Premiers Reading Challenge
Only two months remain to complete the Premiers Reading Challenge for 2022. Students will need to have read 20 books (15 PRC books and 5 of own choice) by Friday 19th August. Premiers Reading Challenge books in the Senior Library can be identified by the red sticker found on the book’s spine. To be entered in the competition students need to return to Library staff a signed parental permission form along with a completed book list. Permission notes/book lists can be found in the IRC.
eBooks in the Library
Can’t find what your looking for on the shelf? Try an eBook! Students at Thomas Hassall have access to digital books through the Overdrive student app Sora. The Sora app is available on Window and Mac computers, iPhone and iPad, a wide range of mobile and android devices as well as Google Chromebooks. Setting up an account is quick and easy, and there is a wide range of great books available for borrowing. For more information please speak to Library staff who will be happy to help.
Book Bites
Take a book bite to see if it is to your taste
‘Nightingale’ – Fiona McIntosh
“Amidst the carnage of Gallipoli, British nurse Claire Nightingale meets Australian Light Horseman Jamie Wren. Despite all odds, they fall deeply in love. Their flame burns bright and carries them through their darkest hours, even when war tears them apart. Jamie's chance meeting with Turkish soldier Açar Shahin on the blood-stained battlefield forges an unforgettable bond between the men. It also leaves a precious clue to Jamie's whereabouts for Claire to follow. Come peacetime, Claire's desperate search to find Jamie takes her all the way to Istanbul, and deep into the heart of Açar's family, where she attracts the unexpected attention of a charismatic and brooding scholar. In the name of forgiveness, cultures come together, enemies embrace and forbidden passions ignite – but by the breathtaking conclusion, who will be left standing to capture Nurse Nightingale's heart?”
‘Nightingale’ written by Australian author Fiona McIntosh is a compelling and beautifully written historical romance showing how love and friendship can survive even in the darkest of places. Wonderfully researched and descriptive, it brings alive the terrible carnage of Gallipoli and the exotic world of post war Istanbul. Emotional and moving, readers will love main protagonist Claire and eagerly follow her quest to find the man she loves. A fantastic book suitable for students in Years 9 to 12.
‘A Boy of the Agoge’ – Helena P Schrader
“The smaller of twins, born long after two elder brothers, Leonidas was considered an afterthought from birth -- even by his mother. Lucky not to be killed for being undersized, he was not raised as a prince like his eldest brother, Cleomenes, who was heir to the throne, but instead had to endure the harsh upbringing of ordinary Spartan youth. Barefoot, always a little hungry, and subject to harsh discipline, Leonidas had to prove himself worthy of Spartan citizenship. Struggling to survive without disgrace, he never expected that one day he would be king or chosen to command the combined Greek forces fighting a Persian invasion. But these were formative years that would one day make him the most famous Spartan of them all: the hero of Thermopylae.”
‘A Boy of the Agoge’ gives readers a fascinating insight into the brutal world children had to face in ancient Sparta. Well written with a perfect blend of historical fact and fiction, this story is a real time capsule into the life of one of Ancient Greece’s greatest heroes. Author Helena Schrader really has brought Leonidas to life, weaving a wonderful backstory that shows us how this future hero becomes the man that we all know he will be. Deep, rich and engaging, this is a perfect novel for anyone who enjoys ancient history and historical fiction.
Mrs Annette Comiskey & Mr Michael Smith
Senior IRC Library Team
