Celebrating Books

On Thursday, 11 June, the Year 8 judging team for the Portsmouth Book Award (Longer Novel) attended the long-awaited celebration event at the University of Portsmouth’s Park Building.

After reading, discussing and voting for their favourite novel from the four shortlisted titles, the pupils had eagerly anticipated the ‘big reveal’ when they came together with other students from Portsmouth schools to discover which author had won this prestigious accolade.  This year it was the book that the Springfield team had unanimously voted for – ‘The Vulpine’ by Polly Crosby. 

This was the 25th anniversary of the Portsmouth Book Award, and the special guest was Peter Bone, who had initiated this popular event when he was previously the manager of the School Library Service. David Percival, the Library and Archives Manager at Portsmouth City Council was also in attendance, and Polly Crosby was there in person to receive her award. 

Polly made an interesting and inspirational speech about how persistence pays off, as she kept writing, despite previous rejection from publishers for five novels. She kept improving her writing style and crafting novels even though it took twenty years before having her first novel published! She compared writing itself to being like a muscle that needs exercising in order to become better and stronger. She also emphasised the need to read as much as possible as it improves neural networks, releases endorphins and gives new perspectives. 

Polly’s own experience of cystic fibrosis adds authenticity to the chronic illness that one of the characters in the novel, Ora, deals with, and the themes of awareness, compassion, kindness and empathy provide a thought-provoking, positive message of acceptance, celebrating difference and valuing who you are, in this powerful dystopian novel. 

To add to the excitement at the event, the Reading Champion of the Year was also announced after nominations were received from the librarians of each participating school. Much to our delight, Ruth Taylor, was one of the two pupils awarded this prestigious title! Ruth received her well-deserved prize from Polly Crosby. The Springfield team each received a Book Voucher to put towards a book of their choice, and were presented with a certificate to mark their participation in the process.

‘The Vulpine’ was a very popular choice and a worthy winner in this National Year of Reading. If you would like to read it, copies are available to borrow from Springfield Library, or from the public libraries during the summer holidays. If you are a keen reader, you could also get involved as one of the pupil judges for next year’s event!

Mrs Williams, Librarian.