Book Awards

Kent College hosted the PageTurners themed book awards for what would have been the tenth year running. 160 avid readers from 13 local schools got together to celebrate the shortlisted books on the theme of 'Friendship'. Author Sarah Crossan gave an enthusiastic, dramatic, and very funny talk about her book, writing verse novels, and rapping. Polly Ho-Yen gave a virtual talk which encouraged the audience to use their 'brain compost' to write creatively and her book 'Boy in the Tower' was the overall winner. The awards featured a fancy dress competition, home-made book trailers, and wonderful creative responses to the books.

Feedback from participating schools was fantastic.

"I just wanted to get in touch to say a special Thank You to you for last night - I thought it was a really brilliant evening. It all went so smoothly and all the students that I brought along with me had an absolutely fantastic time. It was so lovely to see so many students being joyful about books - I think Sarah Crossan could convert even the most reluctant of readers! There was so much enthusiasm from everyone who came along last night - I'm sure I'll be bringing more students next year." Mascalls

"Sounds as if our students had a whale of a time and the teachers both said it was fantastic and wanted to pass on their thanks to all concerned." Weald of Kent

"A huge thank you from me and my students who enjoyed our first Gala evening tremendously. What a night!" Radnor House

"It was fantastic to be back in person and Sarah and Polly were both great. Sarah delivered one of the best author presentations I think I have seen (and I ran a kids book festival for a couple of years). I have had a troop of boys through the library this morning coming to say thank you." Skinners' School

"I know my little group enjoyed the night, as did the teacher who took them. They were buzzing and hopefully we can build on this and bring more next year!" Bethany

"Thank you all from all of us here at Bennett. Sarah’s absolutely brilliant – the students were really buzzing afterwards." Bennett

"Many thanks from us too. I was sad to not be there, but Sarah sent me some photos late last night and I could see our boys thoroughly enjoying it!" TWGSB