Reading and writing often go hand in hand so we are thrilled to have established a partnership with Telling Tales Scorpio Bookshop's new store for young readers. Last week we held our second book review masterclass with Desna Wallace (librarian, author, tutor and book reviewer) guiding the process.
The team at Telling Tales welcomed us in and the students spent time reconnecting with old book friends and leaving recommendations for people visiting the shop. Each student left clutching a book on the promise that they will submit a review.
Back at TÅ«ranga, we spent time reading, responding and beginning the review process. Here is the first review:
GHOST CLOUD
by Michael Mann
Penguin Random House
reviewed by Mia W, Year 7
Twelve-year old Luke Smith-Sharma shovels coal under a half-bombed, blackened power station. With his best friend Ravi, he keeps his head down, hoping one day to earn his freedom and return to his family, while avoiding the wrath of the evil Tabatha Margate. Whilst serving punishment in the haunted and dreaded East Wing, Luke realizes he can see things others cannot in the power station: ghostly things. He befriends a ghost-girl called Alma, who can ride clouds through the night sky and bend their shape to her will. When Luke discovers the terrible truth to why Tabatha Margate is kidnapping children and forcing them to work in the power station, Alma agrees to help him and his friends escape.
Ghost Cloud is full of exciting twists and turns that keep you going, wanting to solve all the jam-packed mysteries hidden in the power station.
I highly recommend this to people who love a soaring adventure of courage, hope and survival. And of course, a pinch of loyalty and friendship.
Thanks to Telling Tales for supplying our young reader/writers with fabulous books to work from. This review will also appear on a postcard in store.
We appreciate the support from Creative Communities Christchurch and Christchurch Libraries for our masterclasses.
(c) Write On and Mia 2022