What better way to get to know someone than through their bookshelves? Meet Hazel Murrell - the SLA's new Community and Engagement Officer.
Hazel has worked with children's literature and school libraries for over 10 years, including experience of working as a School Librarian and Manager for a School Library Service. Hazel brings an incredible passion for children's books to her role, and we're excited to share some of her summer reading highlights with you.
This week I watched my daughter at the local library as she enthusiastically launched herself at the librarian, to tell them all about the books she had enjoyed in the 7 days since we'd last been there. It was a moment that perfectly highlighted the joy of sharing the books we have read with the people around us. And she got a sticker - what could be better?!
So, in the spirit of a child who is thrusting these books towards you, here are some of the titles that have stood out to me so far this summer.
Listening to the audio book of Black Joy, an anthology of letters edited by Charlie Brinkhurst-Cuff and Timi Sotire and narrated by familiar voices, I have been thoroughly absorbed in their deeply personal experiences of being Black British and finding joy within their lives. So preoccupied listening that I stood in front of the kettle with an empty cup for half an hour before realising I had intended to make some tea!
I've been keen to get my hands on Matt Goodfellow’s The First Year since publication, and was not disappointed with this sequel, which picks up from where the Carnegie-nominated The Final Year left off. With his distinctive use of dialect, Goodfellow’s words just flow on the page and I loved accompanying Nate as he faces the challenges of year 7. This is a perfect read for this time of year when transitions are looming. It is also a great moment to revisit our recent webinar with Matt, which discusses literary approaches to managing transition.
In the picture book realm, Our Pebbles by JARVIS really provides all the summer vibes. It is just stunning, with gorgeous artwork and a heartwarming, delicate story. I adored this although the last page left me hugging the book and sobbing for a moment so: prepare yourselves. I also caught up with The Cafe at the Edge of the Woods by Mikey Please and am annoyed that I didn't read it sooner! Such a fun, clever story with gentle humour, brilliant rhyming and beautiful illustrations.
In the last few weeks, I have been privileged to have some required reading for the selection panel of the Blue Peter Book Club too. The Blue Peter Book Club is all about showcasing books that children won't want to put down, and aiming to introduce young readers to new writing that they may not have previously discovered. The SLA is pleased to be on the selection panel for the final list of titles, co-ordinated by The Reading Agency. This means we can help curate the list of exciting, engaging and diverse books that will help get children across the UK reading. Look out for announcements about a new series coming soon.
Looking over to my TBR pile, I can see some really enticing titles that I can’t wait to get my teeth into, such as LD Lapinski’s Kick Flip, Oxford Blood by Rachel Davis-Featherstone, The Rise of the Sand Spirits by Siobhan McDermott, Small Wonder by Ross Montgomery and Lil Muffin drops the Mic by Romesh Rangathan. I was also lucky enough to attend the launch party for Gloam by debut author Jack Mackay, which promises to be a great read for any middle-grade horror lovers.
If you're keen to attend more book launches and industry events, make sure you take a look at our new Member Invitations calendar, where we will curate and share details of publisher-led events that SLA members are welcome to attend for free. This is an exclusive member benefit, that should make it easy for you to attend inspirational and enjoyable events, find out about new book releases, stay connected to the wider literary community, and see some of the SLA team out in the wild!
In the meantime, please do take a moment to share your summer reads with the people around you. You might not get a sticker, but you will get the thrill of helping your friends, colleagues and loved ones discover a brilliant new - or new to them - book.
If you are looking for more inspiration for your own summer reading or ideas for exciting and engaging library stock, take a look at our SLA recommended read book lists.