Lounging with books

In this episode Claire & Sophie reflect on their many years as school librarians. They focus on their favourite moments and sum up why being a school librarian is such a rewarding experience.Podcast Time Stamps: Author Visits (3.30) Brian Conaghan (3.52) Simon James Green (4.21) Paula Rawsthorne (4.53) Bali Rai (5.17) Eve Ainsworth (5.36) Matt Dickenson (5.51) Student Librarians (6.05) Debate Club (8.10) Board Games Club (10.36) Reading Classics (12.44) Year 7 Gifted Book - Phil Earle (15.20) Booktrust (17.04) Final Book Reviews: 'Only on the Weekends' by Dean Atta (19.22) 'The Gone Book' by Helena Close (21.14) Stay in touch on twitter @marriscmarris @sljoneswriter and keep following the @lounge_learning handle! :D

In this episode Claire and Sophie interview Sydney. Sydney is the newly appointed Diversity Ambassador at Toot Hill College and identifies as Asexual and Nonbinary. They tell us more about what it means to be Asexual and Nonbinary and their experience. Remember its PRIDE month so get out there and celebrate!Questions: Talking about Asexuality and Nonbinary  Diversity Ambassador Plans (4.05) What does Pride mean to you? (7.57) Advice to allies and those coming out (9.52) What are you reading? - 'The Bell Jar' by Elizabeth Sylvia Plath (13.15) Books with Asexual/Nonbinary Main Characters: 'Loveless' by Alice Oseman (14.47) 'Radio Silence' by Alice Oseman (15.06) 'Birthday' by Meredith Russo (15.15) 'Gender Queer' by Maia Kobabe (16.07) As always follow us on twitter @lounge_learning

In this episode Claire and Sophie interview Miss Gibbs. Miss Gibbs helps run the Diversity Group at school and identifies as bisexual. She tells us more about what it means to be bisexual and her experience. Remember its PRIDE month so get out there and celebrate!Questions: Talking about bisexuality Diversity Group (1.35) Your experience as a teen vs now (3.26) Bisexual Bad Press? (4.09) What does Pride mean to you? (5.51) Advice to allies and those coming out (7.34) What are you reading? - 'City of Girls' by Elizabeth Gilbert (9.05) Books with Bisexual Main Characters: 'The Quiet At The End Of The Universe' by Lauren James (11.06) 'The M Word' by Brian Conaghan (11.29) 'Daisy On The Outer Line' by Ross Sayers (11.29) 'Radio Silence' by Alice Oseman (12.08) 'Red, White and Royal Blue' by Casey McQuiston (12.28) 'Gentleman's Guide To Vice And Virtue' by Mackenzi Lee (12.51) 'We Are Young' by Cat Clarke (13.06) As always follow us on twitter @lounge_learning

In this episode, Claire and Sophie interview Retired Professional Cricket player Darren Bicknell. Darren delivered a talk to our students today about getting into professional cricket, his experiences and careers in coaching.Questions: Where does your cricket career start? (0.31) Playing for England (4.19) What is the Belvoir Cricket and Countryside Trust (6.43) What do you love about coaching? (8.13) Tips for young players (9.10) Book Review:'Tales from the front lines' by Luke Fletcher (11.38)As always follow us on twitter @lounge_learning

In this episode, Claire and Sophie chat about Mental Health Week and focus on Loneliness. How can reading help you! With mention to the amazing Happiful magazine which we subscribe too. We then review our books.Book Review: 'Kissing Emma' by Shappi Khorsandi (6.23) 'Inheritance Games' by Jennifer Lynn Barnes (7.58) 'Bad Girls Never Say Die' by Jennifer Mathieu (10.07) 'Radio Silence' by Alice Oseman (13.19) We will be back with Darren Bicknell next week!Chat to us on twitter @lounge_learning.

In this episode, Claire and Sophie talk about their recent library activities and then talk books!- Movie Night - reviewing the secret garden - Year 7 Gifted book - Phil Earle's amazing, 'While the Storm Rages'- Upcoming awards evening ft. Tamsin Winter.Book Reviews 'October, October' by Katya Balen (5.03) 'Lumberjanes Vol.2' by Noelle Stevenson (7.57) 'Laura Dean Keeps Breaking Up with Me' by Mariko Tamaki (8.39) 'The Bewitching of Aveline Jones' by Phil Hickes (10.14) 'All Boys Aren't Blue' by George M. Johnson (13.24) 'Kissing Emma' by Shappi Khorsandi (17.24) 'The Inheritance Games' by Jennifer Lynn Barnes (21) As always get in touch over on twitter @lounge_learning

In this episode, Claire and Sophie chat to debut YA author Mark Ballabon. Mark has recently published his book 'Home: My life in the universe'. This podcast is bursting with fantastical philosophical conversations! Mark also uses is crazy skills and manages to tell Claire and Sophie about their personalities from just their handwriting!Its a podcast not to be missed!Questions include: Tell us about your book (0-3) Character discussion (3-8.30) How did you publish (8.30 -12.20) YA authors who inspire you (9.06-12.20) What does home mean to you? (12.20 -14) Fun activity - Reading our handwriting. (14-)As always join in the conversation on twitter @lounge_learning.

 In this episode, Claire and Sophie discuss World Book Night (0.11 - 4.26), The Heartstopper phenomenon (4.26 -6.03) and their upcoming author visit with Mark Ballabon (6.03-7.02). Shoutout to St George's Library for their great Heartstopper idea which we stole, you can follow them on twitter for more ideas @stgelibrary.Books Reviewed: 'Before the Coffee gets Cold' by Toshikazu Kawaguchi/ translated by Geoffrey Trousselat (7.29) 'Piranesi' by Susanna Clarke (9.24) 'Not if I can help it' by Carolyn Mackler (10.46) 'Our Wives under the Sea' by Julia Armfield (12.44) 'October, October' by Katya Balen (14.55) 'I am the Minotaur' by Anthony McGowen (16.26) Also if you are ever in the Northumberland area, check out these independent bookstores - Forum books and The Accidental bookshop. Their Twitter handle: @Forumbooks. These are mentioned at 12.44 in the podcast.As always join in the conversation over on twitter @lounge_learning.

Claire and Sophie read loads over the Easter Holidays! They dive straight into their reviews:Books Reviewed: 'Not my problem' by Ciara Smyth (0.34) 'Everyone dies famous in a small town' by Bonnie-Sue Hitchcock (1.11) 'Host Club' by Bisco Hatori (3.50) 'New Kid' by Jerry Craft (5.13) 'Guard your heart' by Sue Divin (5.37) 'Cane Warriors' by Alex Wheatle (7.36) 'Bad Hair Day' by Jane Forster (8.50) 'Zara Hossain is here' by Sabina Khan (10.11) 'Not if I can help it' by Carolyn Macker (11.49) 'Gargantis' by Thomas Taylor (14.31) 'October,October' by Katya Balen (16.37) As always join in the conversation over on twitter @lounge_learning

In this episode, Claire and Sophie chat to Hridya and Hannah - students at Toot Hill School. The students chat to us about the first ever Nova Inter-School Debate Competition. They talk us through their motions, what they learnt and why they think debate is important. Huge thanks to Madani School for debating with us! Until next time.The students then review their books, including 'We Come Apart' by Brian Conaghan and Sarah Crossan (9.22).As always get in touch via twitter @lounge_learning

Claire and Sophie talk about the Carnegie shortlist.  'When the Sky Falls' by Phil Earle 'The Crossing' by Manjeet Mann 'Punching the Air' by Ibi Zoboi and Yusef Salaam 'Tsunami Girl' by Julian Sedgwick and Chie Kutsuwada 'Cane Warriors' by Alex Wheatle 'Guard your Heart' by Sue Divin 'October October' by Katya Balen They then review their books! 'My Policeman' by Bethan Roberts (9.20) 'Skywake Invasion' by Jamie Russell (10.33) 'First Day of my Life' by Lisa Williamson (12.45) 'Not my Problem' by Ciara Smyth As always join in the conversation over on our twitter @lounge_learning

In this episode, Claire & Sophie discuss the recent controversy surrounding a cancelled author visit. They lay out the facts and then offer their support to Simon James Green and express the importance of fiction in schools. They then discuss Claire's article about controversial fiction which will be published by SLA later this year. They then review their books.Book Reviews:  'Through the Woods' by Emily Carroll (8.14) 'Loveless' by Alice Oseman (10.41) 'What Kind of Girl' by Alyssa Sheinmel  (12.20) 'Skywake Invasion' by Jamie Russell (15.46) 'Hail Mary' by Andy Weir (16.56) As always let us know your thoughts over on twitter @lounge_learning.

In this episode, Claire and Sophie talk about National Careers Week. They talk about the importance of careers education in school and then discuss how their own career paths have turned out. Including job history and what their dream jobs were when they were at school.Book Reviews: 'The Twyford Code' by Janice Hallett (11.48) 'The Front Desk' by Kelly Yang (13.12) 'Loveless' by Alice Oseman (16.18) We will see you next week! In the meantime let us know your career paths & dream jobs over on twitter @lounge_learning.

 In this episode Claire & Sophie chat about World Book Day! They discuss what they are doing to celebrate and what the School is doing too. After they review their books!Book Reviews: 'The Supreme Lie' by Geraldine McCaughrean (7.38) 'The Anamoly' by Herve Le Tellier (9.29) 'The Twyford Code' by Janice Hallett (11.59) 'The Front Desk' by Kelly Yang (14.28) Enjoy World Book Day and check out our Wakelet page hereShare your love of books with us on twitter @lounge_learning

In this episode, Claire and Sophie talk about the importance of school libraries and what amazing things they offer for students. The Great School Library Campaign is currently in its second phase and supports the idea that every school should have a library!We then review our books: 'The Outrage' by William Hussey (5) 'While the Storm Rages' by Phil Earle (8.27) 'Ace of Spades' by Faridah Abike-Iyimide (11.15) 'Birthday' by Meredith Russo (12.51) 'The Supreme Lie' by Geraldine McCaughrean (14.22) 'The Anomaly' by Herve Le Tellier Let us know, on twitter, what books you have been reading and why libraries are important to you.   @lounge_learning #greatschoollibraries

In this episode Claire & Sophie talk about what they have been up to! Including Reading Week, Setting up a library, and our National Storytelling Competition. They then review the books they've read and talk about the books they are reading over half-term.Books reviewed are: 'What's that in Dog Years' by Ben Davis (5.03) 'Proud of Me' by Sarah Hagger-Holt (6.46) 'The Deepest Breath' by Meg Grehan (8.58) 'Home' by Mark Ballabon (10.18) 'On Earth we're Briefly Gorgeous' by Ocean Vuong (14.12) 'While the Storm Rages' by Phil Earle (15.41) Books for Half-Term are: 'Birthday' by Meredith Russo (18.12) 'The Outrage' by William Hussey (19.53) 'The Anomaly' by Herve Le Tellier (20.34) 'The Supreme Lie' by Geraldine McCaughrean (21.53) 'Ace of Spades' by Faridah Abike-Iyimide (23.16) As always keep in touch over on twitter @lounge_learning.

In this episode, Claire and Sophie interview author Ben Davis!Questions below: Ben's writing journey (1.05) Ben's passion for poetry (4.53) Ben's Twitter Activity (7.59) All about the Soup Movement (8.41) Future projects (11.36) Writing Tips (14.23) What are you reading right now? - 'Has Anyone seen Archie Ebbs' by Simon Packham (15.40) & 'Where the Crawdads Sing' by Delia Owens (16.30) Thank you for visiting us Ben and we cannot wait for your future books! As always get in touch over on twitter @lounge_learning

In this episode Claire & Sophie talk about their Reading Week plans including: Ben Davis Author visit, Marvel Munch, Bookheads Quiz and Harry Potter Book Night! They then review the books they've been reading.Books reviewed are: 'Afterlove' by Tanya Byrne (5.23) 'The Crossing' by Manjeet Mann (7.20) 'Gloves Off' by Louisa Reid (11.08) 'Two Boys Kissing' by David Levithan (13.34) 'Every Little Piece of my Heart' by Non Pratt (17.05) 'Proud of Me' by Sarah Hagger-Holt (19.15) As always keep in touch over on twitter @lounge_learning.

In this episode Claire & Sophie dive straight into their holiday book reviews! Both went on a reading spree so there are many to discuss.Books reviewed are: 'Arctic Zoo' by Robert Muchamore (0.59) 'The Cheerleaders' by Kara Thomas (3.16) 'Crater Lake' by Jennifer Killick (3.52) 'Girl (In Real Life) by Tamsin Winter (5.24) 'How to Save the World with a Chicken and an Egg by Emma Shevah (8.34) 'Whitby Witches' by Robin Jarvis (9.56) 'The World Between Us' by Sarah Ann Juckes (13.21) 'The Girl From the Sea' by Molly Knox Ostertag (15.33) 'Two Boys Kissing' by David Levithan (17.30) 'The Crossing' by Manjeet Mann (19.47) As always keep in touch over on twitter @lounge_learning.

In this episode, Claire and Sophie interview author Ross Welford!Questions below: Ross's writing journey (0.41) About the '1000 Year Old Boy' (1.50) Which book is Ross's favourite (3.43) Discussion on Ross's book themes (5.34) What was Ross like at school? (6.42) Writing Tips (8.18) What are you reading right now? - 'Locked out Lily' by Nick Lake (9.46) Ross's Magic Tricks (10.34) Thank you for visiting us Ross and we cannot wait for your future books! Merry Christmas!As always get in touch over on twitter @lounge_learning

In this episode, Claire and Sophie interview author Brian Conaghan!Questions below: Brian's writing journey (0.47) Career Path (1.47) Why did you write Middle Grade? (3.07) How did the Sarah Crossan collaboration happen? (4.27) Why did you incorporate Haiku's into 'Cardboard Cowboys' (5.54) What were you like at school? (6.24) Writing Tips (8.52) What are you reading right now? - 'The Salt Path' by Raynor Winn (10.12) Brian's next project (12.09) Thank you for visiting us Brian and we cannot wait for your future book!As always get in touch over on twitter @lounge_learning

In this episode Claire & Sophie recap on the big events that happened this week including the Sleigh Debate, Student Librarian Christmas Bonanza, and Brian Conaghan's author talk.They then talk about the books they have taken home for Christmas: 'Girl in Real Life' by Tamsin Winter (5.26) 'The World between us' by Sarah Ann Juckes (6.30) 'Artic Zoo' by Robert Muchamore (7.46) 'How to Save the World with a Chicken and an Egg' by Emma Shevah (9.28) Then Claire reviews 'Mud' by Emily Thomas (10.37)As always keep in touch over on twitter @lounge_learning.

In this episode Claire & Sophie recap on the big events that happened last week including Heat 1 of the ESU debate, a webinar with Manjeet Mann, creating the Reading Week advert and fake Ben Davies.They then review their books from 8.20 'Nyxia' by Scott Reingten 'Wink' by Rob Harrell (8.54) 'Laura Dean Keeps Breaking Up With Me' by Mariko Tomaki and Rosemary Valero O'Connell (9.15) 'The Last Paper Crane' by Kerry Drewery (10.53) 'The Cheerleaders' by Kara Thomas (12.51) 'Red, White and Royal Blue' by Casey McQuiston (15.46) As always keep in touch over on twitter @lounge_learning.

In this episode, Claire and Sophie chat about the countdown to Christmas! They have lots of activities going on. They chat about their Christmas display, scavenger hunt, raffle and movie night! They then talk about upcoming events including; Brian Conaghan Visit Ross Welford Visit ESU Mace competition Manjeet Mann CILIP Webinar   At 9.05 they jump into their book reviews! 'How to make friends in the dark' & 'You'd be home now' by Kathleen Glasgow (9.05) 'The Thursday Murder Club' by Richard Osman (11.10) 'The Wolf Road' by Richard Lambert (12.23) 'George' by Alex Gino (14.48) 'Wink' by Rob Harrell (16.19) Shoutout to Taran Mathieu at (15.51)As always get in touch over on twitter @lounge_learning

In this podcast, Claire & Sophie interview French and Spanish teacher Ms Graham. She discusses the following information:  How she became a teacher  What its like to study a foreign language at University  Living France  Why she studied French  When did she learn Spanish  What was she like at school? Best opportunity  She then reviews what she's been reading - Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens (8.30)  Finally some great tips on studying languages! (10 mins)  Get in touch via our twitter @lounge_learning ALSO sorry for the poor audio quality during this recording. The heating played havoc with the audio... 

In this episode, Claire and Sophie discuss their relationship with reading over the years and how it has changed. They also discuss how working in a library has altered their reading culture. We hope you enjoy this personal podcast to celebrate our 100th episode!!! Thank you to all our listeners! Please share our podcast so we can continue to reach listeners and grow the reading network.We then review our books: 'When the Sky Falls' by Phil Earle (14.09) 'The Girls I've Been' by Tess Sharpe (16.27) 'Allies' by Alan Gratz (20.38) 'You Must be Layla' by Yasmin Abdel-Magied (22.30) Thank you for listening to our 100th episode and feel free to let us know you relationship with reading over on our twitter @lounge_learning.

In this episode, Claire & Sophie discuss why there has been a podcast hiatus. Then they get stuck into the new Book Trust pack and explore the new classics on offer! 'Black Brother, Black Brother' by Jewell Parker Rhodes (2.04) 'Skywake Invasion' by Jamie Russell (3.24) 'I am the Minotaur' by Anthony McGowen (5.40) 'Noor-Un-Nissa Inayat Khan' by Sufiya Ahmed (7.56) 'Wink' by Rob Harrell (10.15) They then review what books they have been reading! 'Letting Go' by Cat Clarke (13.08) 'The Disconnect' by Keren David (13.42) 'Giant Days' by John Allison, Max Sarin and Lissa Trieman (14.44) 'Gender Queer' by Maia Kobabe (16.43) 'Mortal Engines' by Phillip Reeve (17.55) As always follow us on twitter @lounge_learning.

In this episode, Claire & Sophie go through their 50 Fab Fiction picks! Every year they create a 50 fab fiction list of the best books they have read this year. In this podcast we discuss the following books & authors: 'Zed and the Cormorants' by Clare Owen (1.28) 'The Soup Movement' by Ben Davies (2.18) 'Heartbreak Boys' & 'You're the One that I want' (3.03) 'Lost' & 'Kicking Off' by Eve Ainsworth (4.18) 'Only Ever Yours' by Louise O'Neill (5.56) '7 Ghosts' & 'Freeze' by Chris Priestley (7.06-7.58) 'The Haunting of Aveline Jones' by Phil Hickes (7.16) 'The Midnight Library' by Matt Haig (7.58) 'When the Sky Falls' by Phil Earle (8.22) Then at (10.05) we discuss our fav LGBTQ+ reads including: 'The Falling in Love Montage' by Ciara Smyth, 'The Quiet at the End of the Universe' by Lauren James, 'Ivy Aberdeen's Letter to the World' by Ashley Herring Blake, 'You Should see me in a Crown' by Leah Johnson, 'Cinderella is Dead' by Kalynn Bayron and 'Wranglestone' by Darren Charlton.For a full list of our 50 fab Fiction check out our twitter post! @lounge_LearningThey then review the books they have just read: 'Ground Zero' by Alan Gratz (12.16) 'Artic Star' by Tom Palmer (16.15) Do you have any recommendations? Let us know over on twitter @lounge_learning

In this episode, Claire & Sophie discuss organising competitions which you can run in your library. They mention the launch of their Toot Hill Reader Challenge and they talk about their Big Draw Competition 2021.This year they are focusing the Big Draw on themes of Homelessness to tie into the Year 7 book they bought, 'Cardboard Cowboys' by Brian Conaghan.  Book Reviews: Climbers by Keith Gray (6.31) Freeze by Chris Priestley (7.25) Mooncakes by Wendy Xu and Suzanne Walker (8.10) The Midnight Library by Matt Haig (10.12) When the Sky Falls by Phil Earle (15.27) As always get in touch via twitter @lounge_learning and for more info about crisp packet blankets follow this link.

In this episode, Claire & Sophie chat about all the stuff they have been up to this week, including the introduction of extended study, our new peer reading scheme and our love of Laburnum Book Boxes. We also mention the English Speaking Union, Barrington Stoke, Alan Gratz & Booktrust.We then review our books from 8.14 'Cinderella is Dead' by Kalynn Bayron (8.14) 'Forever Ends on Friday' by Justin A Reynolds (10.29) 'Mooncakes' by Wendy Xu & Suzanne Walker (13.47) 'The Haunting of Aveline Jones' by Phil Hicks (15) 'Climbers' by Keith Gray (16.51) As always get in touch over on twitter @lounge_learning

In this episode, Claire & Sophie reflect on the busy start to the term now Covid restrictions have lifted. They talk about their plans for the library this year.Later at 5.24, they review some of their summer reads: 'A Kind of Spark' by Elle McNicholl (5.24) 'The Falling in Love Montage' by Ciara Smyth (8.40) 'One in a Hundred Thousand' by Linni Ingemundsen (11.36) Honorable mentions from 13.01, 'Punching the Air' by Ibi Zoboi & Yusef Salaam, 'Clementine & Rudy' by Siobhan Curham, 'Bad Habits' by Flynn Meaney, 'Rat' by Patrice Lawrence and 'What we're Scared of' by Keren David. Then at 14.06 we discuss what we are reading now, 'Wranglestone' by Darren Charlton.Let us know what you read this summer over on twitter @lounge_learning

In this episode Claire & Sophie briefly reflect on the last year in the library and then discuss the books they have taken for the summer! They read blurbs and the first pages of some of the books they have taken.Summer Reads: 'The 1000 Year Old Boy' by Ross Welford (4) 'The Cousins' by Karen McManus (4.40) 'Dick Kerr Girls' by Eve Ainsworth (6.02) 'When life gives you mangoes' by Kereen Getten (6.40) 'The M Word' by Brian Conaghan (8.42) 'Punching the Air' by Ibi Zoboi & Yusef Salaam (10) 'Again, Again' by E Lockhart (10.57) 'Falling in Love Montage' by Ciara Smyth (11.53) 'Clementine and Rudy' by Siobhan Curkham (12.43) 'What we're scared of' by Karen David (13.22) 'Orphan Monster Spy' by Matt Killeen (14.47) As always stay in touch via twitter @lounge_learning. Have a great summer.

In this episode, Claire and Sophie discuss Amy Hermon's podcast, School Librarians United. In particular, they mention the interview with Lucas Maxwell. They pinch the idea of getting Staff to read YA/Teen over the summer and chat about how they have installed the initiative in their school. They then discuss the books they've chosen to get their staff reading YA.In order of appearance: 'Shell' by Paula Rawsthorne (7.43) 'Eleanor & Park' by Rainbow Rowell (8.26) 'Bunker Diary' by Kevin Brooks (8.48) 'What's that in Dog Years' by Ben Davies (9.28) 'S.T.A.G.S' by M.A Bennett (9.55) 'Smart' by Kim Slater (10.04) 'Farewell Tour of the Terminal Optimist' by John Young (10.33) 'Eat Dirt' by Goldy Moldovsky (11.21) 'Chinglish' by Sue Cheung (11.58) 'A Good Girls Guide to Murder' by Holly Jackson (12.42) 'Little Bits of Sky' by S.E Durrant (13.20) 'Look Both Ways' by Jason Reynolds (14.40) 'Patron Saints of Nothing' by Randy Ribay (14.42) 'I am not a Number' by Lisa Heathfield (15.12) 'Rosie Loves Jack' by Mel Darbon (15.36) Make sure to check out Amy's podcast with Lucas here and follow us on twitter for more great library news @lounge_learning

In this episode, Claire & Sophie discuss Booktok. Booktok is an area of TikTok where creators make content about books. This has become a new trend and is making a difference to book sales and changing the face of YA reading. As we are dinosaurs in this new age of technology we interview two of our student librarians to learn more about this. We then review our books too! Titles and times below.Books we review: 'Shadow and Bone' by Leigh Bardugo (5.34/8.32) 'Red White & Royal Blue' by Casey McQuiston (7.52) 'The Year Book' by Holly Bourne (9.29) 'Chinglish' by Sue Cheung (12.22) 'Such Pretty Things' by Lisa Heathfield (14.27) Some Booktok Recommendations from our student librarians. BookToks to Follow: @obsessivebooker @bookswithgen @amys_reads @imogensbookshelf @booknooktalk Are you a Booktoker? What are your thoughts? Let us know over on twitter @lounge_learning

In this episode Claire and Sophie interview SCITT trainee Evie Cox. Evie explains her route into teaching, what the experience has been like and offers advice to others wanting to become teachers.We then chat about books and Evie lets us know what she's been reading, 'Motherhood so White' by Nefertiti AustinAs always get in touch on twitter @lounge_learning and if you are interested in our trusts teaching school you can follow them @TorchSCITT

In this episode, Claire and Sophie chat about the School Librarian of the Year awards. They talk about the ceremony and the amazing librarians on the honor list and the winner Kristabelle Williams. They then review their books: - 'The Cooking Club Detectives' by Ewa Jozefkowicz (4.56) - 'Lumberjanes' by Noelle Stevenson (8.01) - 'You're the one that I want' by Simon James Green (9.24) - 'The Fountains of Silence' by Ruta Septys (12.32) 'Look Both Ways' by Jason Reynolds (14.15) We also reveal the book we have chosen to gift to all our Year 7's next academic year! - 'Cardboard Cowboys' by Brian Conaghan (14.41) As always get in touch via twitter @lounge_learning.

In this episode Claire and Sophie interview PC Crane. PC Crane shares information about why a job in the police is rewarding, the harder aspects of the job, how to join the police and general advice on becoming a police officer. We then ask her what she's been reading: -'A tiny bit marvellous' by Dawn French (10.31) -'Oi Frog' by Kes Gray (11.32) For more information about the police visit https://www.nottinghamshire.police.uk/careers/nottinghamshire-police-careers And let us know what librarians can sit on over on twitter @lounge_learning

In this episode, Claire and Sophie interview Helen Timmins who is a classroom assistant at Toot Hill School. Helen is gearing up to do a charity swim across the Channel next week! She talks us through the training and her love of open water swimming. Helen is swimming the Channel to raise money for the Hub at Toot Hill School. The Hub is an area where students with mental health issues can go to talk and relax. It's a small area in our vast school so any money raised would be put to great use and improve student wellbeing. If you do want to support Helen and the Hub you can donate using the links below: https://donatemyschool.com/toot-hill-school-2518 https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/toothillhub Finally Helen lets us know what she is reading - The Lido by Libby Page (13 mins) - Understanding Pathological Demand Avoidance Syndrome in Children by Ruth Fidler (13.10) Catch up with all things Learning Lounge over on twitter @lounge_learning and follow Helen's journey @toothillbingham

In this episode, Claire and Sophie interview Toot Hill College Student Ben Anderson. Ben helped form a group in college known as the People's Society. This group aims to teach others about diversity and challenging issues. In this episode, Ben tells us a bit about LGBTQ+ issues to celebrate and kick-off PRIDE. The month of June is the start of PRIDE celebrations. Ben also reviews his books: 'Beautiful Fall' by Alicia Drake (8.32 mins) 'Gods and Kings' by Dana Thomas (9 mins) Ben then talks about his future plans which include going to London College of Fashion. Stay tuned with all things books by following us on Twitter @lounge_learning

In this episode, Claire & Sophie interview author Clare Owen. Clare has recently published her first teen book 'Zed and the Cormorants'. In this podcast we ask Clare the following questions: - What is your book about? - We've read that you are involved in theatre and you act out stories from the county of Cornwall. Was this an inspiration when writing the book? (1.27) - Why did you choose the cormorant? (3) - Explain why you focused on the issues you did in the book? (7) - How did you develop the character of Amy and why was this development important? (8.30) - Why did you not include other characters during the cormorant ceremony? (9.43) - What is your next project and what are you reading? (13.58) - Do you bake bread? (17.34) As always follow us on Twitter to stay up to date @lounge_learning and visit Clare's website for more information https://www.clareowenwriter.co.uk/

In this episode, Claire and Sophie chat about their annual reading week! They also share the poems they wrote for their poetry slam - one is about Glastonbury and the other about Dungeons and Dragons. Ben Davies's amazing poetry is also mentioned, and they review their books! Book reviews: 8.56 - ' The Clockwork Sparrow' by Katherine Woodfine 9.53 - 'Zed and the cormorants' by Claire Owen 11 - 'The Great Godden' by Meg Rosoff 12.14 - 'The Island at the end of everything' by Kiran Millwood Hargrave On the 11th of May, author Claire Owen will be joining us. Send any questions via our twitter @Lounge_learning. Also share your poetry with us! Happy Reading!

Claire and Sophie are back with their fortnightly podcast. After a brief hiatus due to testing & a cyber attack, Claire and Sophie sit down and discuss returning to school, what they've been up to and books they have been reading. Books reviewed include: 'Little bits of sky' by S.E Durrant (6.17) 'Haunting of Aveline Jones' by Phil Hickes (9.52) 'Look both ways' by Jason Reynolds (12.14) Also join us in our book cover discussion on twitter by @lounge_learning. Check out our mindfulness podcast here -> https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/loungingwithbooks/episodes/2019-06-13T01_04_11-07_00d

In this episode Claire and Sophie recap on their busy plans - LGBTQ+ history month, Storytelling competition, and the WBD hype train! We mention some amazing librarians you should follow on Twitter if you are not already: @jr_library, @tca_interhouse & @emmasuffield. We then review our half-term reads: 'Savage her Reply' by Deidre Sullivan (7.09), Stuart Gibbs Space Series (8.49), 'Rayne & Delilah's Midnite Matinee' by Jeff Zentner (10.35), 'The Quiet at the End of the World' by Lauren James (13.34) and 'Peril in Paris' by Katherine Woodfine (15.10). As always follow us on Twitter @lounge_learning and visit our Wakelet pages: LGBTQ+ - https://wke.lt/w/s/JvasfC WBD - https://wke.lt/w/s/tJCDOD

In this episode, Claire & Sophie interview author Sophie Anderson. Sophie Anderson has written three books including: 'The House with Chicken Legs', 'The Girl who Speaks Bear' and 'The Castle of Tangled Magic'. In this podcast we cover the following topics: - What books have you written and what are they about? - Discussion on 'The castle of Tangled Magic' - Why are your books always set in Prussia and do you plan to write books outside of this area? - How do you manage your work/life balance? From 11.58 questions from students: - Did Sophie have any other jobs before becoming a writer? -What inspired Sophie to write 'The House With Chicken Legs'? -Why did Sophie decide to become a writer? -Was the part about the afterlife, in 'The House with Chicken Legs', Sophie's own beliefs? From 20.14 Sophie lets us know what she has been reading and about her next book! Keep up to date with everything Learning Lounge and follow us on Twitter @lounge_learning

In this episode, Claire and Sophie discuss Britannica School. They discuss how it works, what it offers and is it worth the money. From 8 minutes onwards they review books! Starting with 'Eight Pieces of Silva' by Patrice Lawrence then 'Clean Getaway' by Nic Stone ( 10.24) and ending with 'The Castle of Tangled Magic' by Sophie Anderson (12.54). As always follow us on Twitter @lounge_learning and if you want to learn more about Britannica School the link is here:https://school.eb.co.uk/

In this episode, Claire and Sophie discuss the new lockdown. They discuss online provisions and ebooks. Let us know how you are getting on this lockdown and your opinions on ebooks! Either leave a comment here or head over to our Twitter @lounge_learning. Then they review their Christmas books! 'Wolf Children' by Paul Dowswell (6.45), 'You Should See Me In A Crown' by Leah Johnson (8.50), 'Seven Ghosts' by Chris Priestley (9.27), 'Daisy On The Outer Line' by Ross Sayers (11.57), 'Truly Devious: The Vanishing Stair' by Maureen Johnson (14.35) and 'Don't You Want Me' by Richard Easter (16.34). As always follow us on Twitter @lounge_learning and we will be back on the 21st of January. Stay safe.

In this episode, we discuss our Christmas Raffle, our author talk with Ele Fountain and then we review our books; 'Heartbreak Boys' by Simon James Green (4.38) and 'You should see me in a crown' by Leah Johnson (7.32). We will be back in January! In the meantime, catch up on episodes you missed or chat with us on twitter @lounge_learning.

In this episode, we chat about changing our COVID-19 procedures and opening the library to more year groups. We also mention great books to suggest to year 8 & 9. We then go on to review what we have been reading: 'The Soup Movement' by Ben Davis (7.53), 'Crush' by Svetlana Chmakova (10.17), 'All your twisted secrets' by Diana Urban (11.43) and 'Foxes' by M.A Bennett (13.40). As always let us know your thoughts. You can find us on twitter @lounge_learning

In this podcast we chat about some amazing YA books on our new November Display. We also review our half-time reads. 'The 57 Bus' by Dashka Slater (1.30), 'Children of Virtue & Vengeance' by Tomi Adeyemi (3.01), 'Dark Whispers' by Vashti Hardy (3.20), 'Get me out of here' by Andy McNab & Phil Earle (3.36), Manga discussion (4.53), 'Children of Willesden Lane' by Mona Golabek and Lee Cohen (6.30), 'Saving Midnight' by Suzy Zail (7),'tattoist of Aushwitz' by Heather Morris (7.28), 'Evie's War' by Hollie Web (8.12), 'Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes' by Suzanne Collins (10.30), 'The Good Thieves' by Katherine Rundell (12.10), 'Nowhere on Earth' by Nick Lake (14.36) and 'The Silent Twins' by Marjorie Wallace (16.06) Links to the Criminal Podcast -> https://thisiscriminal.com/episodes Our Youtube: November Display Video -> https://youtu.be/tDvsUEpt-aM Chat to us on Twitter @Lounge_Learning

In this episode, we discuss our new 50 fab fiction display. Of course we cannot go through every book but we do go through a few! 'Farewell Tour of a Terminal Optimist' by John Young (1.18), 'Checkmates' by Stewart Foster (2.53), 'Paper Avalanche' by Lisa Williamson (4.50), 'Eat Dirt' by Goldy Moldavsky (6.30), 'Sonny and Me' by Ross Sayers (7.30), 'Encounters' by Jason Wallace (8.47), 'Patron Saints of Nothing' by Randy Ribay (10.18), 'Spinning' by Tillie Walden (12.24) and 'Rose Interrupted' by Patrice Lawrence (13.35) Let us know your thoughts on twitter @lounge_learning.

Due to COVID-19 the LL is not as busy as it used to be! Because of this our podcasts will now be posted every fortnight instead of weekly. In this episode we chat about our Big Draw Competition and some of the books on our new display. From 2.26 - 'Run Rebel' by Manjeet Mann, 'Clap when you land' by Elizabeth Acevedo (4.22), 'Evil Emperor Penguin' by Laura Ellen Anderson (6.31), ' Can you see me' by Libby Scott & Rebecca Westcott(8.38), 'On a scale of 1 to 10' by Ceylan Scott (9.58), 'What magic is this?' by Holly Bourne (11.48) and 'Love Frankie' by Jaqueline Wilson (12.43). As always get in touch with us via our twitter @lounge_learning.