This month’s theme is ‘Magic!‘. Interview with student Kataleeya Collier, 11N

What is one of your fondest or most favourite reading memories?

Some of my fondest reading memories are from when I was younger and I would obsessively read the same books over and over again, such as Charlotte’s Web and Roald Dahl’s books. I have strong sentimental memories attached to Roald Dahl books as my family would listen to the audiobooks during car journeys and it was a way for us to bond as we would often have conversations about what our favourite characters were or what parts of the book we had enjoyed the most so far. My parents really encouraged my love of reading when I was younger and were always willing to help cultivate and develop my passion through buying me books they thought I’d enjoy even when I didn’t ask for them, or taking me to the public library to borrow some books.

Which fictional character would most like/least like to meet in real life and why?

One character I would like to meet would be Rudy from The Book Thief. He was an incredibly endearing character and I felt charmed by his enthusiasm and loyalty towards his friends even when standing up for them could put himself in danger. I feel as though having a conversation would him would be funny and lighthearted, but at the same time you would definitely be able to tell he has a large amount of passion within him and those are the kind of people I enjoy talking to the most.

What are your favourite magical reads? Do you have any book recommendations for this theme?

If Cats Disappeared from the World by Genki Kawamura is one of the most magical books I have ever read. The plot is about a man who is diagnosed with terminal brain cancer which will kill him shortly. However, when he gets home the devil appears and makes an offer where in exchange for one extra day of life the narrator has to make one thing disappear from the world. I don’t often shed tears when reading books but I felt incredibly moved by some parts of this book, particularly the chapter where he reconnects with his ex-girlfriend and they watch a movie together while reminiscing about the past. Or when he reflects on his relationship with his parents through his cat Cabbage. It’s a very bittersweet book and despite its fantastical premise it still feels genuinely real and down to earth. You can really suspend your disbelief and believe that something like this could truly happen.

Another magical read for me happened recently when for the English Literature course in IGCSE I had to read A Streetcar Named Desire by Tennessee Williams. I feel that for most people the books and plays you have to read for school can feel dull and boring but when it comes to ‘Streetcar’ I simply cannot imagine someone disliking this play. The language is gorgeous, especially during Blanche’s monologues. Additionally, I adored William’s use of stage directions and music to set the mood of a scene. There was never a dull moment and I feel incredibly grateful that the IGCSE curriculum introduced me to this play as well as providing a space to discuss and analyse it, making me love it even more than words can describe.

Stephen Fry’s series of books on Greek mythology are some of my favourite adaptations. What makes them stand out compared to other adaptations of Greek myths is how he doesn’t just retell the myths for the sake of retelling myths, instead he uses the stories of Ancient Greece to explore the relationship between humans and gods and how it’s evolved over time, especially how we have become more independent from the influence of religion as time passes. I truly believe these books would be enjoyable regardless of your knowledge of Greek mythology.

Foundation Stage and Key Stage 1 Recommendations:

Iris McCarthy, 1V

Iris loves the series Magic Animal Friends by Daisy Meadows. The books follow Ava, Jess and Lily as they go on numerous adventures to the Friendship Forest. Unfortunately, a bad witch named Grizelda often casts terrible spells on the animals in the Friendship Forest. It is up to Lily, Jess and Ava to solve the problems and save the day. They use kindness, bravery and teamwork to defeat Grizelda.

Iris particularly enjoys reading about Ava because she is a cat who can speak. She also loves reading about magical spells and witches.

Sophia McCarthy, 1W

Sophia enjoys reading The Fairytale Hairdresser series by Abie Longstaff and Lauren Beard. The stories follow Kittie Lacey – the best hairdresser in the land. In ‘The Fairytale Hairdresser and the Little Mermaid’ Kittie helps her friend, a mermaid named Coral. Coral has had her voice stolen by a witch and Kittie helps Coral to find a magical potion to get her voice back. Sophia particularly enjoys the part when Coral sings on the beach and she wishes she could hear her sing in real-life.

Key Stage 2 Recommendations:

Yee Kiu (Evie) 6B

The Keeper of the Lost Citites by Shannon Messenger

Keeper of the Lost Cities is a thrilling book, with near-to-death experiences, passing your mid-term test that determines many things, and lots more! While reading, you will feel immersed in the magical pages. Comparable to Harry Potter, you follow Sophie Foster, a prodigy, while her hidden story is revealed in a clever storyline! This series is for Harry Potter fans or people who are looking for a series to dive into. Basically, if you like people who can read minds, turn invisible or go through walls like some sort of creepy ghost- then this is for YOU!

Zhunhao (Nealson) Li 6B

The Kane Chronicles by Rick Riordan

I recommend this book because it’s from an author called Rick Riordan and I read all of the other books by this author. I chose this series because it’s about magic. Many of the other books also include magic but this series focuses mainly on it with many characters who wield magic as weapons to defend the Egyptian House of Life against ancient monsters and gods of Egypt.

The main story is about the siblings Carter and Sadie Kane where his dad blows up the Rosetta stone in a museum releasing 5 powerful gods. Then they meet Amos and travel via Duat to the 21st house in the house of life.

There are three books and they each describe an aspect of an Egyptian god and in the last book they beat the serpent of chaos Apophis.

Key Stage 3 Recommendations

Jonah Ebrahim, 9M

I’d like to recommend His Dark Materials by Philip Pullman. It’s a brilliant fantasy series set in a world where everyone has a daemon – an animal that represents their soul. The story follows Lyra as she uncovers a huge mystery involving magic, science, and other worlds. To start, try “Northern Lights.” I loved how the book mixes adventure with deep ideas about friendship and bravery, and it really makes you think, while still feeling magical. It’s still one of my favorite series.

I’d also like to recommend Inkheart by Cornelia Funke. It’s about a girl named Meggie whose dad can bring book characters to life just by reading aloud, but sometimes, the wrong ones escape! I really enjoyed it because it’s full of imagination, adventure, and the magic of stories themselves. It makes you want to dive into every book and see what might come to life next.

Ashley Chi, 9U

I recommend Storm Runner by Rick Riordan. It’s about a boy named Zane who discovers that a volcano near his home is a prison for an ancient Mayan god, leading him on a magical adventure to save the world. I recommend this book because it has a similar storyline to Percy Jackson; it’s exciting, fun, and adventurous; and it fits perfectly with the magical theme.

Key stage 4 and Senior Studies Reccomendations

Stuti Jain, 11T

Bhagavad Gita

The Bhagavad Gita is a section of the sixth book of the Mahabharata a very important Sanskrit tale in Hindu culture and tradition, this story talks about the lengthy struggle and war between 2 families the Kauravas and the Pandavas. This section of the story tells us about Arjuna and his guide Krishna, which teaches him that life’s true battle is within. It’s between good and evil, courage and fear and doubt and duty. Krishna teaches him that doing the right thing with honesty and diligence is real goodness. In my opinion, I like the Gita because the story isn’t just about war, it’s about life and how everyone faces moments where we all face some sort of challenge, but it teaches us that even if we don’t see instant results or change, you stay honest and true to your beliefs and work hard. It reminds me how good wins when we overcome our inner fears.