Kenneth Steven, poet, author and translator, came along and spoke to a group of 2^nd year pupils in the library who were mesmerised by his insights. He started by discussing how he writes something every day in a shed in his parents’ garden in total silence, no mobile phone or computer – he even writes with an old fashioned ink pen! He explained how authors only earn 10% of the price of a book and half again if it’s a picture book and the money has to be shared with an illustrator. This means that he writes for the love of it rather than the money. Some readings from his poetry and prose followed and he finished by taking questions from the pupils which were wide ranging and interesting.

In the evening he was joined by Donald Paterson, Deputy Rector of Millburn who has recently had a book published, Homecomings. They spoke to a group of interested teachers from the school.

Kenneth started off the evening by reading some of his poetry, followed by one of his short stories. The audience then had a chance to ask questions.

Donald followed with a discussion of how he had the original idea for his book, the research he did to make sure that all details in it were correct and the “voice” of the main character. Although he started with the ending, this was not the final ending as he found his characters “grew” in their own way throughout the writing process.

The fact that everyone really enjoyed these author sessions was borne out by the amount of books that the audience bought and had signed by both authors.

Thanks once again to MAFIA for the funding.

This unique visit featured two women one Israeli, Daniela Norris, the other Palestinian, Shireen Anabtawi. Last year Daniela was awarded one of the top prizes in the 10th Neil Gunn Writing Competition. Encouraged by this, Daniela and her friend, Shireen, decided to compile a book – Crossing Qalandiya- Exchanges across the Israeli-Palestinian Divide.

The two ladies talked to two S2 history classes about their very different cultures and upbringing and how, through knowing each other, they began to appreciate the “other’s” point of view.

Daniela launched the 2011 Neil Gunn Writing Competition at Eden Court .

Crossing Qalandiya

Exchanges Across the Israeli/Palestinian Divide

Daniela Norris and Shireen Anabtawi

- SYNOPSIS -

Crossing Qalandiya is a series of letters between two women, Daniela and Shireen. They live less than 100km apart, but could never visit one another at home – so instead they write letters. In these letters they discuss family, childcare, recipes, the local beaches … war and ethnic hatred. Daniela is Israeli and Shireen Palestinian. Their exchange is fraught with challenge, but also a sincere desire on each side to understand the thinking and grievances of the other.

This is a moving and illuminating exchange of ideas – at once accessible and profound, personal and political – and a beacon of hope in the wilderness of the Israeli/Palestinian conflict.

- CHARITY -

Children of Peace

- PRESS REVIEWS -

“It is obvious that this book is the outcome of a true friendship between two women, who were wise enough to rise up and see beyond the fears and hostilities” – Shimon Peres

“Shireen and Daniela’s friendship transcends the cognitive and physical barriers posited by walls, checkpoints, settlements, and other forms of colonial aggression that have for long torn us asunder, and proves that a just peace is still possible despite the difficulties of the present” – Ahmed Qurei (Abu Ala), former Prime Minister of the Palestinian Authority

“A moving human document” – Sami Michael, author and President of The Association for Civil Rights in Israel

“A wonderful and hopeful book” – Dr. Zeki Ergas, Writers for Peace Committee of International PEN and Secretary General of PEN Suisse Romand Center

“Peace, living together and security for all are possible” –Dr. Ibrahim Khraishi, Ambassador, Permanent Observer of Palestine to the United Nations, Geneva, Member of P.L.O. Central Council

Catherine Macphail, author of the prize winning Nemesis series, visited Millburn Academy to give a talk to S1 pupils and take workshops with book groups in the library. An interesting talk was given on the inspiration she takes from everyday occurrences and we learnt that it is best to write horror stories using everyday objects and situations. We also learnt more about other books she has written like Another Me and Run, Zan, Run. The 1^st year groups were enthusiastic about the visit, especially the book group workshops, and enjoyed her visit. More pictures of the day can be seen on the library newsboard outside the office.

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There has been a new page added to the Millburn Academy website dedicated to reporting the news from our very own pupils. Go to the projects page to find out more from our pupils

World Book Day was celebrated in style in Millburn with many, varied activities some of which lasted the whole week! Book tokens were given out to every pupil in the school during the week with the possibility of buying one of the books that was specially published for World Book Day.

A book swap was launched where pupils brought in books from home they thought were worth reading and left them in the library for other people to read.

Pupils got the chance to read a passage from a book of their choice at the start of each period, which was very enjoyable as there were so many different genres of books chosen.

The usual teacher character book competition took place and sent English pupils on a quest around the school answering questions on books and their characters. This was won by S2 pupil Fraser Mackay.

There was a launch of The Book Of The Month which was voted on by all S1 in their library time and the winner was Robert Muchamore’s Cherub series. In future, a different S1 class will vote on the book of the month and there will be a display in the library.

And there was great enthusiasm and feedback from S1 pupils and their families on the sheets about “Why do you like books?” There was lots of positive response and there were some of the comments:

“They interest me.! “They widen my vocabulary.” “It is a nice, peaceful thing to do at the end of the day. “They last forever and take me into a different world.”

Thank you to everyone who participated in the day to make it such an enjoyable experience for all!

Jeni Fraser S6

So many people wanted to join the school book group this year that two have been created – ‘Book Brains’ and ‘You’re Booked’. One book is read every month and the groups gather in the library to discuss what they have read with Miss Cairney, Ms Little and Mrs Philip. The book groups are also visited by authors – in September, Keith Gray, the author of many books including ‘Malarkey’ and ‘The Runner’, came.  He judged a short story competition which Crystal Tamayo won, receiving a signed book by the author as a prize. In 2010, the book groups will also take part in the Royal Mail Book Awards.

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Posted by Jeni Fraser and Moses Anderson

Posted by Jeni Fraser and Moses Anderson