15 pupils from one of our book groups travelled to The Thomas Hardye School this week for the final of the Wessex Amazing Book Award. Since October, we have been reading a shortlist of 6 titles, published within the last two years, each nominated by one of the participating schools. Each week we have met to discuss these books and others, sharing our reading through fun activities. On the day itself, we joined with pupils from schools across Dorset to make shared presentations on each title, as well as watching a short recorded video from each nominated author. After a break for cake, we enjoyed a live streamed talk from the author Kathryn Foxfield, who wrote last year’s winner, ‘Getting Away With Murder’. This year’s winner was announced as ‘Keep Your Friends Close’ by Cynthia Murphy. There is a clear preference for murder and mystery amongst Dorset school pupils! Our pupils had a great morning out,  while practising their literacy and oracy skills, mixing with new people and working towards a shared goal. A very enjoyable start for us to the National Year of Reading.