What Cool Books
Welcome to WCB Library's Newsletter
At Wellington College Belfast
Contact Us
Reading Recommendations from your Library Team
Email: tjennings939@c2kni.net
Website: https://goodnighttoread.wordpress.com/
Location: Wellington College Belfast, Carolan Road, Belfast, UK
Phone: 028 90 642539
Twitter: @WCBLIBRARY
SUMMER BOOK AWARDS- SPECIAL EDITION
CKG MEDALS
Carnegie & Greenaway Medals
The CILIP Carnegie and Greenaway Medals are awarded each year by a panel of fourteen librarians who recognise outstanding children’s literature titles. All categories of books, including poetry, non-fiction and graphic novels for children and young people are eligible. This year, Wellington College Belfast’s School Librarian, Ms Tanja Jennings, represented Northern Ireland on the judging panel. This involved reading all 148 nominations in accordance with criteria before deliberating on a long list followed by a shortlist.
WCB Library is part of the CKG Shadowing Scheme. Students were able to share their thoughts and feelings about the top books on the list, submit art work based on the books, take part in interactive activities and competitions and chat about the books with other participants through our online shadowing group.
WCB Students can check out the amazing short lists here and in their local libraries. Titles are available to download as e books and audio books for your electronic devices.
LIBRARY TEAM WITH SHORT LISTED BOOKS & AUTOGRAPHS
Thank you to the lovely CKG authors and illustrators who were happy to provide prized autographs for our Shadowers.
Yoto Carnegie Greenaway Awards
The Greenaway Medal [named after C19th illustrator Kate Greenaway] was first awarded in 1957 to Edward Ardizzone for Tim All Alone. Famous recipients include Raymond Briggs [For Father Christmas] and Jan Pienkowski [For Haunted House].
In 2012 A Monster Calls written by Patrick Ness and illustrated by Jim Kay did the double and won both medals.
ART WORK BY WCB STUDENT FOR TSUNAMI GIRL
CKG 22 DISPLAY
And the CARNEGIE MEDAL SHORT LIST line up is---
October October by Katya Balen
Guard Your Heart by Sue Divin
When the Sky Falls by Phil Earle
Everyone Dies Famous in a Small Town by Bonnie Sue Hitchcock
The Crossing by Manjeet Mann
Tsunami Girl by Julian Sedgwick. Illustrated by Chie Kutsawada.
Punching the Air by Ibi Zoboi & Yusuf Salam
Cane Warriors by Alex Wheatle
Yoto Carnegie Greenaway Short Lists
CARNEGIE MEDAL
Communication, creativity, exploration, imagination, love, bravery, historical struggles, reconciliation, redemption, poetry, the exaltation of the human spirit, manga, survival, the power of interconnecting stories, the search for identity, wildness & much more. Experience the journeys all these stories offer at WCB Library. #CKG22
And the Winners Are:
"We live in the woods and we are wild."
A wonderful novel about imagination, nature, life in the woods,friendship and celebrating wildness.
And the Winners Are:
MAKING HISTORY- The First Graphic Novel to win the Greenaway Medal since 1973
GREENAWAY MEDAL- Long Way Down by Jason Reynolds/Illustrated by Danica Novogorodoff
Wonderful versatility & Artistic Skill
Danica Novgorodoff’s illustrated edition of Jason Reynold’s 2019 Carnegie-shortlisted book, Long Way Down (Faber) wins the Yoto Kate Greenaway Medal – It is her debut children’s book published in the UK and is an “innovative” adaptation of the original verse novel of gun violence and grief written by Jason Reynolds (Look Both Ways). The book features hundreds of “stunning” watercolours depicting the decision that 15-year-old Will must make when his brother is shot in cold blood.
GREENAWAY SHADOWERS' CHOICE- The Midnight Fair by Mariachiara di Giorgio
A charming fantasy about animals who take over a fair for the night once the humans leave.
WCB SHADOWERS CHOICE
Guard Your Heart by Sue Divin
Aidan and Iona fall in love but how can they be together when it feels like everything and everyone is against them? Set in Derry, this is a beautifully observed book about choices, opportunities, friendship, coming of age & peace and reconciliation.
Read All About The Winners Here
WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU
WCB LIBRARY SERVICES
Book Flix- Audio recordings available on WCB Library's Google Classroom- Check Front Page of WCB My School or ask Librarian for the CODE
Click & Deliver - Book Request Service direct to your Form Room
Courtyard Library [Summer Months]- Come outside & Read in the Sun
Eclipse Library Order System & Reviews- App on My School dashboard
Google Classrooms: [Codes available from Librarian]
Epic Readers Response [Tailor Made Book Recommendations]
Study Buddy [Useful Study Links, Revision Apps & Well Being]
WCB Library
IT SUPPORT
Chrome Books available for Sixth Form
Library Clubs -
Books & Biscuits- Friday at break
Carnegie & Cake- Thursdays after school
Games- Connect 4 & Scrabble- Wednesdays at lunch
Manga- Fridays after school
[According to Availability of Library]
Subject Help
Online Services
STAY SAFE
WCB LIBRARY- OPENING HOURS
Early Morning- 8.30-8.45 Break- Junior & Senior
Lunch- Junior & Senior [Courtyard Library in the Summer]
Scheduled study periods
After school -3.20 pm to 4.15pm
READING IS POWER- CELEBRATING AWARD WINNING EMPATHY READS at WCB
Readers Assemble
When Stars Are Scattered by Omar Mohamed & Victoria Jameson
We Are All Made of Molecules by Susin Nielsen
When the World Was Ours by Liz Kessler
Max- Elsa- Leo- Their lives will never be the same again after the Nazis invade Vienna.
October October by Katya Balen
Red Leaves by Sita Brahmachari
A Kind of Spark by Elle McNicoll
Blue Peter Book award & Waterstones Children's Book Prize Winner
READING IS BIBLIOTHERAPY & MINDFULNESS
WINNER OF THE WAINWRIGHT NATURE PRIZE 2020
WAINWRIGHT PRIZE FOR NATURE WRITING
WCB LIBRARY SUMMER READING PHOTOGRAPHY COMPETITION
GET CAUGHT READING OUTSIDE
RULES
1. The more unusual and creative the nature setting you choose the better.
2. Pay particular attention to use of light
3. Chocolate Prizes & Multiple House Points will be awarded to the top entries. The ultimate winner will receive a copy of Dara McAnulty's Diary of a Young Naturalist.
4. Winning photographs will be displayed on WCB'S Social Media
5. Entries should either be emailed to your school librarian OR sent via WCB Library's Google Classroom by the 30th of September 2022.
EXAMPLE
WCB Library Archives - Dr Agnew reads 'Lord of the Flies' by William Golding in Vietnam
READ ABOUT THE MAGICAL WORLD OF NATURE
Wild Child by Dara McAnulty. Illustrated by Barry Falls
LONG LISTED FOR THE GREENAWAY MEDAL 2022
The Well Gardened Mind: Rediscovering Nature in the Modern World by Sue Stuart- Smith
Recommended by Mr Roberts, Pupil Support
Underland [A Deep Time Journey] by Robert MacFarlane
2019 Wainwright Prize Winner
READ FOR REFUGEE WEEK
#READFORUKRAINE
Waterstones Booksellers Appeal
Read More About it Here-
SUNFLOWER CHALLENGE
LIBRARY TEAM SHOWCASE - ECLECTIC READS
SPOTLIGHT ON GIRL BOY SEA BY CHRIS VICK
Storm, shipwreck, survival. Chris Vick's novel delves deep into the might and majesty of the unpredictable ocean, the strength of an unlikely friendship between a British boy and a Berber girl and their will to survive against all the odds.
SHORT LISTED FOR THE CARNEGIE MEDAL 2020
SPOTLIGHT ON GEEK GIRL BY HOLLY SMALE
FROM GEEK TO CHIC
Comedy, romance & travel.
Everyone at school knows Harriet Manners is a geek – she’s always spouting random facts, has zero fashion sense and can often be found in a tangled heap on the floor after falling over. But Harriet just can’t see why this means everyone seems to hate her. Her nemesis Alexa goes out of her way to trip her up, point out her flaws and make her life miserable. At least she has best friend Nat to keep her sane.
What's Big on Book Tok?
Book Tok
We Were Liars by E. Lockhart
Ruthless- Driven- Fated- What are the secrets of the Sinclair Family?
A Good Girl's Guide to Murder Series by Holly Jackson
A WHO DUNNIT IT WITH A TWIST & SEQUELS
A Secret Life- Lies- Murder
The Wrong Man?
Heartstopper Series by Alice Oseman
THE ROMANCE EVERYONE IS TALKING ABOUT
Friendship- Love- Self Awareness
The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller
"A thrilling, profoundly moving & utterly unique retelling of the legend of Achilles and the Trojan War."
BOOK FACE
CELEBRATING SOME GREAT COVER ART
MANGA MAGIC
Naruto by Masashi Kishimoto - Action & Ninjas
BLUE PETER BOOK AWARD 2022
THE LAST BEAR BY HANNAH GOLD
CBI Awards
Their 2022 winners include a poignant and powerful semi-autobiographical YA novel Gut Feelings, written in verse by Irish author CG Moore, which shines the spotlight on a rare, invisible illness known as FAP.
Judges praised it as "an engaging narrative, filled with darkness and light, despair and hope, fear and desire, and love and trust."
JHALAK PRIZE
Danny loves drawing more than anything. His life is turned upside down when he is surprised by a visit from his former-maths-champion grandmother from China, who doesn’t speak any English.
CHILDRENS & YA WINNER
Women's Prize For Fiction
Women's Prize for Fiction 2022
Mission Statement
"We empower all women to raise their voice and own their story, shining a spotlight on outstanding and ambitious fiction by women from anywhere in the world, regardless of their age, race, nationality or background."
The Short List
The Sentence by Louise Erdrich
Sorrow & Bliss by Meg Mason
The Book of Form & Emptiness by Ruth Ozeki
The Island of the Missing Trees by Elif Shafak
Great Circle by Maggie Shipstead
YOU CAN READ MORE ABOUT IT HERE_
And the Winner Is....
YA BOOK PRIZE
https://www.thebookseller.com/awards/the-ya-book-prize?tab=shortlist
BREAKING NEWS- 2022 CHILDREN'S LAUREATE ANNOUNCED
LOGISTICS OF THE LIBRARY
Tables seat six. Individual study desks are also available.
TWELVE students can also sit in the soft seated reading area.
PERSONAL PROTECTIVE MEASURES
Students can visit the library in small groups.
Students are requested to wear masks when not eating.
Hand sanitiser and antiseptic wipes will be provided.
There will be a sign in book for pupils to record their names.
Students should be responsible for wiping down the table they've sat at.
Students are requested not to eat in the Reading Corner
BORROWING OPTIONS
Click & Deliver
Any reservations will be delivered to your Form Class in the morning.
There are book displays to choose reads from. Your librarian will give a book talk on request.
Please RETURN YOUR LIBRARY BOOKS directly to the library. They can also be left at the Office Reception when the college is open during July and August [EXCLUDING HOLIDAY WEEK 11TH- 15TH JULY]
ONLINE BORROWING & ONLINE RESOURCES
RESEARCH REQUESTS
Students with research requests can email their queries to their librarian or ask directly. Queries will be followed up by email and relevant material placed in the appropriate Google Classroom. Codes available on request.
FINDER SERVICE
If WCB Library doesn't have the book you are looking for we can source it and give you options on where to find it.
LINKS
Visit the Library GC for lots of web links on Reading For Pleasure, Study Skills and Wellbeing. You will also find book trailers and an audio library of first chapters across a wide range of genres available.
Visit https://www.librariesni.org.uk
for further resources including ACCESS TO RESEARCH.
Online access to E-books and Audio Books
Book Flix on Audio- WCB Library Google Classroom
Carnegie Greenaway Medals
Titles are already being considered for 2023. Carnegie & Cake Club meets in WCB Library on Thursdays after school. Come & check it out in September.
SOCIAL MEDIA
WCB Library has a Twitter feed at @WCBLIBRARY accessing a wide range of authors, publishers. If you have a question to ask an author about their book our librarian Ms Jennings can try and contact them for you. There are also opportunities to enter book giveaways.
We are on Instagram @wcblibrary18. There you can find lots of authors to follow, book talks, bookstagram and pictures showcasing library events, challenges and competitions.
For cool YA fiction and intriguing Non Fiction reading recommendations you should also check out @whosreadingwhat, created by SEN assistant Miss Mann and her friend.
TOPPSTA
Register for the chance to win free books to review for Toppsta
YOU TUBE
Our You Tube Channel AllAboutBooks74 has lots of book trailers, subject support and book recommendations to explore.
BOOK BLOG
Your librarian Ms Jennings has created a book blog featuring the latest books being published for Middle Grade and YA. For MEMES, features, book recommendations, book reviews and book haikus check out https://goodnighttoread.wordpress.com/
#NATIONALSHELFSERVICE on You Tube
Great choices from librarians across the world spanning picture books to Junior to Middle Grade to YA can be found here. All available to download on public library apps. Check out the cool recommendations from librarians in Northern Ireland.
GOOD NIGHT TO READ
GET CAUGHT READING WITH YOUR FAVOURITE PET
WCB Students Shared Their Favourite Reads with their prized Pets
Frozen Charlotte by Alex Bell
SPINE TINGLINGLY CREEPY
"We're Waiting For You To Come & Play."
A Zoella Book Club Pick
https://blog.whsmith.co.uk/zbc1016-alex-bell-an-exclusive-interview-on-frozen-charlotte/
Ruby Redfort- Take Your Last Breath by Lauren Child
GRIPPING
Zinnia & the Bees by Danielle Davis
COMIC MISHAPS
READERS DISCOVER NEW WORLDS
HERE ARE JUST SOME OF THE FABULOUS READS YOU CAN BORROW AT WCB LIBRARY
ANTHROPOMORPHIC TALES
CALL ME ALASTAIR BY CORY LEONARDO
FUNNY & CLEVER
WARRIOR CATS BY ERIN HUNTER
ACTION PACKED
Clans of cats fighting for survival, friendship and acceptance. Will they find a place to call home?
Head to https://warriorcats.com/catmaker to make your own virtual cat avatar.
A STREET DOG NAMED PUP BY GILL LEWIS
FIGHTING FOR SURVIVAL
Between dog and human there is a special bond. A bond that must never be broken...
FANTASTIC FANTASY
The Eye of the North by Sinead O'Hart
Recommended by Noel, Year 14
Fireborn by Aisling Fowler
Action packed & exhilarating adventure for Lord of the Rings fans.
The Outlaws Scarlett & Browne by Jonathan Stroud.
An unputdownable, exhilarating adventurous and imaginative read combining dystopia, sci fi and nail biting action. Two outlaws travel across a fragmented Britain which has become like the Wild West. One guards a secret that could destroy while the other is ferocious, resourceful, daring and determined. Unforgettable characters and pulse pounding tension.
WCB Library Best Reads
Nevermoor by Jessica Townsend
The Alchemyst [Secrets of Nicholas Flamel] by Michael Scott
The Emerald Atlas by John Stephens
Pages & Co [Tilly & the Book Wanderers] Series by Anna James
Strange Worlds Travel Agency series by L.D Lipinski
Hair Raising Horror
The Haunting of Alaizabel Cray by Chris Wooding
Supernatural tale with Jack the Ripper Vibes crossed with witchcraft set in an alternate version of London. Hauntingly atmospheric.
Oliver Twisted by J.D Sharpe
Dickens' classic reimagined with a horrifying twist.
"Please sir, I want some gore."
Breathe by Cliff McNish
Chilling. It will send tingles down your spine.
The Dogs by Allan Stratton
HISTORICAL DRAMA
When the Sky Falls by Phil Earle
POWERFUL WW2 DRAMA AS A BOY IS FACED WITH AN IMPOSSIBLE CHOICE.
Carnegie Medal Shortlist 2022
WCB Library Best reads
WaterstonesChildren's Fiction Book of the Year
Salt to the Sea by Ruta Sepetys
"It deserves to win because of its interesting plot, examination of hidden history and well-drawn cast of characters who create suspense." [Giovanna, Past CKG Shadower, WCB Alumni]
WINNER OF THE CARNEGIE MEDAL 2017.
WCB Library Best reads
Five Children on the Western Front by Kate Saunders
A Classic For A New Generation
A poignant & powerful story set during WW1.
SHORT LISTED FOR CARNEGIE MEDAL 2016
WCB Library Best Reads
The Lie Tree by Frances Hardinge
Carnegie Medal Short List 2016
WCB Library Best Reads
Where the World Ends by Geraldine McCaughrean
"A spectacular book with great personification and similes throughout which made me feel seasick at one point due to the bold, wild, striking presence of the stormy sea. From the moment the book begins you can't put it down. "
Recommended by Joshua- Year 13
Carnegie Medal Winner 2018
WCB Library Best reads
The Hypnotist by Laurence Anholt
A tale of prejudice and friendship set in America's Deep South in the 1960s. Gripping, emotional and atmospheric.
Carnegie Medal Long List 2018
WCB Library Best Reads
"Full of suspense and heartbreak, this is a powerful account of survival amid irrational, omnipresent hatred" (Guardian)
THE LAST PAPER CRANE BY KERRY DREWERY
Recommended by Ms Jennings, WCB Librarian
It's My Life- Check out these great Reality Reads
A Kind of Spark by Elle McNicoll
Tremendous Things by Susin Nielsen
Do You Know Me?
Why should you fit in when you're born to stand out?
LITERARY GREATS
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
A battle of wills & wit.
Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte
"I am no bird and no net ensnares me. I am a free human being with an independent will."
A romantic classic.
Recommended by Mrs Chambers
Wide Sargasso Sea by Jean Rhys
Reclaiming the Mad Woman in the Attic's Voice
The story of Mr Rochester's Wife
- Feminist
- Post Colonial
Wide Sargasso Sea speaks of the history of cruelty and suffering that lies behind some of the West’s accumulated wealth, a history which in Jane Eyre is secret and mysterious, and only appears in brief glimpses. This is a book that gives voice to neglected, silenced and unacknowledged stories.
–Laura Fish, The Independent, July 24, 2008
Vivid and dramatic tale of passion, madness, despair and prejudice.
Recommended by Ms Jennings
WAR TIME READS
Never Forget You by Jamila Gavin
While the Storm Rages by Phil Earle
Danger- Excitement- Tenacity
The Valley of Lost Secrets by Lesley Parr
CARNEGIE MEDAL LONG LIST 2022
WCB LIBRARY BEST READS
POPULAR PICKS
The Wanderer by Peter Van Den Ende
SHORT LISTED FOR THE GREENAWAY MEDAL 2022
A FANTASTICAL DREAMLIKE EXPLORATION THROUGH THE IMAGINATION
Recommended by Lily, Year 8
Magyk- Book 1- Septimus Heap Series
HOTTER THAN POTTER?
"Funny with amazing plot twists and perfect characters."- Recommended by Laoise, Year 14
Percy Jackson & the Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan
Myths, magic and monsters in the modern world. Action packed, laugh out loud and full of adventure.
Thoroughly recommend PJ series, Heroes of Olympus series , Kane Chronicles and other titles by Rick Riordan. He's got the magic formula.
Recommended by Joshua, Louie, Noel
Mortal Engines by Philip Reeve
Amazing world where traction cities consume each other for fuel.
Recommended by Louie, Year 9 Library Team
The Lord of the Rings Trilogy by J.R.R Tolkien
"Awe inspiring epic quest fantasy with memorable characters set in an immersive world."
Recommended by Noel- Year 14
Kensuke's Kingdom by Michael Morpurgo
"A fun adventure set on an island that makes you want to read on."
Recommended by Noah, Year 8 Library Team
Trials of Apollo series by Rick Riordan
Recommended by Joshua and Louie.
Russian Roulette by Anthony Horowitz
Powerful, action packed and absorbing read about the oirigins of assassin Yassen Gregorivitch.
Recommended by Sundus, Year 8.
Ruby Redfort Series by Lauren Child
Recommended by Amelia, Year 8
Wings of Fire by Tui Sutherland
Recommended by Lily, Year 8.
READ FOR EMPATHY
We Are All Made of Molecules by Susin Nielsen
The Fox Girl and the White Gazelle by Victoria Williamson
Refugee by Alan Gratz
Wonder by R.J Palacio
Most borrowed book at WCB Library
Mockingbird by Kathryn Erskine
An incredibly perceptive, poignant and thought provoking read. American National Book Award Winner.
Boy Everywhere by A.M Dassu
STUDENT CHOICE- SELECTED BY OUR LIBRARY TEAM
The Somerset Tsunami by Emma Carroll
Emma Carroll's historical adventure fiction is great. This is one of my favourites but I would also recommend Letters from the Lighthouse, The Week at World's End and Secrets of a Sun King.
Recommended by Emma, Year 9 Library Team
Heartstopper series by Alice Oseman
Frozen Charlotte by Alex Bell
Seriously creepy.
Recommended by Grace, Year 9 Library Team
The Selection by Kiera Cass
Glamour & Romance in a Dystopian World
A Guilty Pleasure for some, a big hit with others.
For thirty-five girls, the Selection is the chance of a lifetime. To live in a palace and compete for the heart of gorgeous Prince Maxon.
But for America Singer, being Selected is a nightmare.
The House of One Hundred Clocks by AM Howell
Whatever you do, don't let the clocks stop.
Recommended by Emma and Olive, Year 9 Library Team
Young Sherlock Holmes- Snakebite by Andrew Lane
Recommended by Olive, Year 9 Library Team
Hannah Goslar Remembers by Alison Leslie Gold
Anne's childhood friend tells her story of the Holocaust and her relationship with Anne.
Recommended by Olive, Year 9 Library Team
My Hero Academia- Manga Series [Japanese Anime]
"Great action series with unique characters. My personal favourite manga series."
What would the world be like if 80 % of the population had quirks manifesting themselves as super powers? What would you do if you were one of the 20 % who were born quirkless?
Recommended by Isaac, Year 8 Library Team
The My Story Series- No Way Back [1789]
"Incredible Historical Reads with many Plot Twists."
Warrior Cats by Erin Hunter
Recommended by Ellie, Year 8 Library Team
The Silver Eyes- Five Nights at Freddys Graphic Novel by Scott Cawthon & Kira Breed Wrisley
A Popular Pick
STAFF CHOICE
The Collected Poems of WB Yeats
Selected by WCB Principal Mr Castles who recommends reading 'The Lake Isle of Innisfree'.
Pooh & the Philosophers by John Tyerman Williams
Recommended by Mr Mc Allister, Maths Department
How Animals Saved My Life: Being The Supervet by Noel Fitzpatrick
"The love for an animal is the kind of love that makes us the very best we can ever be and prevents us from being the worst we can be- a love that saves us from ourselves."
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"Demonstrates the power of unconditional love."
Recommended by Mrs Chambers, SEN Assistant
The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse by Charlie Mackesy
Mr Roberts recommends a book that provides balm in a troubled world.
The Wild Remedy by Emma Mitchell
Recommended by Mr Roberts, Pupil support
Moon Dial by Helen Cresswell
Read the saga of Araminta (or Minty for short), who has discovered she has a strange talent for seeing ghosts.
A ghostly childhood classic.
Recommended by Mr Roberts, Pupil Support
The Moth [Various authors]. Introduced by Neil Gaiman.
A treasure trove of people's personal stories in the Story Telling tradition which first came to fame as a podcast.
"An entertaining and easy read."
Tattooist of Auschwitz Collection by Heather Morris
Memorable & emotional reads with strong female characters
The Monarchy & DK Illustrated Encyclopaedia of Birds
DK Birds- Stunning illustrations & detailed factual information about species of birds around the world. Great inspiration for artists & ornithologists.
The Monarchy- Historical Biography of Elizabeth II
Recommended by Robert & Sam, Care Takers
The Rift: A New Africa Breaks Free by Alex Perry
Recommended by Mr Walmsley, Geography Department.
Girls and Dolls by Lisa McGee
Recommended by Ms McAllister, Drama and English.
The Prince by Niccolo Machiavelli
Recommended by Mr O' Hare, IT Department.
A Moveable Feast [Sketches of the Author's Life in Paris in the Twenties] by Ernest Hemingway
Recommended by Mrs Adamson, Geography Department
A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini
Recommended by Miss Hall, English Department
Mary's Monster by Lita Judge
Recommended by Ms T. Jennings, WCB Librarian
Obasan by Joy Kogawa [Literary & Historical Fiction with autobiographical elements]
Incredible read about the treatment of Japanese-Canadians during WW2. Poignant & lyrical.
Libra by Don de Lillo [Literary & Historical Fiction]
Amazing conspiracy thriller fictionalising the Kennedy assassination. An exploration of the American psyche, politics and chaotic chance.
https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/298769/libra-by-don-delillo/9780140156041/readers-guide/
Bone China by Roma Tearne [Historical Family Saga]
The story of generations of a family from Sri Lanka [Ceylon of the 1930s] set against a backdrop of love, loss, conflict and dislocation.
Careless People: Murder, Mayhem & the Invention of The Great Gatsby by Sarah Churchwell
Tiger Tiger [Selected by Fiona Waters]. Illustrated by Britta Teckentrup
Wired Magazine
"A great resource for keeping up to date with the latest developments in technology and how it changes every aspect of our lives."
Under the Hawthorn Tree by Marita Conlon McKenna
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fEnB3k7xgGk
Recommended by Mrs A. Weir, Science Technician
Run by Christopher McDougall
Recommended by Mr English, Head of Careers
"This book follows a Mexican tribe who run without shoes. It looks at the science behind running and how big companies like Nike and Adidas are developing running shoes that cause problems for runners."
The Moneyless Man by Mark Boyle
Recommended by Dr Agnew, History & Politics & SMT
RECOMMENDED BY MR LAWLOR, STUDY SUPERVISOR
FOR HISTORY & POLITICS FANS
THOUGHT PROVOKING POLITICAL THRILLERS
MUST READ AUTHOR- SPOTLIGHT ON HISTORY-ROBERT HARRIS
Fatherland
Absorbing speculative thriller.
Pompeii
An Officer & a Spy
A great book that engages the reader from start to finish.
Munich
It's 1938. Chamberlain Vs Hitler at a crucial Summit in Munich. Their decisions mean the world will change forever.
An exciting page turner.
Adapted as a movie in 2019- Munich, The Edge of War.
READING IS POWER
FAVOURITES FROM THE READING CELEBRITY WALL [2011]
THANK YOU TO MR ROBERTS FOR THE PHOTOGRAPHY
Recommended by Mrs Lowry, English Dept.
Recommended by Dr Wardlow, Chemistry
Recommended by Ms Williams, Art
Recommended by Mr King, Media Studies
The Best of YA- Pupils' Picks
The Places I've Cried in Public
An insightful look at relationships and coercive control.
Recommended by Faith - Year 14
Everyone Dies Famous in a Small Town by Bonnie Sue Hitchcock
A web of cleverly interconnected stories set in small town mid West America.
Carnegie Medal 2022 Short List
Recommended by Joshua. Year 13
I Am Thunder by Muhammad Khan
Thought provoking and ground breaking look at Islamophobia.
Recommended by Eva, Year 10
Fountains of Silence by Ruta Sepetys
Carnegie Medal Shortlist 2021
Recommended by Joshua- Year 13
Grow by Luke Palmer
Carnegie Medal nominations 2022
Recommended by Joshua- Year 13
Medusa by Jessie Burton
Recommended by Rion- Year 14
Children of Blood & Bone by Tomi Adeyemi
A vividly imagined epic fantasy inspired by Nigerian culture & African mythology.
Recommended by Rion, Year 14.
CIRCE BY MADELINE MILLER
Recommended by Joshua and Rion.
READY PLAYER 1 & 2 BY ERNEST CLINE
SCI FI FANTASY
"Exciting with well written and relatable characters."
Recommended by Noel , Year 14
WCB ALUMNI RECOMMENDATIONS
Time Riders series by Alex Scarrow
An exciting time travel adventure Sci Fi series.
Recommended by Alex N.
MAXIMUM RIDE SERIES BY JAMES PATTERSON
"An exciting and engaging read".
Teens with special talents are on the run from 'the facility'.
Intoxicating adventure [Also available in Manga].
Shadow Hunters Series by Cassandra Clare
Recommended by Charlotte, Debi & Rebecca
The Series in Order- Epic & Bingeworthy
Gripping plots populated by exciting characters.
Action, Adventure, Danger, Despair, Excitement, Fantasy, Forbidden Love, High Stakes, Historical, Magic, Other Worlds, Supernatural Romance, Tortured Passion, Quests
The Mortal Instruments
The Infernal Devices
The Dark Artifices [Inspired by the work of Edgar Allan Poe]
The Last Hours
The Bane Chronicles
[Known also for their stunning cover art]
Clockwork Angel [Manga adaptation]
The Last Hours
"Imagine one selected day struck out of it, and think how different its course would have been. Pause you who read this, and think for a moment of the long chain of iron or gold, of thorns or flowers, that would never have bound you, but for the formation of the first link on one memorable day." — Great Expectations
The Dead by David Gatward
Recommended by Ruadhan
Coram Boy by Jamila Gavin
"A book that you will remember after you've closed the last page. A journey that takes you through neglect, loss and grief. It also teaches you that love and hope triumphs over everything else."
Recommended by Giovanna B.
Starcrossed by Josephine Angelini
Recommended by Debi B.
Spooks Series by Joseph Delaney
Recommended by Carter D
The Fault in Our Stars by John Green
Recommended by Callum K
One by Sarah Crossan
Recommended by Rebecca D.
CARNEGIE MEDAL WINNER 2016
HALF BAD SERIES BY SALLY GREEN
Recommended by Zara.
PUZZLES
JIGSAW
Museum of New Zealand- Te Papa Tongarewa, Wellington
WORDLE
WHAT'S ON?
Book Club
DELVE INTO THE DYSTOPIAN WORLD OF GEORGE ORWELL'S 1984
Check it out here-
https://www.waterstones.com/events/science-fiction-book-club-nineteen-eighty-four/belfast
CINEMA
WHERE THE CRAWDADS SING
BOOK TO MOVIE
A thrilling page turner. Part Murder Mystery. Part Romance. Part ecological love story.
Passion- Betrayal-Abandonment.
Where the Crawdads Sing tells the story of Kya, an abandoned girl who raised herself to adulthood in the dangerous marshlands of North Carolina. For years, rumours of the “Marsh Girl” haunted Barkley Cove, isolating the sharp and resilient Kya from her community. Drawn to two young men from town, Kya opens herself to a new and startling world; but when one of them is found dead, she is immediately cast by the community as the main suspect. As the case unfolds, the verdict as to what actually happened becomes increasingly unclear, threatening to reveal the many secrets that lay within the marsh.
THEATRE
LIFE OF PI
https://www.lifeofpionstage.com/
Mesmerising from start to finish it has fantastic special effects, atmospheric lighting, brilliant puppetry, amazing acting and a superb set. The story of a shipwrecked boy on a raft with unusual passengers will grip you. But there's a twist in the tale.
Adapted by Lolita Chakrabarti.