Wednesday, 29 July 2009

Riveting Reads

To celebrate World Book Day on Thursday 5th March, we ran a book review competition called “Riveting Reads” for children across the borough. There were 2 age groups, up to 11 and 12 to 16, and children were asked to write about one of their favourite books, explaining why they like it and why others should read it too.

We had a fantastic response, receiving over 250 entries, from children as young as 5, right up to 16. Entry forms were available to pick up in libraries or could be downloaded from the council’s website but the best form of publicity proved to be contacting primary and secondary schools via the school’s intranet. Some schools really went for it and obviously had whole classes writing reviews.


Joanne and Suzi had a great time reading all the entries and it was a difficult task choosing the winners but, after much deliberation, they managed to decide on one winner and three runners-up in each age group. They’re an eclectic mix, ranging from “Beast Quest” to “Little Women”!

On Saturday 9th May, the then Mayor and Mayoress, Councilor Robin Parker and Ann Jones, attended Middleton Library to present our eight prize-winners with book tokens, certificates and laminated copies of their reviews. The children’s library was packed as all the children and young people had brought their families along to support them. The Mayor and Mayoress were impressed with the winning reviews which were on display and the winners enjoyed seeing their names “in print” on the library website.

The local press was also invited and the event was covered, with a nice photo, in both the Middleton Guardian and Rochdale Observer.

If you get chance, please have a look at the winning reviews on the council website and encourage any of your keen young readers to have a look too.

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