Young people have been sharing a passion for reading by getting together to talk all things books.
Murray Park Community School, in Mickleover, welcomed pupils from Anthony Gell School, in Matlock; John Port Spencer Academy, in Etwall; The de Ferrers Academy in Burton; and Derby Cathedral School for an event all about The Yoto Carnegies 2023.
The Carnegies is the UK’s longest running and best-loved book awards, with authors shortlisted in a bid to win the Carnegie Medal for Writing or the Carnegie Medal for Illustration.
Pupils from all the schools got together to meet new people and discuss the books, sharing their thoughts and insights before the winner was announced at lunchtime, with the pupils able to watch online.
Craig Lindley, Murray Park Assistant Head of English and Literacy, said: “We are running a host of activities to celebrate a love of reading and books. The pupils had to read at least one book to be able to take part but some have read more.
“Across the schools the pupils are talking about the books they have read. There is a lovely community feel about it.
“All the pupils are mixing together and have made it a real celebration, which is great in a post-Covid era that they have the opportunity to do that again and talk to pupils from other schools.
“The plan is now to look at how we can grow this as a community of schools and turn this into an annual event bringing schools together.”
For the first time in the awards almost 90-year history, the winner of the Yoto Carnegie Medal for Writing was awarded to a book in translation. It went to The Blue Book of Nebo (Firefly Press), which was written and translated by Manon Steffan Ros.
Jeet Zdung has won the Yoto Carnegie Medal for Illustration for Saving Sorya: Chang and the Sun Bear.
Pupils at Murray Park Community School were delighted to welcome pupils from across Derbyshire and Burton.
Bethany Cernik, Year 8, said: “It’s nice to have other schools at our school and share a passion for reading. My favourite book off the list was The Eternal Return of Clara Hart (by Louise Finch).
“I think that everyone has bonded and it has been easy to talk to everyone.”
Bella Matassa, Year 9, said: “It’s been a chance to meet new people with similar interests to you. It’s good to know other people’s opinions about the books.”
Kate Manku, Year 9, said: “I think it’s a good way to get children to read and meet new people. It is a way to explore different ways of reading the books. It’s been amazing to bring people together.”
Pupils from Anthony Gell School enjoyed sharing their passion for reading with their peers.
Martha Forster, Year 10, said “I’ve had lots of nice conversations with people from different schools about the different books.
“It’s not only been about the Carnegie books but other books we have read by ourselves. I’ve found with some people it’s been very similar and some very different in what we like.”
Lily Mcleod, Year 10, said: “I love reading and it’s been a dream thing to go to. It’s been really good. A lot of my friends in school are not fond of reading so it’s nice to talk to people who care about it. Everyone has been so lovely.”
Pupils at John Port Spencer Academy, in Etwall, also made the most of the day.
Evelyn Shaw, Year 9, said: “It’s been really good to have lots of other schools around.”
Olivia Eaton, Year 9, said: “It’s nice to know what other people think of the books.”
Charlotte Bright, Year 8, said: “It’s nice to see other people we wouldn’t normally work with as everyone has come from all over Derbyshire.”
Derby Cathedral School pupil Casey Hancock, Year 8, said: “I think a highlight for me has been meeting new people and finding out how different our opinions are.”
Alexandra Garrett, Year 11, added: “It has been interesting to find out how different schools are run and learning about them.”
