Good Reads: Herne Bay High School
This issues Good Reads are chosen by pupils at Herne Bay High School, Kent. Thanks to their learning resource centre manager Chantal Kelleher, one of two librarians on the 2019 SLA School Librarian of the Year Honour List. Chantal is dedicated to developing a whole school approach to reading and information literacy, ensuring the LRC is a vibrant and colourful hub. From filming staff reciting poems to creating book-filled goody bags for transition students, via the LGBT pupil group she supports and her innovative use of the library to support different departments in the school, Chantal promotes the LRC with creativity and flair.
Percy Jackson and the Last Olympian, Rick Riordan, Puffin, 978-0141346885, £6.99 pbk
I have read this book many times, it is by far one of my favourites. It makes you think that there might be something else in the world, something we cannot see. It makes you realise you can make friends in strange places. It lets you see the true light or dark inside someone. The characters are one of my favourite aspects because they are both funny and serious. The way the book is structured is amazing, it has so much action but also includes breaks for comedy. I started reading the series because I had seen the film but I definitely prefer the book. I thought the conclusion of the series was completely unexpected but really satisfying.
Alex, age 14
Big Game, Dan Smith, Chicken House, 978-1909489943
The Big Game fulfils all the requirements of a book that I would read and love. It combines fast moving action with the bonding of two completely different people with little in common. The teenager Oskari is sent into the wild as a test of manhood but instead of the usual task of surviving on his own wits he discovers the president of the United States whose plane has been shot down. The dynamics and friendship between the unlikely duo make the story compelling reading. Overall it is a great book because it includes thrilling cliff hangers that put you on edge plus moments that you will never forget. The ending is a brilliant conclusion where justice is served and all the wrongs put right.
Luke, age 13
River of Ink, Helen Dennis, Hodder Children’s Books, 978-1444920437, £6.99 pbk
The River of Ink is a fantastic experience. It’s literally the book that got me into reading. The amazing storyline and characters kept me invested throughout the book, chapter after chapter. This book constantly keeps the characters in danger, creating a great deal of excitement and an atmosphere of danger. However, it does lend itself to a typical flow of passing from event to event without giving the side characters much reason to trust or forgive our protagonist. All of this in mind though, I still love this book.
By Jack, age 15
The Land of Neverendings, Kate Saunders, Faber & Faber, 978-0571336562, £6.99 pbk
I absolutely loved The Land of Neverendings because it is full of mixed feelings (happiness, sadness). I read it this year and it was my favourite out of all the books shortlisted for the Carnegie Medal. It brings back memories of being younger and hoping that my toys would come to life on a day when I was around, though it never happened. The themes of changing friendships and the loss of a child are very relatable. The thrilling storyline, both in the real world and the Smockeroom, with the mixing of magic and reality made this book a page turner. I would recommend this book to anyone who has a good imagination.
Katie, age 14
