Students Shine in This Year’s Summer Term Reading Challenge
After Easter, we launched our inaugural “Summer Reading Challenge” to encourage students to share their love of literature by writing about the books they are reading.
Dozens of students entered the challenge to submit either a book review or a piece of creative writing inspired by a book. We were blown away by the quality of writing students produced!
The entries were judged in two categories:
- Most Inspiring Book Review
- Most Engaging Creative Writing.
Initially, the Heads of Houses chose their favourite entries from their own houses, with the winners from each house going forward to the Grand Judging, courtesy of Mr Henderson.
The winners and runners up won vouchers, while all finalists received a sweet treat for their efforts, and everyone who entered earned points for their House.
Don’t forget to keep scrolling to read the winners and finalist’s reviews, plus judges’ comments.
If you think you might like to try one of the books our students have been inspired by, the Summer Holidays are a great time to get stuck into a book. Summer Reading Challenges (for children and grown-ups) are now underway in local libraries across Wiltshire and West Berkshire, so why not check these out?
We are hoping that the Summer Reading Challenge will become a regular feature of the St John’s calendar so, if you missed out this year, keep an eye out for next year’s competition, as we’ve already got lots of ideas to make it even bigger and better.
Mrs K Room, English KS4 Leader Miss L Sankey, Deputy Head of English and St John’s Literacy Lead.
WINNERS – Most Engaging Creative Writing:
Winner: Clemmie Heaver (Ruby) and Hannah Green (Jade) – Little Women
These diary entries are faithful to the voices of the sisters from Little Women. Each character’s personality is captured with strong distinction: Amy’s dramatic flair and vanity, Jo’s ambition and rebellious joy, Meg’s longing for refinement and moral struggle, and Beth’s quiet gratitude and innocence. The tone, language, and concerns feel era-appropriate and true to the spirit of Louisa May Alcott’s original novel.
Stylistically, the writing is expressive and emotionally rich. Overall, a charming and thoughtful expansion of beloved literary voices.
Runner Up: Bram Heaver (Ruby) – Warrior Cats
This piece captures the spirit and tone of the Warriors series well, with vivid imagery, strong pacing, and a clear sense of character and clan dynamics. The action is compelling, especially the suspenseful river scene, and it builds intrigue around Windclan’s mysterious absence.
WINNERS – Most Inspiring Book Review:
Winner: Gaby Curtain (Topaz) – ‘The Girl of Ink and Stars’
This review is heartfelt and enthusiastic, clearly written by someone who genuinely loves The Girl of Ink and Stars. The personal reflections—especially on the emotional moment between Isabella and Lupe—add warmth and insight.
Runner Up: Mathilde Scheepers (Sapphire) – ‘The Letter for the King’
This review offers a compelling summary of The Letter for the King. The reviewer communicates a strong emotional connection to the story, especially in highlighting the moral choices Tiuri must make. The rhetorical questions add intrigue and encourage curiosity. Overall, it’s an enthusiastic and well-structured recommendation.
Congratulations to all our finalists!
Most Engaging Creative Writing:
Seren McCarthy (Amber) – “Empire of Storms”, Sarah J. Maas: Seren’s work is extremely creative, not just in using fantasy tropes, but using layout and style for effect, which really elevates her work.
Ruby Rolfe (Amber) – “A Court of Thorns and Roses”, Sarah J. Maas: Ruby uses some excellent expression in her beautifully crafted letter.
Dex Macklin-Palmer (Sapphire) – “A Brave New World”, Aldous Huxley: What a superb piece of creative writing! Your writing posed questions and left me feeling on tenterhooks, waiting to see what would happen next. I particularly liked the paragraph – “His piercing eyes sprang to mine; I was looking down the barrel of a gun. Pools of water formed at the crevices of my shirt.”
Logan Howroyd (Topaz) – “All Quiet on the Western Front”, Erich Maria Remarque: Although short, this account is graphic and detailed. The reader can really picture the scenes you are describing.
Greyson Evans (Jade) – “Alex Rider”, Anthony Horowitz: I loved how you set the scene and build anticipation. I want to know what was in the briefcase!
Felix Stevens (Ruby) – “Jed Greenleaf”, Kieran Larwood: A fantastic piece of creative writing! Great use of language.
Tom Lerwill (Sapphire) – “World Burn Down”, Steve Cole: What I loved about your entry was that you used the inspiration of the novel to write a beautiful poem. The evocative imagery of wildlife, juxtaposed against the devastating impacts of environmental damage made for a powerful message.
Most Inspiring Book Review
Mathilde Scheepers (Sapphire) – “The Letter for the King”, Tonke Dragt: This was a captivating review. You summarised the plot well and made the characters sound really interesting. I loved the bit towards the end of your review where you pose questions to the reader to entice them to read the book – it certainly made me want to seek it out in my local library!
Gaby Curtain (Topaz) – “The Girl of Ink and Stars”, Kiran Millwood Hargrave: This review is emotive and gives a real sense of what a fantastic book it is to read.
Zahi Henderson (Topaz) – “The Ruby in the Smoke”, Philip Pullman: You have critically analysed your chosen book, evaluating the parts you enjoyed, but also what aspects of the book you thought could be improved.
Hannah Green (Jade) – “The Inheritance Games”, Jennifer Lynn Barnes: What I loved about this entry was the level of detail and the link to a childhood story read years before.
Juliet Holley (Jade) – “This Book Kills”, Ravena Guron: I loved your enthusiasm for this book. I enjoy a murder mystery, and I will definitely be reading this one! I thought you adopted the style of a professional publisher’s review to really “sell’ this book to potential readers.
THE WINNING ENTRIES:
Summer reading Challenge: Diary entries from Little Women
By Clemmie Heaver and Hannah Green
Entry from the diary of Amy March
Dear Diary,
Today was utter mortification! I am never going back to school again for as long as I live. I am sure I shall never get over such humiliation.
Mr Davis is a perfectly horrible man. Imagine confiscating 24 exquisite pickled limes just for the fun of it! All because Jenny Snow is too selfish to let other people have nice things. Oh, diary, it was awful. I had to stand up in front of everyone and throw the sumptuous limes out of the window – torture! And then, to rub salt into the wound, he hit my poor hand several times. Thank goodness I managed to hold in my tears until I got home. Marmee was furious (as she should have been!) and permitted me to have a vacation as long as I study a little with Beth.
Laurie was lovely, he cheered my up no end, and I think I should aspire to be like him. He is accomplished, elegant but not selfish at all. I am well aware that vanity is my burden, and it is truly the bane of my life. I will say a prayer for it tonight, as well as praying for father’s health.
Luckily, Marmee was distracted from my shortcomings because Jo had stained her new linen glove (for the second time this month) and instead of soaking it instantly, she carried on romping around with Laurie for hours! Honestly, they are a disgrace. Meg was in an unusually foul mood in the evening, she teased me dreadfully about my nose, though she knows it is my one weakness.
Marmee is calling, I must now say my prayers, and you’ll be sure I’ll be praying for a better day tomorrow!
Amy March
*****
Diary of Jo March
Dear Diary
Today was simply capital! I received a handsome brown parcel from the mailman, containing (to my immense surprise) a brand-new copy of Volcano Press, and guess whose story was front and centre? Only a Miss Jo March, would you believe. I actually won the competition, and inside the envelope there was a cheque containing 100 dollars! Laurie raced over, and we had a jolly laugh about it. Oh, it was simply marvellous, but what a pain to pretend everything was ordinary to Marmee and the girls. I kept dashing up to the attic to peek at my name on the cover.
It was Beth’s Birthday today, and we all helped Marmee and Mr Laurence sneak the most gorgeous piano into the sitting room. It was so lovely to watch her, she hardly ever gets nice things and is so unselfish. You should have seen her; her face was as pink as the evening sky! I envy her, though, for she can make the most beautiful sounds with it- when I play, it just sounds like a jolly clatter.
In the afternoon, I went round to Aunt March for several hours of torture as she grumbled and muttered about ‘excitable girls who can’t control themselves’. Honestly, that woman! It’s days like these that make my promises to father go out the window, for how can one be ladylike while they’re in a state of such heavenly joy?
On a more positive note, Marmee was a brick about the dreadful stain on my glove. Meg was right, it should have been soaked immediately, but Laurie and I were having such a good time that I simply couldn’t tear myself away- that boy gets wilder every second. I hope college mellows him, as he is a danger to himself! I’ll bet a nice young lady comes along and steals his heart, and then we’ll see.
I sent father a copy of my story in the newspaper, and prayed he was safe and returning soon.
Goodnight, Jo.
****
Entry from the diary of Meg March:
Dear Diary, Meg March
Today was the worst. I had thought going to the party was a great idea, a trip out of the house was well deserved I have to say. As well as looking after Amy and Beth (though it doesn’t seem as she needs much looking after, the sweet dear), it also feels as if I must look out for Jo, who is simply having too much of a ‘capitol’ time as she would say. And as well as just getting out of the house, I must mention the new clothes and shoes the girls had gifted me, as they were so lovely and a delightful change from the clothes I have back home. I wanted to slap myself as I wrote that- I must be less vain and think of others like darling Beth does. I must say though I was shocked when I saw Laurie at the party, even though the girls had said he was coming, but I had been certain they were just teasing me. It just gets worse, the look of disgust and horror on Laurie’s face when he saw me. I felt flustered and silly all of a sudden. I had told myself earlier it was only one night, but I had only said that as none of my sisters- or Laurie for that matter- would have seen me. One night to be vain and feel pretty, away from the simple dresses and spoiled gloves of home. I know how that must sound but it was true, I always wish for more than the best thing I already have, my one weakness. I know I must have looked ridiculous in the ribbons adorning my curls and silly little heels, but I did not think about at the time- I never do. I wonder how the girls would have reacted to seeing me like that, I can imagine the pursed lips of Marmee, a tight smile from Beth and Jo and Amy holding back their laughs. I was having a jolly good time, except for the abrupt appearance of Laurie, until I overhead the other party guests talking. I was not interested at first, but as I wasn’t booked for a dance till later, I could not help listening when I heard Marmee’s name, I was shocked and mortified when they started talking about her only liking Laurie because she wanted him to marry me. I was appalled- me marry Laurie; I was sure they were lying as I am certain Laurie only had eyes for Jo. The suggestion of my mother trying to marry me off for more money, these people were monstrous, I had to get out of there. And to make matters even worse, I was in the main hall trying to escape conversations and my dance partner, I heard a young gentleman talking to Laurie about my appearance. He had called me a doll! A doll, what a ghastly thing to be called, I really must try to lift the weight of my burden, or as Marmee would say ‘your sins.’ Sin is such a strong word that weighs down on my conscious every day, it is inescapable. As I am writing this it has just turned eleven o’clock, I had not realised how frightfully late it was. I must turn in before Marmee comes to say goodnight and helps Beth and Amy (especially) with their prayers.
Meg x
****
Entry from the diary of Beth March
Dear Diary, Beth March
Today was a fairytale, just like in the stories Marmee used to read to me before tucking me into bed, and my head escaping into the dream land. It was my birthday today, but I had not expected anything much as we were all frightfully busy dealing with our chores. A very unexpected gift had arrived though, from Mr Laurence, the kind gentleman next-door, he had gifted me the daintiest little piano. I mustn’t burden my soul with vain thoughts of my new piano though, for I know many little girls are not as lucky. Although I know I shouldn’t have I spent all afternoon on the piano, neglecting my chores, which was a terrible thing to do but oh what fun I had. The little piano was so sweet sounding and filled our rooms with melodies fit for a lady. As soon as I had walked in to find the piano, I rushed to Mr Laurence, he seemed very shocked to see me so happy and quite unshy as I normally was. I thanked him and his smiled lit up the old, worn study that he worked hard in. The only thing that weighed on my mind was poor father; he was out there somewhere in the world fighting for our country. I couldn’t help thinking where he was and whether he would be home in time for Christmas. It was not Christmas without father. In the morning before the sweet birthday gift, Me and Marmee baked her famous gingerbread stars, in preparation for the busy Christmas baking season. With father coming home it would be even more busy. While I was waiting for the delicious stars to bake, Mittens bounded onto the old, worn-out piano causing a most unearthly chord, which unintentionally made dear Jo to fall out of the apple tree outside in the most Jo-ish way. Laurie looked as if he was going to turn into one of the roses I am growing in my part of the garden, as it seemed like he was going to explode with laughter. Talking about the garden, I was making great progress, and it was a great past time when I wasn’t occupied by my other chores. I did feel terribly sorry for Jo’s poor sunflowers as they had withered while she was busy playing with Laurie. When I had mentioned this, asking if I could take over her patch, Meg gave loudest tsk I had ever heard, it was quite rude now that I think about it, I was only trying to help Jo out. But oh, what a perfectly excellent day I had frolicking and playing, though this does not mean though that I can neglect anything, I must remember the importance of my chores. I must now say my prayers with Amy, and Marmee helping us along. Then I must turn into bed and say goodnight.
Loving yours
Beth xx
Summer Reading Challenge: The Girl of Ink and Stars Book Review
By Gaby Curtain
The Girl of Ink and Stars is a magical, fictious adventure story written by Kiran Millwood Hargrave. Here is a short summary of the book: The main character (Isabella Riosse), her father which she calls “Da” and the rest of the people living in Joya are all forced to stay there and never leave the boundaries of the island. This was one of the multiple laws decreed by the Govenor many years ago. Then a girl was found dead in the Governor’s orchard. Isabella, now angry and distressed turns on her best friend Lupe, the Governor’s daughter, and blames her for the for the sudden murder. Lupe, desperately trying to prove herself to Isabella, follows the direction of the murderer into the forest, plotting to destroy them. Meanwhile, the Govenor declares a search party for his missing daughter, and Isabella, keen to help find her friend, offers to guide them in the right direction. And, with her clever knowledge of maps, they all set off in a quest to find the missing girl.
This book is definitely one of my favourite reads as it has all the things I love most: myth, magic, fantasy and friendship! It also has lots of cliffhangers and gripping scenes. Sometimes I can’t even put the book down, even though I’ve read it so many times! I think the most touching moment between the two girls was when they were both trapped underneath the water and just before Lupe was about to pass away, she gave Isabella’s hand one last squeeze and mouthed affectionately “still the smallest in the class”. This, in my opinion, was when their bond felt most true.
Please read this book, I cannot recommend it enough.
