We certainly won’t be surprised if some of our pupils start writing their first novel after spending a fantastic and inspiring day with children’s author Ali Sparkes.
Ali, who grew up in Southampton, has written over 40 books including The Shapeshifter series, Frozen in Time and Car-Jacked, so there was huge excitement as she arrived in the Millennium Hall to talk to the children about her “wonky path to authordom.”
Ali Sparkes explained to the children: "So that's my story. It started when I was at school like you with this story I wrote, although you can probably argue that where it really started was in the library with the book that changed my life - Five go to Smuggler's Top."
Speaking after the talk our Year 8 pupils, Mary, Bianca and Bea, said: “Ali Sparkes was brilliant. So funny and totally inspiring. To hear her talk about how she never gave up sending her work to publishers despite all the 'No's' and disappointment makes you realise you just have to keep trying - whatever you decide to do.”
Arabella, Year 6, said “Ali is amazing. She was bottom in her class but showed hard work can pay off.”
Miss Fisher said: “We’ve been blown away by Ali’s creativity and enthusiasm and boundless energy today. It’s definitely infectious and we are so excited to see the impact it will have on the next generation of readers and writers at Westbourne House School."
Thank you so much Ali Sparkes, especially for attending grand opening of our fantastic new library!
