Junior School Book Club

Alexandra Brown is very keen to encourage reading and the enjoyment of literature among her pupils at Haddenham Community Junior School. Among her various reading initiatives is the termly book club.

As Alex explains: "The aim of the book club is a very simple one — to encourage reading. During our lunchtime club gatherings we get the children to discuss the books they like, and why. This helps to make talking about books a real social experience. And through this process, we hope to encourage the children to read new authors and expand their knowledge."

"I run the book club once every half term. We meet at a lunchtime and have lunch, tea and biscuits. We share our views on the book, talking about what we liked and didn't like about the book."

"The book club is open to all Yr 5 and 6 pupils at the moment. If it continues to be successful then it would be great to run one for Yr 3 and 4 pupils too! I have a fantastic group of children who come along — they're very keen to share their thoughts and they contribute very intelligently."

"I choose the books that the children will read, based on books I have already read and I think they will enjoy talking about and reading! We try to read across a range of different genres."

At the latest book club, held on Tuesday 11th February, the children had the added delight of a visit by children's author, Jean Daish.

Jean explained that her book, Operation Pied Piper, tells the story of six young children who were evacuated from Leeds to Padstow in Cornwall at the start of World War II, to escape the bombing. Their homesickness was soon replaced by adventure in a land of legend and gossip — of singing mermaids, haunted cliff top houses, dark caves, dangerous tides and long stretches of golden sands. The children form close friendships and the war seems far away until, that is, they see a mysterious light at a cliff top window ...

Jean also answered questions from her young audience, and very kindly agreed to a popular request to sign copies of her book. The children were delighted!

Editor's Note:
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