Carnegie shortlisted author, William Sutcliffe visited Renfrew High School to discuss his dystopian real world novel (‘The Wall‘) with a selection of S2/3 pupils at the school library (September 2019).
After reading an excerpt from ‘The Wall‘, a story based on the Israeli-Palestinian divide, a two-way discussion unfolded with William and pupils delving into the book’s subject matter and wider context of today’s first versus third world issues. William’s visit ended with a question and answer session – with a particular focus on his career as a writer.
S2 pupil Connor Gray said the visit was “very enjoyable” and hoped the school/library would have “more author visits like this“. Ryan Mitchell, also in S2 said William’s visit was “very educational” and allowed him to “understand the book“. Megan McBean (S2) said ‘The Wall‘ was “very interesting” and Molly Reilly (S2) also enjoyed the afternoon, “It was really good… his book was really cool.”
William Sutcliffe is also the author of of 12 published novels – including 5 teenage reads (available in the school library).
After signing copies of his texts, William provided a ringing endorsement for those pupils who took part and the reading culture evident at Renfrew High;
“Thanks for inviting me. Your library feels like such an inviting and inclusive place, it was a pleasure to talk to the engaged and attentive group who took part“.
