We were cheered with the level of interest in our recent ‘Young Quills’ historical book review competition, which we ran for the first time.

It is always great to hear of children enjoying quality historical fiction. Even though it was aimed at pupils in Years 7-8 we were delighted to see a number of Hill Formers also participate! It was very difficult to decide upon the winners, especially in Year 7 where there were many very strong entries.

Ultimately, we awarded the prizes to those pupils who most closely answered the question, and did more than write a standard book review, making special reference to the historical period it was set in. We awarded a first and runner-up prize to each year group.

Winners

Violet (6USC) for her review of ‘When the Sky Falls’ by Phil Earle.

Poppy (7PM) for her review of ‘Letters from the Lighthouse’ by Emma Carroll (not in photo).

Jun (8MSH) for his review of ‘Cane Warriors’ by Alex Wheatle.

 

Runners-Up

Isadora (6USC) for her review of ‘Rose Rivers’ by Jacqueline Wilson.

Ellie (7CJR) for her review of ‘The White Phoenix’ by Catherine Randall (not in photo).

Oliver (8RDC) for his review of ‘Buffalo Soldier’ by Tanya Landman.

 

Coincidentally, Catherine Randall, who wrote ‘The White Phoenix’ attended our recent CWIZZ event and we took the opportunity to send her Ellie’s review of her novel. Catherine commented:

“Thank you so much for this thoughtful review of ‘The White Phoenix’. I was very pleased that the reader enjoyed the historical setting of the book so much because the dramatic events of that year were what inspired me to write it. I am always drawn to writing about a particular time and place, even before I think of characters and plot. I am also delighted that the reader enjoyed meeting the characters, and especially that she ended up liking Sam – Sam is one of my favourite characters in the book. The reviewer is clearly a very attentive reader – thank you for reading the book, and I’m so glad you enjoyed it.”

Well done to everybody who found the time to enter the Young Quills competition, which should return in 2023 and congratulations to the six pupils who were awarded prizes.

For anybody interested in historical fiction there is a Quick List on the library catalogue of all the books which have previously featured on the Young Quills shortlists, which goes back almost twenty years.

Mr Jones (Senior Librarian)