Keren David has been appointed ‘Patron of Reading’ at Highgate Wood School in Crouch End, Haringey.
The former journalist for the Independent will work with the schoolchildren over the next three years, encouraging them to read for pleasure as part of their education.
If the name sounds familiar, then yes. She’s an author. Handy, eh?
The Year 9 students at the school will also be working on her first book, “When I Was Joe”, published in 2010.
Fancy that!
“What you read when you are a teenager is very important. They will be able to talk about what they enjoy and why, as the books become part of you.”
“And you’ll buy more of my books as a result. Whoops! Did I say that out loud?”
...her first book, “When I Was Joe”, published in 2010.
ReplyDeleteWondering why this particular writer was chosen, my first thought was that this was the author of a 'transition memoir' and so the school would accrue a goodly amount of brownie points/virtue-signalling kudos.
I see now that the reason is more prosaic - her daughter used to go to the school - but what does it say about the present climate that one's mind imagines some freakery at work? Or is it just me?
Apart from sounding a rather 'on message' title for this day and age I think she would do better to introduce them to such authors as Harry Harrison, Mercedes Lackey, Joe Haldeman and Elizabeth Moon. Doing that might just lead the kiddi winkies towards science and technology, oh, sorry I forgot they are supposed to be dumbing them down not lifting them up.
ReplyDeleteBunny
ReplyDelete+1 for Harry Harrison I cannot imagine an author who would be more enjoyable for teenagers with the Stainless Steel Rat's anti-establishment ethos the teachers may not be so impressed.
"...but what does it say about the present climate that one's mind imagines some freakery at work?"
ReplyDeleteIt says you've been paying attention.. ;)
"+1 for Harry Harrison ..."
Seconded!