The Reading Year 2012 - part two

I've been having another look through my reading diary for this year. This is not a list of newly published books, nor are all of these available in the school library (obviously!), just what I would highlight from the last three months of my own reading. So, we are halfway through the year and these are my favourites from the last three months.


Batpants is a laugh out loud adventure story from Jeremy Strong.  With a father who trains animals for film and TV shows and a mother who is a stuntwoman, life is never dull for these three children.  Just this once, they get to go onto the set for their mother's latest film.  Things are not going well, after a couple of near accidents, it looks like someone is trying to kill Mum!

A Villain's Night Out by Margaret Mahy starts with the notion that since the teachers have spent the library bookfund on coffee (!) it is up to the children to write some new books for the school library. Enter Squidgy Moot, a truly evil character looking for a story - and his little sister, and one of the best game designers in the business.  Very funny story about what happens when characters get away from their authors.

The Voyage of the Arctic Tern by Hugh Montgomery is an unusual novel in verse which I would never have picked up had it not been for the Primary Seven Reading Challenge, and the recommendation by a pupil. Told from several points of view, in three different metrical forms it is an extremely accomplished piece of work. It has everything - pirates, ghosts, mystery, murder, adventure, a tale of revenge and restitution taking place over centuries. Wonderfully atmospheric, spooky tale of the sea. I read the beginning aloud to P6 and they loved it too.

The Mourning Emporium by Michelle Lovric has been on my to-be-read pile for ages, and I have finally got round to it, having first re-read The Undrowned Child. Another atmospheric story based in Venice and at sea, finishing up in the River Thames. English mermaids are nothing like as feisty as their Venetian counterparts, tending towards fainting rather than action in a crisis. Once again it is up to Teodora and Renzo to fulfill the prophecy and save both Venice and London as Queen Victoria lies dying in Osborne House. Thrilling stuff, with a truly evil set of villains attempting to change the course of history.

Oliver Jeffers has been high on our list of favourite picture book authors for a while now. His latest, The Hueys in The New Jumper is a gem. A brilliant read-aloud for all ages, it has been enjoyed by nearly everyone from P1 to P7 this term - pupils and staff! All the Hueys look, think and act the same, until Rupert knits himself a new jumper. What will the other Hueys think?

I regularly turn to Jane Austen when I need a comfort read. This time it has been Mansfield Park to get me through to the end of term.


How has your reading year been so far? I have a large pile of books I have been saving for the summer holidays - bliss.

Summer Reading Challenge 2012

This year the Public Libraries Summer Reading Challenge is called Story Lab. If you register at your local library, you will be able to join the Reading Challenge. Read 6 books over the summer holidays, collect your own record card and add stickers as you read. You can read whatever books you like - some libraries may have special displays of titles to choose from. 

Your local public library will be running events to fit in with this years theme. There is more information on the website here http://summerreadingchallenge.org.uk/ The website also has book lists and ideas for crafty things to do on the Story Lab theme. Everyone who completes the challenge will recieve a certificate, and other goodies depending on the library authority.

For the competitive people among you, completed Summer Reading Challenge certificates could well be worth a Bonus Point in a school library near you! Have fun and enjoy your summer reading.