Three, two, one… blast off! The FHS Summer Reading Challenge 2022 was launched this week as every student received a house-themed bookmark. Each book recorded on the back of the bookmark gains the reader 2 points for their house, be it Jupiter, Saturn, Neptune or Mars! In September, the totals will be tallied for the first House competition of the year and Neptune’s inaugural event. Will Saturn win again?

To accompany the challenge, the Library has revamped the school’s book trees which offer recommendations for reading.

This year’s Walnut Tree for the Lower School features Yoto Carnegie winner October, October; Escape to the River Sea by Emma Carroll; and the exciting Lizzie and Belle Mysteries from North London author, J. T. Williams.

The Maple Tree for the Upper School includes the winner of the Costa Children’s Book Award The Crossing by Manjeet Mann; ecological dystopia Green Rising by Lauren James; and Woman of Influence, Freya Lewis‘ autobiography What Makes Us Stronger. 

Finally, The Oak Tree recommends fiction and non-fiction for the Sixth Form, Staff and interested parents. New titles this summer include Costa award-wining poetry from Hannah Lowe; an exploration of the world through the senses via the pages of An Immense World; and a horror for fans of Stranger Things – My Best Friend’s Exorcism by Grady Hendrix.

Reading for pleasure is a great way to improve wellbeing and to enhance the fun of the summer break.

See you in September and happy reading!

Miss Lawrence, School Librarian