Allison Lee – Head of Library & Information Services (7-12) | HSIE Teacher

Challenge, Create and Play

Starting soon on Wednesdays at lunchtime in the library two of our Year 8 students, Xavier and Tennyson, will be hosting a challenge, create and play space where you can learn to play a new game, solve a puzzle or create something interesting. Look out for an email in your inbox soon!

Book reviews

I was very excited that some students have volunteered to write book reviews for this column. Thank you to Emily Seemann and Leah Joshua for their contributions this week.

I have included content information or a link to Common Sense Media to find out more.

A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder – Review by Emily Seemann

A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder written by Holly Jackson, published in 2019 is an extraordinary novel which explores the power of determination, the importance of everyone having a voice and the deception of looks. It is about the journey of a high school girl as she discovers the many layers of right and wrong.

This sensational novel follows a young girl called Pip as she investigates a closed murder case in her small home town, Little Kilton, as a high school project. As Pip conducts interviews and investigates the past, she unravels secrets and discovers what really happened in Little Kilton all those years ago. Through her journey she must decide who to trust and decide how far she will go to find the truth. 

Holly Jackson’s novel is a great read because it provides a unique perspective about crime from an ambitious 18-year-old girl still figuring out the complexities of human nature. A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder is a young adult (13 years+) mystery novel and I have given it a rating of 4.5/5.

Discussion Points

• Has anyone you know had something shared on social media that hurt or humiliated them?
• What precautions have you taken so that your personal photos and posts can’t be shared without your permission?

You can find more discussion points and other useful information about the book’s themes and content here at Common Sense Media

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo – Review by Leah Joshua

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Read is a touching masterpiece about discovering who you are, misrepresentation in the media and how true love can overcome all obstacles. Published in 2017, this novel has recently gained attention on social media platforms and is certainly worth the hype. 

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo follows an eager young interviewer who is asked to write a biography about a prominent and renowned actress, Evelyn. Together we follow Evelyn as she escapes to the streets of Hollywood, leaving her life of tragedy and abusiveness behind and marrying her first husband, Ernie. Throughout the book, we learn about each of Evelyn’s seven husbands and her one true love. Leading a life of discovery, fame, love and tragedy, Evelyn is a compelling and fascinating character who you can count on to surprise you in the most unexpected ways.

Taylor Jenkins Reid portrays Evelyn in a unique and bold way, at a time when women in the ‘50s usually weren’t. It is a heartfelt, emotive novel, and riveting until the very last page. A historical fiction full of love, power, representation, and sorrow, it would be a crime not to give this book 5 stars. Recommended for ages 14+. Strong themes – sexual content and adult concepts.