#fridayreads: Phil Earle and Hounslow 2016 Teen Reads Book Award Shortlist

A veritable shelf load of book recommendations this week!

On Tuesday I was invited to speak at the Hounslow 2016 Teen Reads Book Award launch event at the Paul Robeson Theatre. I had a great morning chatting with staff and students from six local secondary schools before the shortlist was announced.

Hounslow 2016 Teen Reads Book Award Shortlist

Between now and March, students will read and discuss the six shortlisted books before casting their votes to decide the winner. All the books are standalone titles, written by UK authors, a couple of which I've already read and enjoyed. There's lots of variety on the list and a couple in particular with a really interesting premise. I'm hoping to head down to my local library this weekend to see if I can get copies.

This weeks #fridayreads — Phil Earle!

I've been travelling a fair bit during the past two weeks, doing events up and down the country—lots of fun and also a good opportunity to catch up on some reading. Saving Daisy by Phil Earle kept me company for most of last week and, to be honest, the miles flew by. I'm a huge fan of Phil's stuff, he manages to tackle difficult subjects with honesty and great warmth. Check out any of the titles in the picture—you won't regret it.

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Happy reading!

Cheers, Dave.

Grampian Children's Book Award 2015 & Aberdeenshire Schools Tour

Self portrait on Stonehaven beach.

Back in the attic after a fantastic week in Scotland for the Grampian Children's Book Award, plus a tour of schools in and around Aberdeenshire. It's the third year I've been lucky enough to be shortlisted for the award (last year Waiting for Gonzo actually won!) and my third Scottish tour. I always have a great time visiting 'The Shire' and this year was one of the best yet.

GCBA posters by students at Bridge of Don Academy.

The GCBA award ceremony at Aberdeen University on Wednesday was attended by nearly six hundred staff and students from schools all over the region, some of whom had travelled long distances to be there. Cathy MacPhail was a great host, and I was honoured to be sharing the stage with her, and fellow shortlisted authors, Kevin Brooks and James Dawson. 

The students had all read the books, written reviews, drawn posters (see pic above) and made book trailers for the shortlisted titles. Congratulations to James Dawson, whose chiller thriller Say Her Name was voted the winner. 

As always at these events, it was really inspiring to be in a room with so many enthusiastic young readers (and writers). Respect and thanks to the students and staff at all the schools, and to the GCBA team for making it all possible.

My GCBA books haul, including the winning title "Say Her Name".

I'd also like to take the opportunity to say a few thank yous to the staff and students at the schools I visited on my tour. S1, Gill and Liz at Bridge of Don Academy, who kicked things off on Tuesday morning; Jan, Kerry and Linda, and S1 students at Torry; Mandy, Karen, Jenny, Sarah and S2 students—who produced some great work during our workshop—at Northfield Academy. Thanks to Mandy and S3 at Ellon Academy; Katie, Kerry and S1 at The Gordon Schools, and Jackie at Alford. Finally, thanks to Jill and her team at Mearns in Laurencekirk, plus a special thanks to Daniel who was at the workshop I ran during my first visit to Mearns in 2013. (see pic) I was really chuffed that he took the time to stop by in the library to say hello.

Daniel (far left), me, and Mearns' students in our younger days!

At the risk of the thanks being longer than the tour, much appreciation also to Marion for organising EVERYTHING, and to Liz, Jan, Katrina, Marion, Katie, Jackie and Jill for taking turns to drive the tour bus—thanks all for your company. Apologies if I've missed anyone.

When visiting places, I like to sample the local cuisine.
I didn't actually try the deep fried Mars, but the fish supper was grand!

As was this ROWIE. Thanks to Jan at Torry for
treating me to this traditional Aberdeenshire delicacy.

North Herts Book Award 2015

Great morning at the North Herts Book Award yesterday. Students from nine schools across North Herts met for a discussion day and voting at Nobel School, and I was invited along to give a talk and announce the winners. It was great to meet so many enthusiastic readers and hear them argue—sorry, discuss—the merits of their favourite books on the two shortlists!

Nikki Sheehan's excellent WHO FRAMED KLARIS CLIFF? won the younger category, while James Dawson's SAY HER NAME fought off strong competition to win the older section. 

Thanks to the staff and students from all the schools for making me so welcome. Special thanks to Ros and her team at Nobel, and to Linda for inviting me.

I then spent a very enjoyable afternoon with year 9 students at nearby St. Christopher School, taking about books, music and football! Thanks again to Linda and everyone at the school.

Now, it's back to some serious word wrangling . . .