything in his power to kill him, nobody's story is completely unbiased. From his first love to his final wife, nobody's story is left untold. It provides a unique viewpoint that is equal parts funny and poignant. I recommend this book to anybody who is looking for their next favourite Greek mythology retelling.

THE AROUND THE WORLD COOKBOOK: OVER 35 AUTHENTIC RECIPES FROM THE WORLD'S FAVOURITE CUISINE

By Ross, S3

The Around The World Cookbook is a great opportunity to sample some of the world’s favourite dishes. This chapter-by-chapter tour of the world includes over 350 authentic and flavoursome recipes in their own diversity.'

By Tristan, S3

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.

Deenie by Judy Bloom I hate it when my mother brags about me and my sister. "Deenie's the beauty and Helen's the brain."

Mrs Fenner has very fixed ambitions for her daughters. Deenie is thirteen years old and gorgeous. Her mother wants her to be a model – but Deenie's not so sure. So when she's diagnosed with scoliosis – curvature of the spine – Deenie's almost relieved. No more traipsing round modelling agencies, no more living up to her mother's expectations. But she has to wear an ugly, uncomfortable back brace for the next four years. And she's convinced that it will put an end to normal teenage life – including her blossoming relationship with Buddy Brader...

Recommended by Ms McKee, English

The Knife of Never Letting Go by Patrick Ness Todd Hewitt is the only boy in a town of men. Ever since the settlers were infected with the Noise germ, Todd can hear everything the men think, and they hear everything he thinks. Todd is forced to flee with only his dog, whose simple, loyal voice he hears too. With hostile men from the town in pursuit, the two stumble upon a strange and eerily silent creature: a girl. Who is she? Why wasn't she killed by the germ like all the females on New World?

Propelled by Todd's gritty narration, readers are in for a white-knuckle journey in which a boy on the cusp of manhood must unlearn everything he knows in order to figure out who he truly is.

Recommended by Ms Hunter, English

DA'RISTA - STAFF BOOK OF THE MONTH Well done to Ms. Letford from the Biology department for recommending this issue’s DA’rista Book of the Month! How to Kill your Family by Bella Mackie is a darkly funny and compulsive read about family dysfunction and the media’s obsession with murder.

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!

THURSDAY’S CHILDREN – RUMER GODDEN

By Ròs, S1 Maud Penny prays for a girl for 5 years but every times she’s pregnant, she has a boy.

Finally Crystal Penny arrives. She is adored by her mother and starts ballet. Maud gets pregnant again, by accident, and has another boy, Doone Penny. Doone starts to go along to Crystal’s dance classes and learns all the steps by watching.

He makes friends with the accompanist, Mr Felix and learns piano. There is a competition where Crystal get ranked with 0 points but gets accepted to the Ennis Glyn School of Dancing, BUT on the condition where Doone goes too. Eventually both Doone and Crystal are accepted into Queens Chase, Ballet school for the ELITE.

COLLIDE – BAL KHABRA

By Andrea, S5 Collide by Bal Khabra is an ice hockey romance novel that is perfect for fans of the No 1 best seller “Icebreaker”. It follows Summer and Aiden as they begin to develop feelings for each other through working on a shared assignment. Read to find out how they overcome the challenges that college life brings them. This book is perfect for those who want a witty romance novel.

THE INHERITANCE GAMES – JENNIFER LYNN BARNES

By Morgan, S1 Avery Kylie Grambs is an intelligent school girl struggling to afford a hot meal.

So what happens when a Texas trillionaire dies and she inherits everything? When she arrives to his Texas mansion she discovers a secret that will change everything either for better or for worse.

POWERLESS – LAUREN ROBERTS

By Jennifer, S1 When we first meet our main character Paedyn Gray, she is your average poor, down in the dumps fighter. She soon meets Kai Azer who is the King’s son and the next executioner. This whole book is about the games – a place where people fight to for their lives.

As you can guess Paedyn gets elected to go… What will Kai do?

DELIRIUM – LAUREN OLIVER

By Tilly, S5 “Delirium” by Lauren Oliver is a nominee for various young adult book awards and the pilot to an exciting trilogy filled with twists and heartbreak. This dystopian novel has a unique storyline. In a world where love is declared a deadly disease, everyone receives the cure at a certain age. A procedure which drains any true emotion and feeling from people's lives. We follow Lena Haloway, a quiet and obedient teenager desperate to be cured, matched with a husband and live a predictable life. However, right before she begins the procedure a mysterious and rebellious boy enters her life and changes everything. This novel builds up the storyline and develops character relationships to lead into the next 2 exciting books in the series.

THE RUNAWAY KING – JENNIFER A NIELSEN

By Callum H, S3

The Runaway King by Jennifer A Nielson is an epic fantasy book about Jaron, the 15 year old king of Carthya, it is the second book in the Ascendance trilogy with the first book being called THE FALSE PRINCE. Jaron has been trying to avoid war with the neighbouring kingdom, Avenia and their pirate allies. As Jaron attends his family’s funeral he is confronted by his former friend Roden who has turned to being an assassin for the pirates who give him a choice: he must give up the throne in 10 days or the pirates will attack Carthya and kill Jaron.

It is a tale of adventure, trust and loyalty as betrayals and treachery lurk around every step as Jaron attempts to either sway the pirates to his side or defeat their king, Devlin.

I would rate this book 8.5/10 and would recommended it to anyone that loves fantasy novels.

THE SHINING – STEPHEN KING

By Aoife, S5

It is one of the most famous and well-known books in the world, and it is for a reason. Stephen King’s “The Shining” is an exciting and suspenseful horror story which will have every hair on your arm standing up. King brings this book to life through depicting the setting and characters in such depth, to the point it makes the reader feel as if they are there.

The Shining is the story of Jack Torrance, who is employed as the caretaker of the Overlook Hotel in Colorado one winter. He moves his family- His wife Wendy and his 5-year-old son, Danny- with the hope that it will stitch his fractured family together, to escape his alcoholism and finally finish his play. However, from before even getting to the hotel we have a constant feeling that something is wrong after seeing things through Danny’s perspective. Danny possesses "the shining", an array of psychic abilities that allow the child to glimpse the hotel's horrific true nature. This book was a page turner and had me sitting on the edge of my seat in my room with all the lights turned on. King's writing style made this an easy and exciting book to read, making me never want to put it down.

THE HUNGER GAMES – SUZANNE COLLINS

By Anna, S1

“May the odds be ever in your favour! Winning makes you famous, losing means certain death….”

When 16 year old Katniss Everdeen gets entered into the cruel game called the Hunger Games she is almost certain she will die however Katniss is full of adventure and after promising her sister she will win she must try her best to come home alive and safe. If you love dark, intense thrillers then this book is perfect for you.

There are 4 books in this series and a 5th one is coming out on the 18th of March 2025.

Not all books recommended in DARN will be appropriate for all readers.

Please check with parents, carers, our librarian, or a teacher if you are unsure.

Interview with…

Mrs McDaid

by Murrin & Ròs, S1 What book are you currently reading?

Although I’m not reading anything currently, I do love reading in my spare time, like on holiday.

What’s your favourite book and why?

I think it has to be the Nightingale by Kristin Hannah, I absolutely love her as an author, and I loved that book and I’ve recommended it to so many people. It’s about two sisters who have been separated by years and circumstances and have experienced different ideals and passions, each embarking on a different path. It’s amazing, I love it, love it, love it.

Do you have a favourite author ?

Yes of course Kristin Hannah, definitely.

I think it’s the Nightingale that made her my favourite.

Is there a book you think everyone should read?

I think everyone should read the Nightingale.

Why do you enjoy reading?

I like just getting lost in a book and becoming part of the story, it also helps

me to relax.

What is your favourite childhood book?

Probably Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, all my kids love it, it’s our family favourite. I love The Hungry Caterpillar as well, and I loved reading to my children And being able to open the flaps.

Do you judge a book by its cover?

I’m kind of ashamed to say I do. I shouldn’t but I really do if the cover doesn’t fit. Sometimes even the title if it doesn’t fit for me, I’m like no, I’m not really going to read that.

What is your favourite genre?

I love fiction, I really get lost in a book.

If you could meet any character who would it be?

I would meet Charlie from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. I would like to dive into his world of imagination.

What is the best film adaptation of a book?

I think it would have to be Jane Austen’s Emma. I have also just seen Wicked and I love all the singing and dancing and bringing it all to life.

Guess who’s coming to dinner competition S1 FAMOUS AUTHOR COMPETITION First year pupils were challenged to research an author of their choice and create a poster. The standard of work was very high with a diverse range of authors featured.

Well done to winner, Rhiannon, 1D who wins a £10 Amazon voucher and Easter egg!

Runners up: Amber and Amelia, both 1C. Commended: Emilia, 1A; Sam and Amber, both 1B. The winning poster on author Victoria Williamson is featured in this issue of DARN. Watch this space for further author features!

S1 pupils were challenged to guess the fictional characters “dining” in Douglas Academy Library. The winner was Christopher, 1A who wins a large Easter egg. Runners up: Sam, 1B & Lucia 1F Well done to all who took part!

Winning World Book Day poster by Rhiannon, S1

Staff Picks ‘Washing Line’ display As part of our World Book Day celebrations, we asked to staff to share their reading recommendations. Our Reading Ambassadors created the ‘washing line’ style display. This colourful display can be viewed on the Reading Schools noticeboard near the drama studio.

Charlotte’s Web by E. B. White This is the story of a little girl named Fern, who loves a little pig named Wilbur - and of Wilbur's dear friend, Charlotte, a beautiful large grey spider. When Fern's uncle decrees that Wilbur must become bacon, Fern, Charlotte, Templeton the rat and all Wilbur's farmyard friends come up with an ingenious plan to fool the humans, and save their very special pig.

Joyful, funny, and deeply moving, Charlotte's Web is a story about the power of friendship, and celebrating what makes everyone special. A classic children’s book!

Mrs Lyons, Biology – favourite book Honour by Elif Shafak Set in Turkey and London in the 1970s, Honour tells the story of the Toprak family and explores pain and loss, loyalty and betrayal, the clash of tradition and modernity, as well as the love and heartbreak that can tear any family apart.

Recommended by Ms. Baxendale, Music (horn) tutor The book you wish your parents had read [and your children will be glad that you did] by Philippa Perry In this Sunday Times bestseller, leading psychotherapist Philippa Perry reveals the vital do's and don'ts of relationships. Philippa Perry's sage and judgement-free advice is an essential resource on how to have the best possible relationships with the people who matter to you most.

Recommended by Miss Henry, M.L. / Guidance Yellowface by Rebecca F. Kuang June and Athena are friends and writers. Whilst June failed to have her book published, Athena's book proved itself to be the darling of the literary fiction world. When Athena dies in a freak accident, June steals her unpublished manuscript and publishes it as her own under the ambiguous name Juniper Song.

A dark humorous insight into the world of publishing, plagiarism and social media.

Mrs McConnachie, Librarian – currently reading The Great Gatsby by F Scott Fitzgerald Jay Gatsby is the man who has everything, young, handsome and fabulously rich, famous for his parties at his Long Island mansion. But beneath the shimmering surface of his life, Gatsby is hiding a secret. F. Scott Fitzgerald's brilliant fable of the hedonistic excess and tragic reality of 1920s America.

Mrs Rutherford, English – favourite book

The Women by Kristin Hannah Twenty-year-old nursing student, Frances "Frankie" McGrath, has lived a sheltered life growing up in California's idyllic Coronado. But in 1965 the world is changing. When her brother ships out to serve in Vietnam, she impulsively joins the Army Nurses Corps and follows his path.

A compelling and empowering must read.

Recommended by Mrs L. Docherty, M.L. (French & Spanish) Wool by Hugh Howey In a ruined and hostile landscape, in a future few have been unlucky enough to survive, a community exists in a giant underground silo. Jules is part of this community, but she is different. She dares to hope. And as her walls start closing in, she must decide whether to fight, or to die.

A thrilling and thought-provoking piece of dystopian fiction.

Recommended by Mr Kane, P.E. How to kill your family by Bella Mackie ‘They say you can’t choose your family. But you can kill them’. Grace Bernard has lost everything and will stop at nothing to get revenge. A must read, page turner full of dark humour.

Ms. Letford, Biology – currently reading Onyx Storm (Fourth Wing series) by Rebecca Yarros After nearly eighteen months at Basgiath War College, Violet Sorrengail knows there's no more time for lessons. No more time for uncertainty. Because the battle has truly begun, and with enemies closing in from outside their walls and within their ranks, it's impossible to know who to trust. A global phenomenon, Onyx storm is the third book in The Empyrean series Miss Dawson, Health & Food Technology – currently reading Strange Sally Diamond by Liz Nugent Sally Diamond cannot understand why what she did was so strange. She was only doing what her father told her to do, to put him out with the rubbish when he died. Now Sally is the centre of attention, not only from the hungry media and police detectives, but also a sinister voice from a past she cannot remember. An absorbing, compulsive psychological thriller.

Recommended by Mrs Baxter, English The Killing Parade by TG Reid When the body of a local talent show winner is discovered, on the eve of headlining Kilwinnoch’s annual Civic Week celebrations, it throws the festivities into chaos and threatens to tear the close-knit community apart.

For DCI Bone, the death is personal. Days earlier, he’d received a call from the victim, warning that she was about to be killed. He’d dismissed it as a hoax. Set among the dramatic hills and glens of Scotland's Campsie Fells, The Killing Parade is the fourth book in a series of crime mysteries that will keep you guessing right up to the end.

Mrs Muir, Biology

More staff recommendations to come in the next edition of DARN!