This year Young Readers Birmingham will not be running a two week Book Festival as we have in the past years. Instead, as part of the Opening Season for the new Library of Birmingham, we will be running a Young Readers Book Festival Week with a Book Bash Day. This is reliant on successful bids to the Arts Council.
The 2013 events will run during Autumn Half-Term (last week in October) with the Book Bash taking place in the new Library of Birmingham on Saturday 2nd November 2013.
There may also be some Young Readers Year Round events happening around that week with Schools and opportunities for some Community Libraries to run Fun Days.
Thank you for all the support for YR 2012 and lets look forward to the continuation of Young Readers, the greatest children's book event in Birmingham (and beyond)!!
Merry Christmas & Happy New Year
Young Readers Birmingham would like to wish a 'Merry Christmas & Happy New Year' to everyone who took part in or who attended any Young Readers event during 2012. This has been an amazing year of events and the first ever Young Readers Year Round.
We saw an incredible 'Book Bash', one of the best ever. Some brilliant events organised for libraries around Birmingham and some amazing performances at the Library Theatre.
We would also like to remember Janet Brisland, who was a bringer of joy and inspiration to Young Readers. She is sadly missed.
As we wave goodbye to 2012, we now look forward to Young Readers Year Round events for 2013....... WATCH THIS SPACE!!
We saw an incredible 'Book Bash', one of the best ever. Some brilliant events organised for libraries around Birmingham and some amazing performances at the Library Theatre.
We would also like to remember Janet Brisland, who was a bringer of joy and inspiration to Young Readers. She is sadly missed.
As we wave goodbye to 2012, we now look forward to Young Readers Year Round events for 2013....... WATCH THIS SPACE!!
Poetry Slam Event - 22nd November
involving 5 Schools: Four Dwellings, Lordswood Girls, Hillcrest, George Dixon, Lordswood Boys.
Poetry Slam events will be run in the schools by Dreadlockalien & Spoz around 'Anti-Bullying'.
Teams will then get professional poet coach mentors and master classes will be run on
Wednesday 21st November 2012.
Teams will then get professional poet coach mentors and master classes will be run on
Wednesday 21st November 2012.
Then....
THE SCHOOLS GO HEAD-TO-HEAD in a dramatic
ANTI-BULLYING POETRY SLAM EVENT
6pm - 9pm Thursday 22nd November 2012
Central Library Theatre
Just turn up and enjoy!!
Gareth P. Jones - GHOST TOUR
Young Readers Birmingham is proud to present.....
Gareth P. Jones
CONSTABLE & TOOP, Gareth's latest book is 20% Gruesome, 40% Funny, 30% Historical, 10% Scary. A darkly comic Dickensian ghost story from the Blue Peter Award winner.
Sam Toop lives in a funeral parlour, blessed (or cursed) with an unusual gift. While his father buries the dead, Sam is haunted by their constant demands for attention. Trouble is afoot on the 'other side' ‐ there is a horrible disease that is mysteriously imprisoning ghosts into empty houses in the world of the living. And Sam is caught in the middle ‐ will he be able to bring himself to help?
Gareth P. Jones has woven a darkly comic story, a wonderfully funny adventure that roams the grimy streets of Victorian London.
This is a free event for years 5 and 6.
Gareth P Jones divides his time between writing books, producing TV programmes, spending time with his wife and son, Herbie, and playing the slightly ludicrous number of stringed instruments in his front room. He recently won the Blue Peter Book of the Year Prize 2012 for THE CONSIDINE CURSE. THE CASE OF THE MISSING CATS, the first book in The Dragon Detective Agency series, was nominated for the Waterstone's Children's Book Prize. THE THORNTHWAITE INHERITANCE won the Hounslow Junior Book Award, the Calderdale Book Award, Leicester Children's Book Award, Sefton Super Reads, Doncaster Book Award, Rotherham Children's Book Award, and Fantastic Book Award, Lancaster.
Gareth P. Jones
10.30 - 11.30 Friday 16th November 2012 at Birmingham Library Theatre.
Gareth writes and performs songs for each of his books and is a master of highly interactive and energetic events for children aged 6‐12 years.
Sam Toop lives in a funeral parlour, blessed (or cursed) with an unusual gift. While his father buries the dead, Sam is haunted by their constant demands for attention. Trouble is afoot on the 'other side' ‐ there is a horrible disease that is mysteriously imprisoning ghosts into empty houses in the world of the living. And Sam is caught in the middle ‐ will he be able to bring himself to help?
Gareth P. Jones has woven a darkly comic story, a wonderfully funny adventure that roams the grimy streets of Victorian London.
This is a free event for years 5 and 6.
For further information or to book please contact Gena Gaynor
gena.gaynor@birmingham.gov.uk 0121 303 2175
Listen to the CONSTABLE & TOOP song:
Watch the CONSTABLE & TOOP book trailer
Meet the Author - David Massey
On her first tour of duty in the war-torn country, Private Nielson is pulled into a dangerous intrigue surrounding a mysterious young Afghan girl. In her search for the truth, Elinor’s loyalties are divided between her colleagues and the displaced Afghan children she must protect. What she discovers makes her question everything she believes about love and war.
After heading up an aid expedition during the Romanian revolution, David Massey witnessed first-hand the devastating effects of conflict on young people. Their resilience and ability to be instruments of change inspired David to write Torn. His research for the novel revealed some startling realities for teens serving in the conflict in Afghanistan.
1.45pm - 2.45pm Thursday 15th November 2012
Birmingham Library Theatre
This is a free event for years 9 and 10.
For further information or to book please contact Gena Gaynor
gena.gaynor@birmingham.gov.uk 0121 303 2175
Birmingham Young Poet Laureate Announced!!
Congratulations to Claire who has entered the competition 3 times, proving that determination and drive can only be a good thing.
Claire stated in her application:
"Seeing the other young poets perform broadened my mind with regards to poetry; for example, I’d never heard of slam poetry. These new ideas gave me a fresh wave of passion, and I want to share this enthusiasm with other young people."
"To promote poetry, I’d hope to raise awareness of how many different forms of it exist. Many young people are used to the more traditional style of poetry taught in school, and whilst some like this style, it does not appeal to all, so it is important that young people are made aware of alternatives."
"I’d also encourage the use of poetry as a form of expression. Many young people use art or music to express themselves, but there must be others like me, who are pretty much tone deaf and couldn’t draw to save their life- for me, poetry was the best way to condense feelings and ideas into something more tangible."
Claire was born in October 1994 and attends Sutton Coldfield Grammar School for Girls.
Again, well done to Claire Guest - we hope she enjoys her year as
Birmingham's 8th Young Poet Laureate.
Here are Claire's audition performances.
What's Love Got To Do With It?
Saturday 13th October 2pm - 3.30pm (Central Library Theatre)
with writers Sagheer Afzal, Yasmin Hai and Bali Rai.
(Yasmin Hai photo copyright Charlie Hopkinson)
What's Love Got To Do With It? will be exploring the subject of love, life and relationships for young Asians today.
Information Download - Event information. author biographies and booking info here.
Free event - tickets must be booked via: 0121 236 4455 or www.birminghambookfestival.org
with writers Sagheer Afzal, Yasmin Hai and Bali Rai.
(Yasmin Hai photo copyright Charlie Hopkinson)
What's Love Got To Do With It? will be exploring the subject of love, life and relationships for young Asians today.
Information Download - Event information. author biographies and booking info here.
Free event - tickets must be booked via: 0121 236 4455 or www.birminghambookfestival.org
Young Poet Laureate Awards
Grande Finale of the Birmingham Young Poet Laureate Competition.
Stand-up poet Jonny Fluffypunk will be performing and then presenting the 11 shortlisted finalists and the Young Poet Laureate 2012 with their awards.
The event will take place from 2pm - 3.15pm, Wednesday 24th October 2012 at the Library Theatre, Birmingham Central Library.
Suitable for young people and children aged 10+ and their families. No tickets are required - just turn up on the day!
Thanks to Peters Bookselling Service.
The event will take place from 2pm - 3.15pm, Wednesday 24th October 2012 at the Library Theatre, Birmingham Central Library.
Suitable for young people and children aged 10+ and their families. No tickets are required - just turn up on the day!
Thanks to Peters Bookselling Service.
Black History Month Workshop for Media Students
Friday 12th October 11am - 3pm - EVENT POSTPONED - TO BE RESCHEDULED
(Sky, BBC and Cbeebies Presenter) will be facilitating a one day workshop during Black History Month for Media Students.
The day will start with a meet and greet, followed by some warm up games, using African movements, chants and songs. There will be audition tips, script work & DVDs explaining the dos and don'ts of presenting. Participants will experience skills as presenters, directors & writers.
A quote from a black leader will be given to groups to develop into a presentation. Using their talents, rapping, dance, singing and acting to bring the quote to life. After lunch the group work will be filmed then watched back to hone the presenting skills.
Each participant will be asked to do some research before attending the one day workshop and by the end of the day it is hoped that they will feel empowered as an individual while also celebrating the achievements and heritage of Black History. People from all backgrounds, abilities and genders are welcome.
We are offering free places for 25 year 12 media students.
An individual school may nominate a maximum of 5 students.
For bookings and further information please contact
Gena Gaynor
(0121) 303 3368
gena.gaynor@birmingham.gov.uk
(Central Library Theatre)
Young Readers Birmingham is pleased to announce that Nataylia 'Nat' Roni
(Sky, BBC and Cbeebies Presenter) will be facilitating a one day workshop during Black History Month for Media Students.
This exciting workshop will celebrate the participant's talents & Black History Month by researching and sharing information about significant black leaders and movers from the past.
The day will start with a meet and greet, followed by some warm up games, using African movements, chants and songs. There will be audition tips, script work & DVDs explaining the dos and don'ts of presenting. Participants will experience skills as presenters, directors & writers.
A quote from a black leader will be given to groups to develop into a presentation. Using their talents, rapping, dance, singing and acting to bring the quote to life. After lunch the group work will be filmed then watched back to hone the presenting skills.
Each participant will be asked to do some research before attending the one day workshop and by the end of the day it is hoped that they will feel empowered as an individual while also celebrating the achievements and heritage of Black History. People from all backgrounds, abilities and genders are welcome.
We are offering free places for 25 year 12 media students.
An individual school may nominate a maximum of 5 students.
For bookings and further information please contact
Gena Gaynor
(0121) 303 3368
gena.gaynor@birmingham.gov.uk
Young Poet Laureate Performances
The shortlisted poets who have entered to become the next Birmingham Young Poet Laureate performed 2 poems each as part of Birmingham's Artfest. It was a great day showcasing the best Young Poetry talent in Birmingham.
Check out the videos and get inspired!
For more information and the history of Birmingham's Young Poet Laureate visit the Young Poet Laureate on the Birmingham City Council Website.
Young Poet Laureate at Artsfest
Birmingham Artsfest
Saturday 8th & Sunday 9th September.
Loads of Poetry in 'Poetry City', including the Young Poet Laureate Auditions.
See details and times below! and visit Community Vibe Website
Birmingham Young Poet Laureate Update!
Young Poet Laureate
The closing date for submission of entries has now passed. All Young Poet Laureate entries are now with the longlist judges.
If you are shortlisted you will hear from us by the beginning of September.
We are offering shortlisted candidates a place on a Presentation and Performance workshop with Steve Ball, Associate Director at the Birmingham Repertory Theatre (The REP) at 10.30am-11.30am on 8th September at the Library Theatre.
Following this at 1.30pm - 2.30pm will be the Young Poet Laureate Auditions, where you will be asked to perform two of your poems ( one must be your 'Stars' poem), this is part of the Birmingham Arts Fest and you are welcome to bring along family and friends.
Library Theatre Events
The New Optimists:
How will science change the future?
How will science change the future?
What are the challenges facing humanity in the 21st Century and how can scientists make a difference? Come along to this event and find out what leading Birmingham scientists are optimistic about! Download Leaflet
If your school is interested in coming along to this event, please book your places with Jen Bakewell 0121 303 2175 / jen.bakewell@birmingham.gov.uk
Jodi Picoult and Samantha Van Leer
10.30, Wednesday 11th July - SCHOOL & OPEN EVENT
If your school is interested in coming along to this event, please book your places with Jen Bakewell 0121 303 2175 / jen.bakewell@birmingham.gov.uk
10.30, Wednesday 11th July - SCHOOL & OPEN EVENT
Young Readers Birmingham (YRYR) presents a special event for schools, promoting Jodi Picoult and her daughter, Samantha Van Leer's new book "Between the Lines"
Download an extract from 'Between the Lines'
Cerealously Creative!!
This was a launch like no other! That's because on a normal, but somewhat dull, overcast Monday, moods were lifted, excitement accelerated and colour injected into the proceedings as, in amongst flying hoops and whoops of anticipation, 'Cereal Killers,' a new ebook and print book, the result of The Great Kindle Relay Project, was launched!
This book is a cerealously entertaining collaboration between children's author, Simon Cheshire, Birmingham Library Staff and 133 young writers from Birmingham local secondary schools. In the words of Simon, 'here is a story that's got the lot: mystery, adventure, war, terror, laughs, romance, tragedy, intrigue and suspense. And milk. And an emo haircut.'
This book is a cerealously entertaining collaboration between children's author, Simon Cheshire, Birmingham Library Staff and 133 young writers from Birmingham local secondary schools. In the words of Simon, 'here is a story that's got the lot: mystery, adventure, war, terror, laughs, romance, tragedy, intrigue and suspense. And milk. And an emo haircut.'
More info: Great Kindle Relay Project blog
Teen Debate - Rap and Song Lyrics are Not Poetry
YR 2012 saw one of the best Teen Debates ever held!!Chaired by Steve Ball from the Birmingham REP and featuring Spoz and Matthew Ward (as Chaucer) the debate reached new heights of intellectual argument. Schools from around Birmingham put forward their points of view for and against and then many more points were raised in an open mic session.
A great debate, a set of brilliantly argued points and most of all a fun and entertaining time was had by all. The motion was defeated - well done Spoz!!
Brilliant!! More info...
Etherington Brothers on Saturday
Saturday 9th June 2012,
the fantastic,
the amazing,
the crazy
Etherington Brothers!
Robin and Lorenzo have a new show where they will make comic creators of you all. The Etherington Brothers are part of the new Phoenix Comic, write and draw for the Dandy and have some fantastic books of their own.
Little Bo Peep - 7th June - Get your tickets NOW!
Sea Legs Puppet Theatre present 'Little Bo Peep!'.
At Birmingham Library Theatre, 2.00 to 3.00, Thursday 7th June:
Little Bo Peep has lost her sheep. Can Little Boy Blue help her find them? Perhaps the Nursery Rhyme Man can help her – but he’s busy baking a surprise birthday cake – if a naughty mouse doesn’t steal all his ingredients first. Sing along to your favourite nursery rhymes with Sea Legs Puppet Theatre as they celebrate their tenth anniversary with a fabulous show full of their beautiful puppets, gorgeous scenery and of course lots of lovely music.
Suitable for children aged 3+ and their families.
Ticketed Event - Ticket Information
BOOK BASH - ASTON HALL
WOW - What an event!!
It was busy, busy, busy over the bank holidays at the Birmingham Book Bash.
Aston Hall was buzzing with activities, authors, poets, illustrators and performers aplenty. Everyone had so much fun and enjoyed watching, Sarah McIntyre, Lynne Chapman, Guy Bass, Curtis Jobling, Kipper, Elmer, Peppa Pig, Nicholas Allan and Chris White to name but a few. We were also entertained by the Mad Hatter and Alice, the Red Queen, Bangra Tots and Nat from CBeebies.
A brilliant time was had by all - videos and picture will follow shortly in the 'Book Bash' area above.
It was busy, busy, busy over the bank holidays at the Birmingham Book Bash.
Aston Hall was buzzing with activities, authors, poets, illustrators and performers aplenty. Everyone had so much fun and enjoyed watching, Sarah McIntyre, Lynne Chapman, Guy Bass, Curtis Jobling, Kipper, Elmer, Peppa Pig, Nicholas Allan and Chris White to name but a few. We were also entertained by the Mad Hatter and Alice, the Red Queen, Bangra Tots and Nat from CBeebies.
A brilliant time was had by all - videos and picture will follow shortly in the 'Book Bash' area above.
BOOK BASH 4th & 5th June
Just to remind you!!!
The BOOK BASH takes place at Aston Hall on the bank holidays - 4th & 5th June!!
Information and full list of authors, illustrators & performers - BOOK BASH
Cressida Cowell Event - 2nd June
Highlight Events
The Young Readers Birmingham Festival opened on June 2nd with Cressida Cowell. She highly entertained a young and enthralled audience in the Birmingham Library Theatre by telling and showing them what inspired her to write the How to Train Your Dragon series of books!
On 9th June 2012, the fantastic, the amazing, the crazy Etherington Brothers!
Robin and Lorenzo have a new show where they will make comic creators of you all. The Etherington Brothers are part of the new Phoenix Comic, write and draw for the Dandy and have some fantastic books of their own.
Book Bash Android App Released
A fantastic new Android App has been produced for theYoung Readers Book Bash Events on June 4th & June 5th.
Download the app onto your Android Phone.
Get a map of the Book Bash.
See who is on when and in which marquee.
Get information on each performer.
Play the Book Bash Quiz.
This App is FREE
Story Starts for you to continue......
Would you like your story published on this website?Well........
Some VERY FAMOUS AUTHORS have written starts to stories for you to continue!
Some VERY FAMOUS AUTHORS have written starts to stories for you to continue!
Read the 'Story Starts', choose one, and carry on the story.
Email it to us and we will publish it onsite for you! ........ WOW!
Email it to us and we will publish it onsite for you! ........ WOW!
Poetry in a Day - with SPOZ
The Application Form has just been launched for
'Poetry in a Day' with Spoz.
Are you thinking of applying to be the next Young Poet Laureate for Birmingham?
Would you like some top tips from one of the experts?
Join former Birmingham Poet Laureate Giovanni 'Spoz' Esposito to learn some poetry and performance techniques in a fast-moving slam style session.
There will be the chance to try out your new skills on family and friends at a special show in the afternoon.
Workshop: 10.00 - 1.00 Friday 8th June
Performance for family & friends: 2.00 - 3.00
Don't Delay - Apply Today !!
Be quick with your T-Shirt Competition entries!
The deadline for the T-Shirt Design entries looms!!The entries must be in by Friday 4th May!
So get your creative caps on and get designing.
Great prizes -
£300 (16+ design), £25 book token (16 & below design)
More details for both the 16+ and kid's competition here!!
School TOOLKIT Launched
 |
| Download Toolkit for Schools |
This has information and ideas for class work for before and after the event. There is also information on the Teen Debate so that your school may prepare.
Peppa Pig and George
Look Out! Peppa Pig's About!Peppa Pig and her little brother George are making an appearance at the Book Bash at Aston Hall in June.
Come along and meet them.
They'll be glad to see you.....
but watch out for Peppa Pig if there are any muddy puddles around!
Snort.......!
Tickets for Highlight Events now on sale!!!
Tickets for the two 'Highlight Events' are now on sale.Cressida Cowell will be appearing at Birmingham Library Theatre on Saturday 2nd June 2012.....Tickets £3.00 more info!
The Etherington Brothers will be appearing at Birmingham Library Theatre on Saturday 9th June 2012.....Tickets £3.00 more info!
Tickets are also available for the Sea Legs Puppet Theatre presenting Little Bo Peep! at Birmingham Library Theatre on Thursday 7th June 2012.....Tickets £2.00 more info!
The Great Kindle Relay Project
6 weeks plus 6 schools plus 1 author
times the possibilities of new technology
equals 1 exciting new piece of digital storytelling!
Birmingham Libraries’ Young Readers Festival are working with author Simon Cheshire and six Birmingham schools to create a new piece of writing exploring the new possibilities an ebook reader provides. Follow the Great Kindle Relay Project blog, find out what they come up with and add your own ideas!
Young Readers T Shirt Design Competition LAUNCHES
Young Readers Birmingham is seeking designers and illustrators to produce a design for their new T-shirt for a cash prize!
Enter our competition to have a chance of seeing your designs worn throughout the Young Readers Festival. You can be creative as you wish as long as the design will fit on the front of a T-shirt and incorporates the words Young Readers Birmingham.
We haven’t forgotten children and young people either – anyone under 16 can enter a design for the chance to win a book token, loads of lovely books and free seats for our launch event on 2nd June. Enter to have a chance of seeing your designs on T-shirts, mugs, bookmarks and key rings.
Sufiya Ahmed in town!!
Sufiya Ahmed
Wednesday 14th March
There was a full Birmingham Library Theatre to see Sufiya introduce her new book:
Secrets of the Henna Girl
The packed audience really enjoyed the event, especially the Q&A session and the fact that they could get books signed by Sufiya.
An entertaining and informative event, with music, dressing up and mehndi.
More Info... and read Chapter 1 of Secrets of the Henna Girl
Young Readers @ YSOY
Saturday 10th March saw the Library Theatre miraculously come alive with stories and tales from the four corners of the world and from ancient times to the present day.
The event was the annual competition for the Young Storyteller of the Year 2012.
The day was full of energy and vigour with young people from 14 to 25 bringing words and worlds alive on stage. With the vast talent on display the future of Storytelling in the UK looks very bright.
Make sure you come along to the Book Bash at Aston Hall on Monday 4th and Tuesday 5th June to see the winners and highly commended storytellers take to the stage in the Storytelling Marquee, don't miss 'Banterous Potential' and Florence Schechter.
'Disney On Ice' - WINNERS ANNOUNCED!!!
There were 182 entries for the DISNEY ON ICE competition!Click here to see the winners!!
Well done to all who entered, keep an eye out for future competitions!
Highlight Events for June
The two Highlight Events for June have just been announced!
Also we have, on 9th June 2012, the fantastic, the amazing, the crazy Etherington Brothers!
We are very excited to have Cressida Cowell visiting us to open the Young Readers Festival Fortnight. She will be appearing at Birmingham Library Theatre on 2nd June 2012.
Cressida is the creative force behind the How to Train Your Dragon books - can't wait....
Also we have, on 9th June 2012, the fantastic, the amazing, the crazy Etherington Brothers! Robin and Lorenzo have a new show where they will make comic creators of you all. The Etherington Brothers are part of the new Phoenix Comic, write and draw for the Dandy and have some fantastic books of their own.
Young Readers 'Disney On Ice' Competition
Young Readers Birmingham have teamed up with Disney and the NEC Group to bring you a fantastic competition - the chance to win one of 10 sets of Family Tickets (4 tickets per family) to see a performance of Disney on Ice Princesses and Heroes on 14th March 2012 at Birmingham National Indoor Arena (NIA)To enter you need to be aged 16 or below and be a member of a Birmingham Library.
Read More...
The competition is now closed for handing in entries, we will be judging soon and contacting the winners....... GOOD LUCK!!
Lord Mayor of Birmingham Launches Young Readers Year Round
The new Young Readers Year Round programme for 2012 was launched on Tuesday 24th January by The Lord Mayor of Birmingham, Councillor Anita Ward in Birmingham Library Theatre.