The World of Books & Authors
Mrs Elliott and Mrs Sherwood have been attending some virtual author events and are delighted to share their experiences with you...
FOCUS ON FREE VERSE...
Alex has written 15 books the early ones are based on his life experiences living in Brixton as a teenager, the first of which was 'Brixton Rock' in 1999 which was adapted for stage in 2010. There has been a film from Steve McQueen made about Alex's life.
Author Alex Wheatle
I recently had the pleasure of listening to a virtual talk from the author Alex Wheatle. Alex has an amazing passion for words whether it's from song, poetry or books.
Against all odds from being abandoned as a baby by his Jamaican parents and living most of his life in a children's home where he was abused and bullied and the only written word he had was comics, he managed to become a well known author achieving many awards for his books and being awarded an MBE for services to Literature from the Queen.
Alex feeling lost, unloved and bitter left the children's home at the age of 15 and moved to a hostel in Brixton, South London an area where a lot of black people live. He finally felt at home there but he experienced racial hatred in particular from the police. He got into crime and was involved in the Brixton riots in 1981 of which he was jailed for 4 months. It was here that his cellmate got Alex into reading books from the prison library by black writers where he learnt of his identity, history and ancestors. When Alex left prison he started to write poetry as a way of putting his bitter feelings into words.
Mrs S Sherwood
Cane Warriors by Alex Wheatle
I have recently read 'Cane Warriors', which is different from Alex's other books, he's gone back in history to the slaves on a sugar plantation in Jamaica in 1760, this is based on a true story. A really good book and opens your eyes to what has gone on in the past.
I am totally in awe of Alex what he has achieved through adversity is amazing. He is an inspiration to us all.
Mrs A Sherwood
Little Bit
by Alex Wheatle
Home Girl
by Alex Wheatle
Straight Outta Crongton
by Alex Wheatle
Kerb Stain Boys
by Alex Wheatle
FOCUS ON FREE VERSE...
Author Sarah Crossan
FOCUS ON FREE VERSE...
Mrs Sherwood and I recently attended a virtual author event with Sarah Crossan.
Sarah was very engaging and clearly passionate about literature, being creative and making poetry enjoyable for young people.
I am a bit of a super fan of this author, especially her free verse novels- a collection of poems arranged to tell a story. I am not quite sure why I love this style of writing as much as I do, possibly because it is very personal and emotive; we can relate easily to thoughts and feelings of the characters. Mrs Elliott
From her talk, some other positives were highlighted about free verse writing:
· Over 40% of young people engage with poetry in their free time, writing/reading/watching/listening, but often they are too embarrassed to tell others about it.
· Young people are very open and enthusiastic about new things -for example books written in a different way!
· The books are quick to read, which not only suits our fast-paced world but also are a perfect choice for reluctant readers.
· The limited use of words naturally makes the reader infer lots of information without realising it. This is a key skill of a good reader and one that can be transferred to other books (of course) but also, it is a skill that helps us make decisions and understand situations in our everyday lives.
So, whether you are an avid reader, poetry lover or someone who has to read a book for your English homework, why not give a free verse novel a try? You might just fall in love with it like me.
Mrs Elliott's recommend 'free verse' novels...
Toffee by Sarah Crossan
Moonrise by Sarah Crossan
One by Sarah Crossan
The Weight of Water
by Sarah Crossan
Long Way Down
by Jason Reynolds
The Poet X
by Elizabeth Acevedo
Clap When You Land
by Elizabeth Acevedo
Gloves Off
by Louisa Reid
Punching the Air
by Ibi Zoboi and Yusef Salaam
The Black Flamingo
by Dean Atta
Booked
by Kwame Alexander
Rebound
by Kwame Alexander
The Bookwanderers Club on YouTube is posting live interviews with a variety of different teenage authors - this is a brilliant way to meet some of the authors of your favourite books! (online and social distanced of course!)
Robin Stevens
S F Said
Katherine Rundell
Anna James
Cressida Cowell
Sharna Jackson
Onjali Q. Rauf
Michelle Harrison
Frank Cottrell-Boyce
Justin Somper
Jasbinder Bilan
Chris Smith
Aisha Bushby
Catherine Doyle
Kiran Millwood Hargrave
Jenni Spangler
Thomas Taylor
Ross Montgomery
Author Tom Palmer reads every day from one of his books...
Go to, for more information...
Teenage Book Authors (including Year 6 transition)
The world of Greg Heffley and his author Jeff Kinney :)...
...and (of course) he has his own YouTube channel (rolls eyes)
Here is a clip of David Walliams reading from 'The Midnight Gang'
For more information about David Walliams and his books, go to...
Here is a clip of Chris Bradford reading from his best-selling book 'Target'.
Teenage Book Authors (all year groups)
Tom Palmer is offering lots of free resources to help support students, parents/carers and teachers as we continue to read and learn at home.
Author Michelle Paver talks about her latest book 'Viper's Daughter'
https://youtu.be/MetobPQkDv8
Jason Reynolds
Author of the brilliant 'Long Way Down' Jason Reynolds was recently made the National Ambassador of Young People's Literature, as one of last year's shortlisted authors for Plymstock's own book award HOGWARDS , we are very proud :)
Young Adult Book Authors (Year 9 +)
'HOGWARDS' (Plymstock's own book award) winning author, talks about what inspired her to write her best-selling, brilliant novel 'The Hate U Give'
Veronica Roth, author of the 'Divergent' series has been interviewing fellow YA authors on Twitch TV. Although, the live streaming has finished, the interviews are still available to watch.
Penguin Random House
On April 24th PRH will be hosting a 'Virtual Con' - it is based in America so 9am (EST) is 2pm here (until 12 - midnight) - where they will be celebrating books (amongst other things) to replace their annual real life event. See website for further details,
For fans of 'The Cruel Prince' or 'The Mortal Instruments' series...
Holly Black & Cassandra Clare talk about co-writing in this online interview. Always check for permission at home when accessing youtube.
Other Holly Black interviews:
