Carnegie Short Review: 3

A Greyhound of a Girl – Roddie Doyle

This is a charming story, easy to read, telling of Mary O’Hara and four generations of the women in her family. I loved the Irish lilt in the voice of the narrator. It’s a very emotional book, telling of Mary’s Great-Grandmother Tansey who returns as a ghost when her own daughter Emer, now a Grandma is dying. Tansey died when her daughter was only three, but through Mary, the pair are reunited and go on a journey to the farm where they used to live, sharing bits of family history along the way. The relationships between mothers and sughters reallyy came alive for me and it was a very enjoyable read.

Carnegie Books: Short reviews 2

Wonder
RJ Palacio

This book had been on the library shelves for several months and had never gone out. It was one I intended to read, and as soon as I started reading it I couldn’t put it down. The first few chapters are from Auggie’s point of view, then it changes to include various other characters. I would have preferred Augustus to be the narrator the whole way through, as I was sorry when the first section came to an end, but the other characters offered interesting perspectives on what was happening to Augustus. However, his sister only had a short section and I found her very interesting as a character. The book tugs at the heartstrings, but it is very American and everything ties up neatly at the end. I don’t find the cover very appealing and wonder if it puts readers off, as I’m still having difficulty persuading students to read it, despite recommending it to them.  

Carnegie Shortlist - my short reviews: 1

The Weight of Water
Sarah Crossan

This book is delightful. I hope the verse layout doesn’t put teenagers off because it is so beautifully written and easy to read. Important issues are dealt with in this book, seen through the eyes of Kasienka, a young Polish girl who comes to London with her mother, following the footsteps of the father. It soon becomes clear to Kasienka that her father does not want to be found and she finds herself in the middle of a complicated family situation. Kasienka also has to try and fit in at school, deal with bullies and her growing friendship with Will, who recognises her talent for swimming.
This book is both sad and humorous. It didn’t take me long to read, but the book stayed with me afterwards.

Farewell to Pam Dix



Pam proudly shows off her Librarian badge



Today the Islington School Librarians said farewell to Pam Dix, Head of the Education Library Service in Islington. Pam has facilitated the School librarians group for many years now and has been a mentor to all of us as we have started working as librarians in Islington schools. In the last two years she has overseen two office moves, most recently the installation of the Education library service in the Islington Central Library Building in Fieldway Crescent, N5. Pam has worked tirelessly to promote the service and we are all sad to see her go. We wish her well and thank her for her support over the years.

We gave Pam a selection of literary/librarian type gifts, including a Banned Books Bracelet and a Librarian badge!

A literary teatowel



Librarians





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World Book Day Competition 2013 - Do you recognise the book jacket? Even upside down/sideways?!

 

 

 

 

 

Launch of The Cloud December 2013

LAUNCH OF THE CLOUD

On Thursday 13th December EGA held the launch of The Cloud, the new EGA Library. Many guests came along to the opening; among these were School Governors, Islington Councillors, School Librarians and Islington Public Librarians. Several authors who have been involved with the school came along, including Candy Gourlay, Sam Enthoven, Val Rutt, Catherine Johnson, Miriam Halahmy, Malaika Rose Stanley and Keren David.
The Year 10 Bookaholics put on an entertaining short performance entitled ‘Lia’s guide to winning a new School Library’ and author Keren David cut a ribbon, declaring the Library open. Thanks to Khadra, Mahmuda, Aissato, Munna, Shuma, Nasra, Zahra, Rahma, Amy and Nikita (all 10E) for all your hard work and a fantastic performance. Special thanks go to Karen who stood in as narrator with only a few hours notice.
Everyone loved the new library space and admired the amazing views. Pam Dix, Head of Education Libraries remarked ‘The Library has a brilliant feel about it ….it has a calmness and loveliness that is enviable.’