Litary Related Articles
Jericho Rock-Archer / Tips
Sarah Connor, Trustee of Fledge Trust, back left, writer and editor Kate De Goldi, Naenae Intermediate Librarian Lois Fordyce and Student Librarian Amelia Ferguson.
The school library feels like home to Amelia Ferguson.
12-year-old middle school student Naenae loves reading because it helps her escape to other worlds. “I like to read about things that couldn’t happen, but that I want to happen.”
Amelia was recently dragged into one of these worlds, in a story about a sheep station in space called Docking season by Jonathan King.
King’s story is featured in the anthology Annual 2, commissioned and edited by Kate De Goldie and Susan Paris.
READ MORE:
* Guest author is delighted to see children in the lead role of the book turned game
* Annual editors inspired by the market gap for young readers
* Children’s book with everything for everyone brings back memories
It’s a book filled with stories, comics, poems, essays, recipes, and art, all written by New Zealand writers and artists, designed to give young readers a chance to explore new genres.
Wellington’s charity, the Fledge Trust, is on a mission to get 450 copies of the books to lower decile elementary and middle schools across the country.
They have already raised $ 18,000 and sent 367 books to schools – Naenae Intermediate is one of the recipients.
Jericho Rock-Archer / Tips
The Fledge Trust is raising funds to get 450 copies of the Annual 2 to low-decile schools across the country, and Naenae Intermediate in Lower Hutt recently received her copy.
“There is never enough money in school libraries, so you need to assess what you are investing in that will be most beneficial for students,” said school librarian Lois Fordyce.
“So when we get these beautiful books that are sent to us for free, you say to yourself, ‘yes, that’s wonderful’. “
Fordyce said there was “so much” in Annual 2 for young readers, many are drawn to graphic novels, but could also be introduced to poetry through the book.
Fledge administrator Sarah Connor said the trust had an additional $ 4,000 to raise before reaching the goal of 450 pounds.
They wanted to inspire a lifelong love of reading to as many children as possible, as well as showcase the various literary and artistic talents of Annual 2, she said.
“It’s about reading for fun, not because a teacher said you have to finish this book.”
De Goldi said giving the books to school libraries was key to the goal – because these were places that reduced inequalities in access to books.
Jericho Rock-Archer / Tips
Annual 2 is based on the annual series of popular mid-20th century magazines. It contains a mix of poems, short stories, comics and illustrations designed to introduce new genres to readers.
De Goldi, an award-winning writer, said Annual 2 aimed at ages 9 to 13 – an age group where children start to give up picture books and become independent readers – although any age group could be drawn.
Annual 2 is based on the Annuals – a literary magazine series of stroke marketing books that were popular with children in the mid-20th century.
The eclectic mix of genres in this imaginative hardcover book is designed to become a literary “medley” for readers, something they can turn to as they age.
Jericho Rock-Archer / Tips
Naenae Middle school student Amelia Ferguson loves reading because it takes her to different worlds.
The books have provided readers with a journey “through time and space,” De Goldi said.
“When you are a reader you always have a friend, the book and everyone in it, you are never alone.”
The link to the Fledge Trust’s Givealittle page can be found here.
