Autumn Term Author Visits

The MEA Library opened its doors to some amazing authors this term — dive into these rich experiences below!

Year 7 Welcome Back Quiet Storm Author, Kimberly Whittam

We were so thrilled to welcome back Kimberly Whittam, the author of the transition book Quiet Storm. Kimberly provided a special writing workshop and the session gave pupils the chance to work directly with a published author, exploring fun and creative ways to develop their own writing skills. They were also given the chance to ask Kimberly lots of questions about the novel and her own journey of becoming an award-winning writer.  

The workshop was a fantastic celebration of the students’ hard work and engagement with the book, and it left them feeling motivated, proud and excited about the possibilities of their own writing. We were so lucky that Kimberly stayed in school during break time to meet members of the whole year group, answer questions and sign copies of her book.

Football and Reading Collide with Tom Palmer & Reading Reds

Tom Palmer visited MEA to run a creative workshop with Year 8 students this half term. They asked so many thoughtful questions about his books, characters, inspirations and his experiences as an author. Ella, Godsmercy and Javan were gifted a signed copy of his book After the War for exceptional engagement during the workshop. Tom also gave a signed copy of his book Angel of Grasmere to Miami for showing kindness and empathy in the session. 

The Year 7 Reading Reds Book Club have also chosen Tom's book Over the Line to read next! It is a powerful historical novel about one footballer’s experience in the First World War: "It’s 1914 and Jack is making his debut as a professional footballer. But the match is marred by a demonstration demanding that the players sign up to do their duty in France. It is not long before Jack is bound for the trenches with the Footballers’ Battalion..."

Award-Winning Author Louisa Reid Inspires Year 11 Students at MEA Library

MEA Library had the pleasure of welcoming award-winning author Louisa Reid, who spoke to a group of our Year 11 students about her writing journey and acclaimed verse novels.

Louisa captivated the audience as she discussed her unique approach to storytelling through verse and explored the powerful themes in her work. She made thoughtful connections between her novels and the GCSE texts our students are studying, including A Christmas Carol, An Inspector Calls, and the Power and Conflict poetry anthology.

Our students responded with insightful comments and asked a range of brilliant, thought-provoking questions, clearly inspired by the discussion.

Three students—Bryant, Layton, and Mikey—particularly stood out during the session and were each rewarded with a signed copy of one of her latest book, Handle with Care.

It was a truly inspirational visit, and we are grateful to Louisa Reid for sharing her time, wisdom, and passion for literature with our students.