Writes Ruby Millard, Assistant Librarian
The Third Form have kicked off the new year in style, with dozens of reading conversations and hundreds of miles earned in the first couple of weeks of the Spring Term. We have also had the privilege of awarding prizes for completed genre lines, as well as a special prize for reading a book on every line. Congratulations to Tecshan B. (3rds), Kyle K. (3rds), and Aadam M. (3rds), who received awards last week.
With more prizes already lined up to be awarded, this has been a wonderful start to the National Year of Reading.
More information about the Reading Journey challenge and class totals can be found on Accessit.
Thoughts on the Reading Journey challenge from Kyle K. (3rds):
As someone who already enjoys reading in my spare time, taking part in the Reading Journey challenge has been both fun and exhilarating! It gives me the chance to read an even wider variety of books while also enjoying a friendly competition.
I would recommend the Alex Rider series if you like adventure books. It is thrilling and entertaining, with lots of twists and turns. If you prefer fantasy, I recommend The White Horse of Zennor, which is a collection of five Cornish tales set in the magical village of Zennor. It features ghostly figures, mythical creatures, and local legends, including the White Horse that appears on misty nights.
The challenge has encouraged me to explore genres that I wouldn’t normally reach for, such as horror and crime. One book I really enjoyed was The Black Book of Secrets. It was dark, mysterious, and thrilling all at once.
I’d like to thank the Library team for coming up with such an innovative and fresh concept for the reading challenge, using books as stations and Underground lines as genres. It has been really exciting to edge closer to my destinations with each completed book, and I’m looking forward to finishing even more lines in the coming weeks!
Thoughts on the Reading Journey challenge from Aadam M. (3rds):
I really enjoyed completing the Sci-Fi and Fantasy line. It is usually my preferred genre, which is why I chose it first. I also plan to read the other lines, and I can’t wait to dive into new types of books as part of the challenge. I particularly like the sci-fi end of the line, as it appeals to me more than mystical or magical worlds.
What I found interesting about many of the books I read was that they were quite brutal and cold-hearted. By this, I mean they wouldn’t suit someone who is very sensitive. I mostly read the Gone series, which has a ruthless storyline and a thrilling, engaging plot that constantly makes you want to read on. Overall, I think my choice of books was well suited to me.
Thoughts on the Reading Journey challenge from Tecshan B. (3rds):
Taking part in this reading challenge felt like a rollercoaster of emotions. I was never a big fan of reading, and I rarely finished books. However, while completing the General Fiction (Real Life) genre line, I felt as though I had discovered a hidden cave.
I started reading a book called Once by Morris Gleitzman, which immediately captured my interest. It follows a young boy named Felix, who lives in an orphanage and believes his parents left him there for his protection. When he escapes to find them, he discovers cruelty and loss as a result of the Nazis’ disruption of Poland. The story quickly drew me in.
Finishing a genre line gave me a real sense of achievement. I’m now looking forward to completing the Adventure line, as it includes a wide range of fiction books. I may also explore some non-fiction titles, as they include facts, which I personally find interesting.
