Tag Archives: Malorie Blackman

YA Book Prize display

Chasing the Stars by Malorie Blackman is an Othello inspired novel set in space.

Olivia and her twin brother, Aidan, are heading alone back to Earth following the virus that completely wiped out the rest of their crew, and their family.

Nathan is part of a community heading in the opposite direction. But on their journey Nathan’s ship is attacked and most of the community killed. Only a few survive.

Their lives unexpectedly collide. Nathan and Vee are instantly attracted to each other, deeply head over heels – like nothing they have ever experienced.

But not evereyone is pleased. And surrounded by rumours, deception – even murder – is it possible to live out a happy ever after…?

Chasing the Stars by Malorie Blackman – For and Against

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What happens when love brings loss? When love brings lies? When love brings hate?

Pro

An original story, it was enjoyably different
It’s an exciting mix of genres so it can appeal to a range of audiences e.g romance, action, sci-fi
It was very gripping and mysterious
At points it was beautiful, heart breakingly beautiful.

Con

“I hate it when the parents have die before you can have a story” – Mrs Vennall
The pace is too fast, its like insta-love
It’s over-dramatic at points throughout the book
The ending is a let-down especially compared to the action/drama/events in the rest of the book

Noughts & Crosses on the BBC!

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It has just been announced that Malorie Blackman’s Noughts & Crosses will be dramatised by the BBC some time soon. Click here to read about it on Malorie Blackman’s official site, and here to read about it on the BBC.

I’ve always thought that Noughts & Crosses would be a really great film, so I’m looking forward to this – there’s no date yet, but hopefully it won’t be too long.

Wednesday 12th March – Yet more new books…

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It’s more fun when I put them out book by book. The next twelve are…

You can guarantee getting to borrow one of the new books first by offering to review it for me!

Friday 21st February – New books in the library

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Today’s featured book is by Malorie Blackman – an author who has been writing books that young people love for many years, and who is the current Children’s Laureate. Noble Conflict is a novel about those on opposite sides, and about whether we should believe what we are told.

The blurb says:

Kaspar always knew that he wanted to grow up and fight the violent rebels, who threaten to destroy his homeland. Losing his parents made him even more determined.

Rhea is a rebel, with her own reasons for joining the fight. When Kaspar meets her – one of the people he has been taught to hate – he feels a powerful connection to this beautiful, mysterious girl, and is haunted by strange memories that could only belong to her.

Delving deeper into Rhea’s mind, he realizes he hasn’t been told the truth about what the rebels really want – or what he’s really fighting for.

Noble Conflict by Malorie Blackman is currently on the new books shelf, just inside the library doors.

Thursday 13th February – New Books in the Library

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I love it when a batch of new books arrives just before a holiday weekend – more reading time, and it’s just the kind of weather to curl up in a warm room with a good book. Some of this selection were recommended by students and some were requested.

If you want to be one of the first to read one of the new books, ask me, and I might even be able to have it ready for the long weekend.

Tuesday 11th June – Children’s Laureate

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Ever-popular author Malorie Blackman has been appointed as the eighth Waterstones Children’s Laureate, 2013 to 2015, which means that she is the latest in an illustrious line of authors championing children’s books and reading… and libraries!

You can read what she says about her appointment on her website by clicking on the picture, or you can watch her being interviewed about her new post in this video from The Guardian.

Thursday 28th February – Sony Young Movellist of the Year Competition

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Fancy your chances as a published author? Want to win a publishing contract with Random House? Why not enter the Sony Young Movellist of the Year competition. Click on the logo to find out more, and to see author and Movellas judge Malorie Blackman’s tips on how to write a winning entry.

Movellas is a story writing and story sharing community – even if you don’t want to enter the competition, you might like to have a look around the site – read some stories, maybe think about writing one!

Thursday

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WORLD BOOK DAY

Today is World Book Day, and we will be celebrating it with a massive reading session in the Library at lunchtime today!

If you want to find out how other people are celebrating World Book Day, click on the yellow googly-eyed icon to go to the WBD site.

This year, the World Book Day team have released an App specifically aimed at teens. It’s completely free, and if you download it you can read stories by Malorie Blackman, Neil Gaiman, Anthony Horowitz, Sophie Mackenzie, Charlie Higson and Rachel Vincent – and apparently there will be more free stuff throughout the year. Click on the pink googly-eyed icon to read more about it and to link to the download button.