We are thrilled to share what Georgia achieves as a Reading Plus Champion
this academic year!
Within her role, Georgia has the opportunity to complete a series of exciting reading activities throughout the year, including:
- Reviewing new (and unseen!) texts yet to be added to Reading Plus.
- Sharing her experience of Reading Plus in a blog titled ‘My Reading Plus Journey’.
- Expanding her reading further and reviewing books outside of Reading Plus.
- Collaborating with us on interviews with children’s/YA authors.
As she progresses through her Champion duties, all her tasks will be added here – so look forward to more amazing activities being published soon!
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I was delighted to be selected as a Reading Plus Champion. At primary school, I didn't always find reading easy and therefore often had to work harder than my peers to reach the same level. It is lovely to have my efforts and dedication rewarded.
Georgia, Reading Plus Champion.
TASK ONE: ‘Meet Georgia’
I was delighted to be selected as a Reading Plus Champion. At primary school, I didn’t always find reading easy and therefore often had to work harder than my peers to reach the same level. It is lovely to have my efforts and dedication rewarded.
I am hoping to use the book voucher I received in my Champion Prize Kit to purchase books written by authors that I have not read before. The blurb for The Yearbook by Holly Bourne has captured my interest.
I love reading because it helps me to relax after a busy day at school and it enhances my vocabulary and creativity.
My favourite author is M. G. Leonard who has written a series of books about the adventures of a group of children who love wildlife. They include mysteries with suspenseful plot twists, teamwork and happy conclusions. The front covers of M. G. Leonard’s The Twitchers series were illustrated by Paddy Donnelly, who kindly supported our school with a recent fundraising event by creating a ‘Secret Postcard’ illustration.
My favourite book character is Hermione Granger because she’s strong, independent and likes reading.
I love musicals! Both watching them and being in them! We are currently rehearsing for our next school production – We Will Rock You. I enjoy being a member of the cast and the atmosphere during the performances.
When I leave school, I hope to become a West End Actress.
If I won the lottery, I would donate some of the money to our local foodbank as our school supports this cause, especially as part of our Christmas Hamper Event. I would also take my friends to London to see the Lion King musical as it’s incredible!
If I found a genie in a bottle, my three wishes would be:
- To end world hunger.
- To take my family to Walt Disney World Resort in Florida for a holiday.
- Improved healthcare globally.
TASK TWO: Book review of The Stitchwort Curse by Alexandra Dawe
This book tells the fantasy story of Etta Starling and her family who, due to a century-old curse, are trapped inside a crumbling, haunted mansion called Stitchwort. Etta wakes one night to an unusual sound – a car driving towards their house. This holds her long-lost relatives who are fleeing their Nazi-invaded country. A sequence of events unfolds, involving mystery, enchantment and mythical creatures. Etta and her cousin, Felix, go on an adventure to try to break the Stitchwort curse and free their loved ones, but instead they discover that their family’s history is not as it seems.
I would rate this book 4.5 out of 5 stars, because the plot was gripping, with unexpected turns of events that kept me glued to the pages. The author painted a picture with words that unlocked an imaginative new world. I would like to have seen how Etta and her family escaped the mansion and became part of their local community.
I especially liked the way Etta could communicate with spiders to get help when she was in danger. It made these scary eight-legged creatures appear caring and intelligent. The way that Felix communicated with Etta using a spider’s web when they were in separate rooms was innovative and resourceful.
The main character was Etta, a courageous young girl with magical powers. She lived in Stitchwort with her mother (Mary), father (James), grandparents and hundreds of spiders. Her cousin, Felix, and his mother (Viola) and poorly father (Ronald) joined them to live in the mansion. During their adventures, Etta and Felix met a range of mythical creatures including Selkies and merfolk, the most notable of which was Marin, a ghost Selkie who was searching for her stolen seal skin so she could return to the sea.
My favourite character was Etta because she was curious and innovative. She had a kind heart and was determined to help others even when faced with danger.
I learnt many new words whilst reading this book, including:
- Chagrined: disappointment or anger, especially when caused by a failure or mistake.
- Elope: to run away secretly with the intention of getting married.
- Gossamer: a fine filmy substance consisting of cobwebs spun by small spiders, especially in autumn.
- Subdued: something that is quiet, calm or restrained
I learnt the names of many different types of spiders, including tangle-web spiders, wolf spiders and trapdoor spiders. I have gained the knowledge that female trapdoor spiders are reclusive, spending the majority of their time in their burrows, which serves as their shelter and hunting ground.
People should read this book because it is a spellbinding blend of magic, mystery and everlasting friendships. The author has created an enchanting atmosphere and a range of loveable human and mythical characters, which spark both your imagination and emotions. There is a suspenseful plot which will have readers totally and utterly engrossed.
What is DreamBox Reading Plus?
Reading Plus is an adaptive online reading development programme designed to accelerate progress, improve results and build engagement.
Benefits of Reading Plus include:
- An efficacy study proved that students using Reading Plus significantly progressed more than non-users (full study here).
- Students are offered choice and control to self-select texts aligned with their interests from a vast online library.
- Regular challenges and initiatives motivate students, encourage reading for pleasure and celebrate successes – like our Reading Plus Champions!
Want to discover if Reading Plus can help your school? Book a call with a Reading Development Consultant to find out more!