Students and staff from Camborne Science and International Academy were given the chance to talk to renowned British authors recently at the Kernow Youth Book Awards.
Held at the Keay Theatre in St Austell, the awards ceremony celebrated reading and creative writing, and was voted for purely by teenagers in Cornwall.
“Groups of students from participating secondary schools read six books and then vote for their favourite book to find the winner,” said Jo Greet, English teacher and coordinator of KS3 at CSIA. “It was a very rewarding process, with some fantastic discussion around the books we have looked at.”
More than 150 students took part across the county and the event saw groups giving presentations using performance, readings and digital displays on each of the six books shortlisted - Warp. The Reluctant Assassin by Eoin Colfer; Hello Darkness by Anthony McGowan; Last Chance Angel by Alex Gutteridge; Geek Girl by Holly Smale; After Tomorrow by Gillian Cross and Split Second by Sophie McKenzie.
Students were able to speak with Gillian Cross, also famed for writing The Demon Headmaster, and Anthony McGowan for The Donut Diaries, asking questions about their books and how they think up their ideas.
“We enjoyed an afternoon of speeches given by some of the authors which was so interesting,” said Alex Green in year eight. “It was really inspiring to get inside their minds and to hear their perspectives on the stories and characters.”
The votes from the schools were collated and the winner was Sophie McKenzie’s Split Second. “Well done to all our students involved,” said Jo. “Every year, we’re amazed by their creativity and innovative conversations.”
The Kernow Youth Book Award has been running for eight years and is organised by school library staff in Cornwall, with over 15 schools taking part each year.
“Books open doors to all kinds of new worlds, providing inspiration, thought and reflection,” added Ian Kenworthy, principal at CSIA. “This event was both hugely enjoyable and beneficial, we are already looking forward to next year.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here