The Blurb Issue 2

THE

BLURB.

DOWNE HOUSE STAFF READS INITIATIVES BOOK CRAFTS

ISSUE 2 OCTOBER 2025

A LETTER FROM THE EDITOR...

Welcome back to The Blurb, for our 2nd

something so silly that you almost don’t

edition of our Murray Centre & Library

want to continue...You just have to finish it

Catalogue.

to see the ending and hope that all is resolved (or not if that’s what you prefer.)

As I wrap up nearly two years of working at Downe, as your Library Assistant, it’s hard not to reminisce about the books I’d never read. Looking at the shelves, I see so many titles that I’ve wanted to read, but have never got around to or never felt ‘in the

And when it’s over, for days or maybe weeks, the story, the characters and events flit through your mind, taking on different narratives. Anything to keep the story going, you almost feel like you did when the words first held your attention but not quite. Every other story seems

mood’ and time is quickly clawing away at

dull in comparison and sometimes you

the opportunity. When I was at school, I

worry you’ll never find a book as great

honestly only borrowed one or two books

and it could be days, weeks or months

from my own school library and it wasn’t

even, but soon new words, new worlds

until I worked there, that I saw the

and characters will take root in your mind,

wonderful books that the library had to

and it will all feel new again.

offer. It is a special thing you have here and I will be sad to leave it. So, don’t be like me, check out as many books as you can get your hands on, you never know, you might find something that might just sweep you off your feet!

To find a good read, one that elicits a

Alright, enough babbling...I’ll let you get onto The Blurb.

Do remember if you'd like to contribute to The Blurb, reach out to Miss Kirby, we’d love to hear from you!

Hooroo! (goodbye in Aus)

reaction, is magic. From the sharp intake of air, at an exciting moment when your eyes can’t seem to take in the words fast enough, to the second-hand embarrassment when a

Miss Vandenham (Murray Centre Graduate Assistant)

character does 2

The Blurb | Murray Centre & Library Catalogue

TABLE OF CONTENTS NEW RESOURCES

/4

BOOK REVIEWS

/8

READING INITIATIVES

/11

STAFF READS

/12

FESTIVAL OF LITERATURE

/14

HANDWRITING COMPETITION

/15

BOOK CRAFTS

/16

UPCOMING EVENTS

/18

LIBRARY LINKS

/19

The Blurb | Murray Centre & Library Catalogue

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LOWER SCHOOL

NEW RESOURCES SCI-FI/FANTASY INSIDE

Naya has spent her whole life training in an indoor world, but is she truly ready for the Outside? A brand-new sci-fi YA debut for fans of Scythe and Happy Head.

GENERAL FICTION KEEP IT TOGETHER KEIIKO CARTER Fans of Judy Blume and Jenny Han are sure to fall headover-heels for this sweet story about first crushes, friendship drama, and finding the courage to stand up for yourself.

NON-FICTION INCREDIBLE JOBS YOU'VE (PROBABLY) NEVER HEARD OF Discover all kinds of weird and wonderful jobs you never knew existed in this incredible, large-format picture book brimming with wit and wow-factor, from fresh new author-illustrator talent, Natalie Labarre.

CRIME/MYSTERY/THRILLER YOU BETTER WATCH OUT Dark, moreish and chilling - the countdown to Christmas is on ... and time is running out. This thriller is the ultimate blend of haunting and festive.

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The Blurb | Murray Centre & Library Catalogue

UPPER SCHOOL

NON-FICTION UNBROKEN The inspirational and powerful memoir from double world heptathlon champion and Team GB Olympian Katarina JohnsonThompson.

SCI-FI/FANTASY SLEEP LIKE DEATH New York Times bestselling author and TikTok sensation Kalynn Bayron makes her highly anticipated return to the fairytale realm of Cinderella is Dead with this thrilling twist on the classic story of Snow White.

GENERAL FICTION ASAP The much anticipated companion novel to beloved romance XOXO, following fan favorites Sori, the wealthy daughter of a Kpop company owner, and Nathaniel, her K-pop star exboyfriend, in a swoon-worthy second chance love story.

CLASSIC I CAPTURE THE CASTLE This is the journal of Cassandra Mortmain. First, there is her eccentric father. Then there is her sister, Rose - and her stepmother, Topaz. Finally, there is Stephen, who is in love with Cassandra. Cassandra records her feelings on all of them.

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SIXTH FORM

NON-FICTION EVERYTHING IS TUBERCULOSIS John Green, a passionate advocate for global healthcare reform, tells a deeply human story illuminating the fight against the world’s deadliest disease.

NON-FICTION GIRL ON GIRL

MISS VANDENHAM RECOMMENDS

Cosmetic surgeries are at an all-time high, Ozempic is bringing back 'heroin chic' and TikTok trad-wives are on the rise - after four waves of feminism, what went wrong?

ADULT FICTION DREAM COUNT A publishing event ten years in the making – a searing, exquisite new novel by the bestselling and award-winning author of Americanah and We Should All Be Feminists – the story of four women and their loves, longings and desires.

SCI-FI/FANTASY THE DAGGER AND THE FLAME In the dark underbelly of a beautiful city, two rival assassins are pitted against each other in a deadly game of revenge, where the most dangerous mistake of all is falling in love… (an Airport Read)

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The Blurb | Murray Centre & Library Catalogue

STAFF

ADULT FICTION NEVER LIE A twisting, pulse-pounding thriller from the Sunday Times bestselling author of The Housemaid and The Coworker!

Sometimes the truth kills…

NON-FICTION A SHORT HISTORY OF FALLING A Short History of Falling like The Diving Bell and the Butterfly, and When Breath Becomes Air

is a searingly

beautiful, profound and unforgettable memoir that finds light and even humour in the darkest of places.

ADULT FICTION THE SLEEPWALKERS Tense, atmospheric, and darkly funny, 'The Sleepwalkers' is a sublimely

creepy

contemporary

gothic

work

about

a

relationship unravelling that asks urgent questions about a contemporary society where our basest selves are hidden in plain sight.

NON-FICTION SHAKESPEARE: THE MAN WHO PAYS RENT Let Dame Judi Dench take you behind the scenes of a life loving the Bard – as she shares her story with, and enduring affection for, William Shakespeare.

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REVIEWS BY OUR LOWER SCHOOL READING AMBASSADORS

HILL HOUSE

BOOK REVIEWS GEORGINA LISTEN TO THE MOON When fisherman, Alfie and his father, find a girl with only a German blanket and a teddy bear, they take her in. But on a small island, news spreads quickly and not everybody is so happy about her presence and nickname her ‘Lost Lucy’ as she can't talk and has lost her memory. All it takes, is one horse, a loving family and a lot of Mozart. This is a book about family and memory and the plot will be slowly revealed to you as ''Lucy'' regains her memory.

I loved every word of it.

MARCIA THE SCHOOL FOR GOOD AND EVIL Two best friends... but can it remain this way for long, as everyone knows a princess can't be friends with a witch. This is a thrilling adventure that takes two girls from ordinary to extra-ordinary, from reality to magic, from best friends to enemies. One is a princess, and one a witch, but who is who? This is a truly magical tale full of adventure and neverending

mystery.

I

was

captivated

from

the

beginning... will Sophie and Agatha ever get home?

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The Blurb | Murray Centre & Library Catalogue

HERMITAGE HOUSE

REVIEWS BY OUR LOWER SCHOOL READING AMBASSADORS

BOOK REVIEWS ANNABELLE NO BALLET SHOES IN SYRIA No Ballet Shoes in Syria is an amazing book full of heartfelt messages. This book is about an 11-year-old girl called Aya. She leaves a war-torn Syria and seeks refuge in England. Aya, despite all the challenges she faces along the way, carries on dancing. This book is not only about the art of dance but following your dreams. It is full of hope, courage and determination.

For anyone who believes in not being silenced and pursuing your passions, this book is a must read!

MILA DIVERGENT A gripping, dystopian novel. It follows Tris as she learns to find herself and how to live in a new world without the steady support of her family.

This book is one of, if not the best, books that I have ever read and I simply could not put it down. This tale is perfect for many readers, but I think that it is best for people who like ‘Dystopian fiction’ and ‘action and adventure!’

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DARWIN HOUSE

REVIEWS BY OUR LOWER SCHOOL READING AMBASSADORS

BOOK REVIEWS SADIE ONE “Here we are. And we are living. Isn't that amazing?

How we manage to be at all?”

Grace and Tippi are one, they are inseparable, they are eternally conjoined. They have been homeschooled their whole lives, hidden from the world.

Until their parents announce something lifechanging, they are going to school. Experience: friendship, love and heartbreak. Will the twins learn how to cope? Will anybody ever accept twins who are, one?

This book made me see life from a whole new perspective. This book was truly unforgettable.

WANT TO WRITE YOUR OWN BOOK REVIEW? 1.Scan or click the link attached to the QR code.

2.Search for your favourite book using the search bar.

3.Click on the title of the book.

4.Click ‘write a review’, located under the cover photo of the book.

5.Once you hit ‘Save’ it will be sent to the library staff for review and if it is appropriate, it will be published on Oliver for others to see!

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The Blurb | Murray Centre & Library Catalogue

INITIATIVES HONOURS READING PASSPORT - Remove, LIV and UIV The Honours Reading Passport is a reading challenge for those who have achieved a Star Reading score of 5.0 and above on Accelerated Reader. There are three levels: Bronze, Silver, and Gold, each requiring you to read and review four different genres of books. Once you’ve completed a short book review, it needs to be signed and stamped by the library staff. Completing each level earns you a certificate and badge in assembly. Once all three levels are completed, you’ll become a Free Reader, which means that you can choose and read any book you like, and you will no longer need to read books of a particular reading level or log quizzes on Accelerated Reader.

We devised the Honours Reading Passport as a challenge for students reading at an above-average level, as reflected in their Star Reading Test scores. It's a brilliant way to introduce students to different types of literature, such as plays and poetry, and explore a variety of genres.

READING LOYALTY CARD - LV, UV, LVI and UVI As the Honours Reading Passport initiative comes to an end in UIV, we decided to introduce a new initiative to encourage reading for pleasure in the Upper School and Sixth Form.

We have therefore created two loyalty cards- one for Fifth Form and one for Sixth Form. The aim of this initiative is to encourage reading for pleasure and perhaps to inspire you to read a non-fiction book or two to support your subject studies.

There are different rewards for each loyalty card, but please do come and see Miss Kirby and Miss Vandenham, in the library, who will note down your achievement.

Once you have read all the books required, you will receive your reward.

Please note, there is no limit to the number of loyalty cards taken throughout the year. We’ve already had so many girls coming up to record their books and we can’t wait to see even more of you! Happy reading, girls!

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STAFF READS We asked the Downe House staff to strike a pose with their favourite or current reads.

Please note that some of these books may not be appropriate for younger readers.

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The Blurb | Murray Centre & Library Catalogue

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17 - 20 NOVEMBER 2025

FESTIVAL OF LITERATURE The Festival of Literature will reside in the Murray Centre during the week of 17th–20th November! We are excited to announce that the following guests will be visiting throughout the week, so do pop in and share in our love of literature. Please note that some events will be exclusive to specific year groups.

Ravena Guron (author of This Book Kills) Fun, exciting workshops with the English Teachers/ Library Staff Poppy Scales (DH alumna Creative Writing Workshop)

Penguin Publishing (activities and talks)

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Clare BaldingMedley Lecture (author of Pastures New) Hungerford Bookshop (many books to purchase)

Reading with Mrs McKendrick

Kev Sutherland (Cartoonist)

Jenny Draper (author of Mavericks: Life stories and lessons of history's most extraordinary misfits)

The Blurb | Murray Centre & Library Catalogue

HANDWRITING COMPETITION SHOW OFF YOUR HANDWRITING SKILLS!

1.Rewrite the poem below in your best handwriting, cursive or print.

2. Please drop it off in the library.

3. Don’t forget to include your name, year group and category (cursive or print) at the top of the page.

4.The top 3 entries in each category will get a prize!

Spellbound Emily Brontë The night is darkening round me, The wild winds coldly blow; But a tyrant spell has bound me And I cannot, cannot go.

The giant trees are bending Their bare boughs weighed with snow.

And the storm is fast descending, And yet I cannot go.

Clouds beyond clouds above me, Wastes beyond wastes below; But nothing drear can move me; I will not, cannot go.

TIPS 1.Take your time; you can always start over.

2. Make sure you have the right grip.

3. Find the pen that works best for you.

4. Check your posture.

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MAKING A HEDGEHOG Before I go, I think it’d best for me to impart a very important skill of mine.

Something I’ve been asked over and over again how to do. I will no longer gatekeep (not that I ever really was!) Below, you shall find out how to create a hedgehog out of an old book.

You will need: An old book, black marker, a pair of scissors, and PVA glue.

STEPS: RIP OFF THE COVER We want to make sure the glue holding the pages together isn’t removed so be careful. You may want to keep the cover to make a couple book marks as well. You’ll find that ripping the cover off is quite cathartic!

COUNT 100-150 PAGES For a normal sized book, count roughly 150 pages. If it’s small in size, maybe 100 or less...increase/decrease depending on book size.

RIP APART Make sure that the glue along the spine is maintained, whilst carefully ripping the 150 pages away from the rest of the book.

FOLD PAGES Take the first page and fold as pictured. Repeat for the rest of the book.

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The Blurb | Murray Centre & Library Catalogue

OUT OF AN OLD BOOK EYES AND NOSE Rip out a spare page and draw three circles with a black marker.

The eyes are about 1cm in diameter and the nose is 1.5cm in length. You can make them as large or as small as you like.

Alternatively, you can use googly eyes and a pompom for the nose.

Glue these on any side of the hedgehog like pictured below.

ACCESSORISE Make a little accessory for your hedgehog- a little bow or top hat would pair well. The world is your oyster!

VOILA! All done! I hope you enjoyed making your little friend. If you have any spare pages make another, another or maybe four!

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LOOKING FORWARD TO...

ALL YOURS - TALK WITH CAROLINE (PERIOD EQUALITY) 10TH NOVEMBER

ANTI-BULLYING WEEK 10TH - 14TH NOVEMBER

ODD SOCKS DAY (WEAR YOUR CRAZIEST COMBO) 12TH NOVEMBER

FESTIVAL OF LITERATURE 17TH - 20TH NOVEMBER

GIFT FAIR 21ST NOVEMBER

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The Blurb | Murray Centre & Library Catalogue

LIBRARY LINKS Scan the QR code or click on the embedded link.

Oliver

Access our library catalogue here:

LearnPath

Find our digital resources here:

2025-2026 Reading Lists

Lower School

Upper School

Sixth Form

Please note these links are only accessible to the internal DH community.

Murray Centre Instagram Follow our Instagram account for book recommendations, reader interviews and more!

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THE BLURB.

MURRAY CENTRE & LIBRARY CATALOGUE