Meeting Day!

At lunchtime we met up for only our second formal Carnegie Shadowing meeting and I'm delighted to announce that our group has grown, and that nearly everyone has finished reading at least one book already!  Well done everyone.  That means that there's a lot of reviews to write...

Several people started their review writing today and I'm really looking forward to reading them.  Don't forget the guidance page on the tabs along the top, where there are easy to follow instructions on how to write a detailed review. If you find that you can't write that much about a book, don't worry!  Just a couple of paragraphs about what you liked and what you didn't will be fine. The important thing is that as many of us as possible are reading these books, reviewing them and talking about them. As I said, there are some exciting things on the horizon.

If anyone needs help logging in or posting reviews, please let me know on my school email address (adkinsn etc) and I'll be happy to help out.  And don't forget to comment on each other's reviews!  If you've read the same book, what did you think of it?  Do you agree with what the reviewer has said?  It's ok to disagree, and not that that I would advocate fighting (ok, that's slightly untrue - book fights are totally awesome) having a discussion is to be encouraged.

Keep going, Ninja Readers!

Out Of Shadows

By Jason Wallace

Review

This was a book about a boy who grew up in england but was moved to go to a boarding school in Africa, the war with blacks vs whites had ended to mark an era of peace, but the boys at had a different idea.

It was a gripping story and it was fast paced: Roberts life changing very quickly, the characters were believable from the commanding and cunning Ivan to the naiveness of Roberts dad.

I found the beginning tense and exciting then though the middle the pace and excitement slowed a little in the middle and sped up nearer the end.

The book is set in the 80s and at the beginning Robert faces the choice between the quieter misunderstood group with a black boy named Nelson in or go with Ivan; a loud, mean commanding and slightly evil plan.

Robert conflicts with his mind as to whether or not he made the right decision...

Over all the story was very good and at the end it leaves you questioning what happened, should he of saved the prime minister's life? Was it right to kill Ivan? Did he do Africa a favor or plunge it into darker times? Worth a read.

By Louis

Year 8

Prisoner of the Inquisition

By Theresa Breslin

When the holy inquisition arrives in Zarita’s town in Spain, her life as the magistrate’s daughter is suddenly being watched and suspicion is lurking everywhere. Saulo is the son of a beggar and, after abandoning his sick mother and leaving her to suffer silently, he follows his father into the town and then watches helplessly as he is hanged wrongfully. Saulo escapes death and manual labour but is forced to become a slave at sea. He vows to kill the magistrate and all his family so he can avenge his father. The two main characters take separate journeys over the coming years as the inquisition kills more and more people, but, they are both young and they feel heavily the guilt and horror of the blood they have on their conscience. When they meet again amid the royal court of the king and queen, fail to recognize each other at first, but then face once more the guilt, betrayal, and horror of the past and its consequences, they both realise just how ruthless the inquisition can be.

I really liked reading this book as it tells two stories that intertwine at the beginning and the end of the novel. It follows the two main characters through their individual journeys, one far out at sea, one inland. Both Saulo and Zarita’s lives are deeply affected by the arrival of the inquisition and they seek refuge and forgiveness for the wrong doings they have committed. Breslin describes many scenes of torture, adventure, and passion throughout the book and it is really easy to visualise and imagine just how traumatic the experience would have been. This, among many other reasons, is why I thoroughly enjoyed this novel as it allows you to see in your mind what, in your opinion, the characters are seeing at each point in the book. Breslin uses fantastic description, especially in Saulo’s fight scene, and it really adds to the book.

The book is narrated in alternate chapters by Saulo and Zarita (except for a few which are third person) and I think this makes the book quite unique as, nearing the final chapters, they pick up from each other and you can imagine all the scenes from both points of view when the characters are together. When narrating his part of the novel, Saulo frequently returns to the day his father was killed and expresses both his hatred for the magistrate and his daughter, and also his guilt for having left his mother to die. He describes how he is feeling often and this allows you to deduce what kind of character he is. Zarita’s chapters however are not filled with guilt as, over time, she seems to get caught up in her own life and the inquisition and she forgets, or doesn’t think about, the beggar and his son, Saulo. Because of this, out of the two main characters, my favourite is Saulo as his chapters are more heart-felt and his personality seems more ‘real’.

Overall, I think that this book was great. I think that the way Breslin has described in the dual narration each chapter is fantastic and that the characters she has created are unique and have realistic personalities. This novel is, in places, a little dark but this adds to the overall structure of the book and compels you to read on! Finally, I think that the plot of this novel is great as it twists at the end and is full of deceit. I would definitely advise everyone to read this amazing novel!

Eleanor, Year 8

The Death Defying Pepper Roux

By Geraldine McCaughrean

Imagine knowing, from the very first day of your life, that you would die on your fourteenth birthday; how would you choose to live? For the first fourteen years, Paul 'Pepper' Roux is well-mannered, obedient and faith-driven. But on his fourteenth birthday, he steals a ship and runs away from his family and his fate, unwittingly unleashing his innocent, kind and naive self out into the cruel, hard world.

This endearing story is one unlike any other I've read; rarely do you find a protagonist with such an undoubted sense of good inside him.McCaughrean's craftsmanship in creating Pepper's character is admirable - he is both wonderful and deeply flawed.

The third person narrative provides juicy, detailed description, and it is constantly dipping into Pepper's young, vivid mind, which is where the true glory of this book can be found. From atop the ship's mast-head, he envisions his dreaded 'Saint Constance sculling towards him in a rowing boat.'

Although the plot is a little far-fetched (which does, admittedly, fit with the entire nature of the novel), and the language is over-complicated at times, the characterisation in this novel, of not only Pepper, but the fabulous Duchesse, the evil Roche and the sweet Yvette, far outshines its mild blemishes. This is an absolutely exquisite novel.

By Holly, Year 12

C'mon reviewers!

It's fantastic that Eleanor has started us off with te formal reviews, thanks!  If you've finished a book, I'd really recommend that you get your review written as soon as possible, as you'd be amazed how quickly you forget the details.  Don't worry if you don't feel you can write something as in depth as Ellie; this is all about sharing your opinions so that the discussions can start! Remember, you can also comment on posts on this blog, either with the rps login or your own Google account.

My own reading is going well, I've decided to tackle the whole of Patrick Ness's Chaos Walking trilogy over the break, though I fell slightly behind when I was in Poland.  Never try to read those books when you've just made a trip to Auschwitz and Birkenau.  Spent two days being an emotional wreck before I did the sensible thing and read a book about fairies instead.

Out of Shadows

By Jason Wallace

Africa has finally triumphed in the battle for equality and independence, Robert Mugabe has risen to the challenge of governing and guiding a country brimming with disagreement and racism. Robert Jacklin, an English boy, is among many others starting a new life but, unlike his classmates, his is in a new country with completely new people. Although the battle has been lost and the war is over, his new found “friends” don’t want this new black government, they want their country back and they’re not prepared to wait. This cleverly narrated novel follows Robert through his last school years in 1980’s Zimbabwe, and as he finally believes he has settled in and made a new start, he realises all too late he hasn’t.

In many ways I can’t fault this book which brings to head so many issues of that era which previously I had been unaware of. This novel charts the journey that Robert makes between childhood and adulthood and alongside this follows the growing political dispute that is raging in Africa. The same passage crops up again and again in the novel-

" ‘If I stood you in front of a man, pressed the cold metal of a gun into your palm and told you to squeeze the trigger, would you do it?’

‘No sir.’

‘Are you sure?’

‘Of course, sir. No ways!’

‘What if I then told you we’d gone back in time and his name was Adolf Hitler? Would you do it then? Would you?’ "

This brings about many questions and thoughts for Robert. Would he be brave enough? Would he see a reason to pull the trigger? Eventually he realises in the penultimate pages that he can never find the answer and the only question he would really need to ask himself is ‘why?’. Wallace has portrayed a completely unique character by creating Robert, as he shows two sides of his personality- confident young man, vulnerable child; violent gang member, thoughtful citizen. You never quite know which one is going to come out until the climax of the chapter.

Throughout the novel the events are narrated by Robert and therefore told in first person. I love the way Wallace has added a few elements of distinct tension and almost teases you as you read on. Every so often there is a sentence, a few words outlining Robert’s feelings for what is to come, only, he doesn’t tell you what is to come. For instance:

"Ivan must have been pleased at this point in time, it was going so well. But all that was about to change and when it did I dare say even Ivan didn’t know what had hit him"

This particular phrase drove me up the wall and had to force myself to read on quickly so I found out what all these daunting phrases meant. Some books are filled with tension and then let you down at the climax; however, Out of Shadows is strong in the plot the whole way through and doesn’t falter even at the end.

My favourite scene is the last chapter when Robert returns to his school over twenty years later which has now been closed down. He ties all his feelings and thoughts together and reminisces the words that have scarred his memory for life. Wallace describes in such a way the changes and similarities of Haven school since Robert’s last year. He uses metaphors and similes to describe his surroundings and the passage is dripping with regret and sadness. Finally, I left this book with a smile on my face as Robert meets again his friend Weekend from the school telephone exchange. His manner and way of speech can’t fail to make me smile and he was my favourite character throughout the book!

Overall, the structure and content of this book- particularly the continuous reference to past political problems and racial tensions- make this book a little complicated. But, it is quite light and you can read it easily without having to think too much about the words. It expresses the opinions and thoughts of young people living in Zimbabwe at the time and makes you question the word ‘equality’- was there ever such a thing? I loved this book as it had an interesting plot and addressed key issues. I would recommend it highly!

Eleanor, Year 8

*snuffle*

Thought the Easter holidays would be a great opportunity to reread the whole Chaos Walking trilogy.  Finished The Knife of Never Letting Go yesterday and feeling slightly traumatised and ready to run, fast, if I hear so much as a twig break behind me.  Now for The Ask and the Answer.

Damn these books are good.

The Death Defying Pepper Roux

By Geraldine McCaughrean.

Pepper Roux’s Aunt Mireille has been told by Saint Constance that he’ll die by the time he’s fourteen and raised him to be ready for death.  When he wakes up on the morning of his fourteenth birthday though, he knows that he’s not ready to die, and sets off to stay one step ahead of the fate that he knows is his own.  This book traces his adventures as he dodges the wills of Saints and Angels, and lives each day that follows in the inevitability of his demise.  

There were many things that I adored about this book.  The narrative itself is enchanting, and Pepper is an amazing character whose story I really enjoyed.  His acceptance of death and the choices he makes raise philosophical questions.  Do we live fully if we think that we’ll still be here in a year?  What would we do differently if we knew we were to die?  The choices that Pepper makes are generous, creative and resourceful.  There’s also the question of fate.  What decides our time to live and die?  Do the saints and angels intervene in Pepper’s life in different ways?  And Duchesse is brilliant!  Would love to read his adventures too.

At times I stumbled on the style of writing and it seemed a little too wordy to flow, but this fitted with the way that Pepper has tried to compress his whole remaining life into a limited number of hours. Some of the ways that he sees the world are described superbly, such as the fact that lies taste of soap, and ‘As the word ‘dentist’ smells of disinfectant, ‘father’ was a noun that reeked to Pepper of drink and distance and disappointment.’  I think that for some readers, the lack of a glossary will be missed, as some really feel the need to understand each and every word they read, but for stronger readers it will be easy to get the gist and carry on.

The episodic structure will appeal to many but also made it quiet easy to take a break from for cups of tea and things.  The lose ends are tied together admirably at the end though.  There were several parts of this book where I laughed out loud, and not just because it was funny, but because it was delightful and sad all at the same time.  

Review by Miss A. 

OMG!

We just had our first Shadowing meeting and there are 34, yes, THIRTY-FOUR Shadowers this year.  Absolutely amazing, a big thank you to all of you!

Letters will be going home to those of your without your photo consent forms so that we can feature you all on this site, and the first books have already been read, so the reviews will start to trickle in now!  Just think, by the time we finish this process, we'll have written, between us, over TWO HUNDRED reviews.  That's just... cool.

Carnegie Shadowing

Our first formal meeting will be held tomorrow at 1.30 in the library, so if you're coming along, please make sure that you have a lunch pass.  There'll be biscuits, books, review cards and chatter! It's predicted to be a huge group this year, so it might be that not everyone will leave with a book, but we'll do our best.

The Shadowing process will go something like this:

1. Pick a book. 
2. Take a mini-review card to use as a bookmark. 
3. Read the book! 
4. Write a mini-review on the card to go on the display in the library.
5. Write a full length review for this site.  Miss A will then copy that across to our Carnegie site. 
6. Think about what else you can do with this book!  Did it spark any thoughts for your own writing or artwork?  Is there a discussion you'd like to have about it? How about a vlog entry or a book trailer? 

Not sure how to write a good review?  Check out the Writing Guidelines page at the top.  

And so it begins...

A large batch of our new books arrived today and were rushed through cataloguing and covering so that they'd be ready for lunch time.  Most of them are now out on loan! The enthusiasm and uptake for the Shadowing group this year looks to be outstanding, I'm so looking forward to working with this group :D

A couple of those from last year have asked why we're not using our official Shadowing page.  We are still using is, and will be cross-posting reviews and videos across, but this blog enables us to do so much more.  We can post more photos, more videos, link to the author sites and blogs that we're following.  But more than that, we can do something important, the lack of which drove me* to distraction last year.  We can USE PARAGRAPHS.  Also, it seems that we can't actually get on the official site half the time.

So the books are out, the review cards are all set to go, and the sticker and bookmark pack arrived from CILIP (thank you, CILIP!) earlier today.

Though you've all been up here and collecting books already, please don't forget that our first official meeting is this Wednesday at 1.30pm.  There will be biscuits.

Oh.  Yes.

*Sure, I'm a pedant, but I used to teach English, so what were you expecting?  Srsly?

Carnegie Shortlist announced!

The news broke first on Twitter this morning (you can follow the library - @rps_library) and it's a great looking list:

• A Prisoner of the Inquisition, by Theresa Breslin
• The Death Defying Pepper Roux, by Geraldine McCaughrean
• Monsters of Men, by Patrick Ness
• The Bride's Farewell, by Meg Rosoff
• White Crow, by Marcus Sedgwick
• Out of Shadows, by Jason Wallace.

Links are to the Book Depository, a fab book selling site that seems to have all of them in stock. 

We have copies of most of these in the library, though a few are out at the moment.  There are more on the way though and I'm hoping that they'll arrive in time for our first official Shadowing meeting next Wednesday lunchtime.  Read the list and the judges' comments here.

Time to get reading!