Jill Hucklesby with some of the Year 9 High Flyers English group

On 12th May, author Jill Hucklesby visited Bethany.  Her first novel, 'Deeper Than Blue' won the 1066 Schools' Book award for its age group, is shortlisted for two other awards and has reached the long list for the Branford Boase award for an outstanding first novel for young people.  Jill's second book, 'Last Kiss of the Butterfly' to be released in August is set in the Kent Marshes.

Reading exerts from 'Deeper Than Blue'

Jill started the afternoon by talking to the Year 9 High Flyers English group and this was followed by a talk to all students in Years 7 & 8.  She explained that she had always written, even as a young child, and went on to read exerts from 'Deeper Than Blue', giving the students an introduction to the main character, Amy, and explaining how she overcame the various hardships she endured.  Audience participation was actively encouraged, as can be seen from the photo.    There was a lively question and answer session and the afternoon finished with a book signing.   We are very grateful to Ms Hucklesby for coming to the School and the students thoroughly enjoyed her visit.