As part of the Swindon Ten Youth Festival of Literature several schools throughout Swindon gathered for book signings, workshops and other events all aimed at getting young people interested in reading and writing.

One of these events, attended by myself, was called Spread the Word. This is my experience of the day.

Nova Hreod, Greendown and Isambard students gathered at separate tables ready to discuss four books that they had been reading throughout the past month. Votes were taken before the review session to give plenty of time to count and verify them. The four books were: The Roar by Emma Clayton; Ostrich boys by Keith Gray, The Knife Of Never Letting Go by Patrick Ness and Possessing Rayne by Kate Cann. With all the books completely different there was a lot to discuss.

I was apprehensive to start with, worried that I would lack the confidence that would enable me to speak confidently to the group. I was not the only person to feel like this yet everyone was able to stand up in front of the group and express their opinion of the book and make a valuable contribution to the presentations.

The winner was then announced, and winning with 23 votes was the Knife Of Never Letting Go, a story about a boy living in the future, on the run from a huge army that have been lying to him his whole life. Some didn’t agree with the vote so there was still a strong debate afterwards.

To finish off the day, myself and the other students went to Dorcan to meet Patrick Ness himself. It was a great experience to meet the person behind the words and to get valuable tips on writing. I felt confident to raise my hand and put questions to the author which I probably wouldn’t have done if I hadn’t taken part in Spread the Word. Not only that but I was able to get my book signed!

I really didn’t think I would enjoy the books I was set to read but it really does show that you should never judge a book by its cover!

By Jodie Henderson, Year 9, Nova Hreod