Visit from KSC Book Award nominee

Voting for the KSC Book Awards will begin next month and pupils are being treated to a series of virtual visits from the nominated authors. 

Shell pupils enjoyed an assembly with Tamsin Winter, the author of one of the school library’s most popular books, Girl (in real life). 

Girl (in real life) is one of the nominations for the KSC Removes and Shells Book Award. Main character Eva has grown up with her every movement chronicled on her parents’ successful YouTube channel and the book deals with the very relevant themes of social media and online exposure.

There are some very big Tamsin Winter fans in Shells and they were excited to have the opportunity to put their questions to Tamsin. 

As well as answering questions about the themes and relationships in her books, Tamsin also gave the pupils an eye-opening insight into how her books develop.

Pupils were surprised to hear that the journey from one small character to the finished book takes Tamsin around 18 months and there was an audible gasp when she showed them a very large pile of drafts and edits!

Librarian Mrs Harding thanked Tamsin for her time and a very interesting Q&A.

She said: “Tamsin has only just recovered from Covid and I am delighted that we were the first people she has spoken to since being in isolation! 

“Our pupils were so excited to meet her and it’s great for them to find out more about how a book they love develops from a small idea to the story they connect with.”

Tamsin Winter is just one of the authors nominated for the KSC Book Awards. Voting will begin on 28th February and the winners will be announced on Friday, March 4. 

Click on the images below to see all of the nominated books.