AN AWARD-winning children’s author inspired students at a Rugby secondary school to mark World Book Day yesterday (Thursday March 2).
Pupils at Houlton School welcomed Ele Fountain for a host of reading and writing activities.
The author of Boy 87 – a novel about refugees which won the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize in 2019 – spoke to Year 7 pupils about her books, the creative process behind putting pen to paper, and the power of literature.
She hosted Q&A and seminar sessions which inspired pupils across the year group, before some of this term’s hardest working pupils were selected to take part in writing workshops with Ms Fountain.
Students also had the chance to write and illustrate their own original stories to share with pupils at nearby St Gabriel’s CofE Academy in Houlton.
A school-wide World Book Day extravaganza also saw pupils across the school taking part in a Great Big Book Swap, as well as showcasing their baking skills as part of a literary-themed cake competition, which included cakes inspired by Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Harry Potter and Heartstopper.
Houlton School Principal Michael McCulley said: “We encourage our pupils to discover the wonder of words each and every day, but World Book Day is a special chance to join together to celebrate the joy of books.
“Our pupils are buzzing with energy and enthusiasm about reading and it has been fantastic to see their creativity flourishing during each of the activities.
“My thanks go to Ele Fountain for taking the time to join us for the day. I know her words have inspired many budding writers across Houlton.”
