Our next ReadingZone Live features the author Karen McCombie on 13th February from 2:30 pm.
Best-selling author Karen McCombie was born in Aberdeen, Scotland, where the view from her bedroom was of the steely North Sea, dotted with oil rigs. But memories of childhood holidays spent in the fir and heather-covered Highlands are what's lodged in her DNA.Karen has had more that 80 books published, with more than a million sold worldwide. She lives in London with her very Scottish husband Tom, English daughter Milly (who's been taught to say “loch” in the correct way) and a Scottish Wildcat
Her latest book is Little Bird Flies for ages 10+ featured on Sunday Times Children's book of the week:
It's 1861. Bridie lives on the remote Scottish island of Torrnish, the youngest of three sisters. Although she loves her island, with its wild seas and big skies, she guiltily nurses a secret dream of flight – to America and the freedom of the New World.
But her family are struggling under the spiteful oppression of the new Laird, and it seems that even some of the Laird’s own household are desperate to leave. When the Laird’s full cruelty becomes apparent, there’s no more time for daydreams as Bridie needs to help the people she loves escape across the sea to safety.
The first in a gripping, dramatic new series from much-loved author, Karen McCombie.
For here I am, thirteen years grown. Yes, I might be scrawny still, my wings somewhat bent, but I am strong. And I may be a little bird in name only, but one day, I hope to say goodbye to this island, borne away, as my dream foretells. One day I will fly...
“Little Bird is a tale of wanting more from life and getting it the hard way. It’s about the upheaval and opportunity of emigration, but above all it’s a beautifully told adventure story that has you cheering on Little Bird from start to finish. Such a lovely book!” Editor of Little Bird flies
This ReadingZone Live event is for aged 10+ students.
ReadingZone Live is a partnership with ourselves and Reading Zone bringing regular interviews and live videos conferences with some of the best contemporary children's authors and illustrators to London school.
Antony Horowitz, Sally Gardner, Jaqueline Wilson, Michael Morpurgo, Henry Winkler, Oliver Jeffers and Lauren Child are among the authors who have already joined us for the ReadingZone Live Programme, which helps to inspire young people to explore new authors and genres and help children to develop their own creative writing.
LGfL schools are linked to our live author events via video conferencing, with one school selected to host the author event, during each event, authors discuss their writing process before answering the student's questions via video. Schools that have video conferencing facilities can join the event and have their questions answered.
Schools can watch the broadcast via live webcast starting at 2:30 pm on 13th February, more details of the event and how you can be involved can be found here.