Simon James Green returns to Cheney!

On Wednesday 28th January, the Cheney-favourite author, Simon James Green made a most enjoyable return to Cheney. He was so brilliant last year that we invited him back and many of last year’s audience recognised Simon and high-fived him as he walked around school. 

Simon’s latest middle-grade book, The Double Life of Ted Amos features on the annual Cheney Choice selection for year 7 and Simon ran a session for 90 year 7 students talking about the themes of friendship, fitting in and family, as well as the power of comedy and humour. It was an interactive session, and the students were challenged to solve riddles, guess who is lying and to ask questions about life as an author. 

He also spoke to students from year 9 - this was a more mature talk, which covered issues around Section 28, acceptance of others and, again, the power of comedy and humour. There was a spontaneous round of applause as Simon finished the reading from his book, Alex in Wonderland. 

All students were a credit to themselves - they responded to Simon’s engaging talks extremely well and great fun was had by all. 

Simon also contributed to the new Cheney Library author board - see the photo below - and signed lots of books and bookmarks at lunchtime. We were pleased to welcome Oxford Independent bookshop, Caper Books, to the library to sell copies of all of Simon’s books. 

There is always a buzz around school when an author comes to visit and it was wonderful to see everyone so interested and engrossed in Simon’s presentations. 

With thanks to Miss Cullen, my English colleagues, Miss Kremnizer and the IT and Site teams for their help in making this particular author event a resounding success. 

Mrs Jill Fenton

Cheney Librarian.