save the date: author visit on Halloween!

We're delighted to give advance notice that on Tuesday 31st October author Sue Cunningham will be visiting school during the afternoon and in a Library Lunch-time drop-in session, to meet students, and to chat about her new funny supernatural mystery novel for teenagers Totally Deceased:

"Seventeen-year-old Jess wakes from an emergency heart transplant to discover she's being haunted by the disgruntled ghost of her donor - teenage socialite, Tilly. And she won't leave Jess in peace until they unravel the mystery surrounding her death.

Their investigations take them deep into Tilly's luxurious heiress life - from private schools to Swiss banks and high-end hotels. But the clues lead somewhere darker than either of the girls could have imagined. And if Jess can't solve the murder in time, her own life may be at risk...

A hilarious, heart-racing murder mystery like no other"

Sue is also happy to discuss the writing and publishing process with our students and to answer their questions and offer advice to any aspiring authors!

Students will be able to buy the book (available to order now on ParentPay) and Sue will sign the copy for them.

If you don’t want to wait, a copy is now available to borrow from the school library for students who would like the chance to be early reviewers!

Year 8s Beatrice and Niamh were first in line to do this, and both can't recommend the book enough!:

"I love how this book shows the different sides of life and how all people have their struggles. I really love the plot twist, I never expected it to happen, and it's great how the suspense builds up. 

The way the author uses show not tell is amazing, and I especially loved how the relationship between the girls grows through their time together. I also liked how, after the characters achieve their goal, they feel sad about leaving each other.

It deserves 5 stars!"

Beatrice

I loved the book, and it really shows how there are two sides to every story. There was a huge plot twist that really caught me off-guard, but it made the book really gripping. I love reading Murder Mystery and this book is one of my favourites! The best books transport you into the story and make it feel like the characters are in that room with you, and that's exactly what Totally deceased does.

 I recommend this book to anyone who loves a good mystery!

Niamh

Literacy Competition Time:

As part of our ongoing Literacy programme and to celebrate the spooky season, UGS are running a House writing competition for the chance to win vouchers and a Totally Deceased goody bag!

All students need to do is to write their own scary or flash fiction ghost story - this can be gothic or contemporary, super-scary or funny. Maximum word count: 500 words.

We are delighted that Sue is going to be our guest judge, and has offered to provide 1-2 lines of feedback for every student, which she is happy to pass along in person at the drop-in event.

Sue's visit and involvement in our writing competition is a fantastic opportunity for our students to participate in and to develop their creative-writing skills, and we are looking forward to seeing lots of them getting involved!

Sue was until recently herself a UGS parent, with both her sons having spent 7 years with us: Joshy is now in the third year of a Music degree, and Nathan, who completed Year 13 this summer, has just started his studies in English Literature and Drama. Sue says:

My boys both had a fantastic experience at Urmston Grammar and both chose to stay on in Sixth Form.

I loved that although Urmston Grammar is recognised as a specialist Science and Languages college, the students enjoy a really well-rounded education, and are fully supported and encouraged to pursue creative endeavours in addition to academic ones.

TOTALLY DECEASED is available to pre-order via ParentPay or from all good bookshops.

Another competition!

Scholastic UK are running a competition for the chance to win a voucher for afternoon tea for two - available to use in 68 locations across the UK. Email a picture of your receipt (or ParentPay screenshot) to funstuff@scholastic.co.uk when you pre-order or buy Totally Deceased.

Entries accepted until 31st October - good luck!

https://www.scholastic.co.uk/competition-terms