Library Leaves - Issue 1

Book Reviews

Issue 1

Poetry

CreativeWriting

LiteracyTips

Fun!

Terror in the Library

Games

Contents

Book ReviewsThe Darkest Minds review by Daniel Dochev p. 3Urban Outlaws Blackout review by Bradley Rigby p. 4The Story of Tracey Beaker review by Caitlin Jones p. 4My Favourite Authors by Rhys Brennan-Killick p. 4Geek Girl review by Joanna Wyllie p. 5The Legend of Drizzt Series review by Viktor Mora p. 6Boy 23 review by Vanesa Smrikarova p. 7My Favourite Author by Nabeela Umer p. 7

Creative WritingAn Anchor’s Dream by Charlotte Smithers-Hessell p. 8Thomas Was Running by Jack Stewart p. 9A Happy Marriage by Hannah Fagence p. 9Hero by Rickardo Sukhdeo p. 9Endless Line by Jake Anderson p. 10

Day at Raynes Park by Antoni Constantinides p. 11School by Rebecca Halford p.10The Giants and the Witch by Ryan Daly p. 11Fate by Ebony Olumegbon p. 11Taken, Free by Courtney-Mae Kidger p. 12Fight For His Life by Lucy Dorman p. 13Terror in the Library by Athena Stacey p. 14-15Comic Strip by Harrison p. 16My Friendship Poem by Sabrina p. 17Betrayed by Jemima Fosua p. 19

“Books are thequietest and most constant of friends; they are the most accessible and wisest of counselors, and the most patient of teachers.”

- Charles William Eliot

Welcome to the first edition of Raynes Park High School’s literary and creative writing magazine, Library Leaves. We are going to be showcasing the best of our school’s talent

for poetry and short-story writing, and giving you top tips for the best books around at the moment in our Book Reviews Section.We love to read your contributions, so please send your ideas for the next issue, book reviews, creative writing, literacy tips, illustrations and/or comic strips to Mrs Smith, our Librarian and Literacy Co-ordinator, at [email protected]

Introduction

PAGE 2 : Library Leaves

(SpeLling tIp)Remember it is friend; not freind.

Friend has a ‘fri’ in it and is someoneyou might spend Friday night with.

Reviews

Book

Just so you know, I won’t spoil the MAIN story for you. From the first page, I was riveted by this story and this horrifying world. The concept of a disease

that either kills or gives one superpowers was simply fascinating. It’s never explained why it only affects the children (American children only). The pacing of the book is slow burn. There’s a lot of tension, but not a lot of action for long stretches of time. I personally am a big fan of this, as it adds to the atmosphere, but if you’re looking for a book brimming with action and adventure and superpower battles, this isn’t it. Those things are certainly present, but they’re not the main focus of the story. The world of this novel is horrible, but all too possible. Terrifying parallels can be drawn between therehabilitation centers and concentration camps during

The Darkest Mindsby Alexandra Bracken

WWII. It seems that danger lurks around every turn and almost no one can be trusted. The world building is intense and details are slowly unravelled as we move forward in the plot. The characters are well developed and their feelings and personalities are so realistic and yet fascinating that the reader comes to love them. Their relationships are genuine and the romantic angle is weaved into the plot so that it supports the action, rather than stealing centre stage. The villains (about whom I cannot give many details without spoiling the storyline) are equally well written and aid the plot in becoming a more exciting and horrifying one. The Darkest Minds by Alexandra Bracken was one of those few books I could find no criticism for. It was just stunning and was everything I was looking for.

Daniel Dochev

“We’ll just have to try to makebetter mistakes tomorrow.”

- Alexandra Bracken

Urban Outlaws Blackoutby Peter Jay Black

The four outlaws have to catch a computer virus from the government that Jack has

accidentally released into the internet. It travels from computer to computer and even power stations. The outlaws have to catch it but their old ‘friend’ (not) Detective Conner will stop at nothing to catch them. In my opinion, the Urban Outlaws Book Two is a great book for people who want to read adventure and action put together. The story went really quickly but there were so many new and interesting things that popped up unexpectedly. It had a few shocking parts in it, but it was very interesting. The story is very funny at some points. The book will not let you close it!

Bradley Rigby

The Story of Tracy Beakerby Jacqueline Wilson

My favourite book is The Story of Tracy Beaker by Jacqueline Wilson. I had this book read

to me when I was younger. I have also watched all the episodes on TV. The book is all about Tracy and it’s how she gets on with her life. Whenever she gets into trouble, she gets punished badly and when she gets fostered to other parents she ends up going back to the ‘dumping ground’.

Caitlin Jones

My Favourite Authorsby Rhys Brennan-KillickDavid Walliams:His books have a lot of jokes in them and they entertain me. He is a very talented writer.

Jeff Kinney:Jeff Kinney: This American author is a number one best-selling author. He writes books about a troubled teenager and it is interesting to see how he copes throughout this amazing series of books (Wimpy Kid).

Derek Landy:Derek writes detective books (Skulduggery Pleasant) about a skeleton man and a companion who is a young girl. It is interesting and aimed at younger readers.

Book Reviews

“In Britain, a cup

of tea is the answer to

every problem.

Fallen off your bicycle?

Nice cup of tea.”- David Walliams

‘Mr Stink’

“I`m basically one of the best people I know.”- Jeff Kinney‘The Last Straw’

“Only a moron would bring

a sword to a gunfight.”- Derek Landy

‘Playing With Fire’

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Geek Girlby Holly Smale

This book explores the life of a young school girl, Harriet Manners. Harriet is the top student in her class but doesn’t seem to know why nobody likes

her. When Harriet has the chance to be one of the world’s top models she has a number of decisions to face. What about school? How will her Dad cope? After talking to her school and parents, Harriet takes the chance to reinvent herself and gets shipped off to Tokyo. Not knowing her best friend has always wanted to be a model and meeting a boy, Harriet has the choice of leaving or staying to live her life in Tokyo. Creating more problems for herself, Harriet knows life in fashion isn’t right for her but will she ever go back?

This book contains a lot of emotive language to engage the reader and relate to the characters created. I highly recommend Geek Girl to the ages of 10-16 as it looks at teenagers and the difficulties they have to face.

Additionally, this book makes you turn over the next page every time and cry with laughter. Geek Girl also has three sequels: Model Misfit, Picture Perfect and All That Glitters. Holly Smale is a world-class author and her books are extremely moving to listen to and read.

- Joanna Wyllie

sPElLInG tipRemember it is quiet (shhhhh!);

not quite.Quiet has an ‘et’ in it, like pet.

“Quiet, my pet is asleep...”

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“Nobody hopped into awardrobe to find Narnia; they hopped in, thinking it was just a wardrobe. [...] Harry Potter thought he was a normal boy;

Mary Poppins was supposed to be a regular nanny. It’s the first

and only rule. Magic comes when you’re not looking for it.”

- Holly Smale


This series is an extensive collection that covers a total of 29 books. It follows the adventures and life of Drizzt Do’Urden, a dark elf, who rebels against

his people’s ways and flees from his homeland. The books are mainly written in trilogies, but some come in series of four. I believe that the books are a great way to pass the time and educational, as they show that evil is not something that is innate, but something that is learnt. Also, they show that even if you’re judged by how you look or your race there will be people who will not only forget about your differences

and look at you as an equal, but will become your friends that will sometimes remain as friends for the whole of your life. Furthermore, if you’re a fan of fantasy books, then you’re probably going to like this series, that is packed full of: Adventures, action, life lessons and magical creatures, such as: Elves, dwarves, gnomes, demons and the like. In conclusion I would recommend this series to any fan of Adventure-Action fiction books, that like to think about the book in depth.

- Viktor Mora

The Legend of Drizzt Seriesby R. A. SalvatoreThe Legend of Drizzt Series

by R. A. Salvatore

“If this road, this series of stepping stones,leads nowhere, then so be it. I walk the road with

friends, and so I have my home.”- R. A. Salvatore

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Boy 23by Jim Carrington

Have you ever wondered what it would be like if you had no memory, identity or any clue about the world and the society that we live in?

Do you ever just stop for a minute and think about the purpose of your life, how our world is textured and in reality do we actually know who it is controlled by? Is it the politicians or are all our actions compelled by the aims of making more money? How hard could the quest of figuring out who you are be? Jim Carrington’s previous book ‘Drive by’ is “provocative, honest and gripping… a must”, as described by the Telegraph, but so is his last published novel- ‘Boy 23’. It is a book that will capture your mind and make you question some of the most obvious but yet so unclear things in everyday life, which our society has been fooled into believing that we are aware of, by creating a hoax of certainty, when unfortunately the only certain thing in life is death. However life is about being resilient and fighting for all the things you want, no matter whether your goals are materialistic or moral, as long as you keep trying, which is what Jim Carrington did when he wrote his compelling novel “Boy

23”. He lives locally in Raynes Park and works as a teacher in a local primary school. In his opinion even when you have a writer’s block, the best thing to do is simply “just keep writing” and eventually you will get it right. The book is inspired by a true story of a boy who fled into Germany, with the purpose of starting a new life there, pretending to be memoryless and held captive. The reason behind his actions is the fact that he got his girlfriend pregnant, back in his old country, and I can’t help but wonder how far a person can go in order to escape responsibility. When Rebeka, a fifteen year old girl currently studying at Raynes Park High school, heard this story, she thought that “it kind of shows the reality of life, as most stories showed to public audiences have happy endings”, that of course are “too good to be true”. - Vanesa Smrikarova

“The books transported her into new worlds and introduced her to

amazing people who lived exciting lives. She went to Africa with Ernest

Hemingway and to India with Rudyard Kipling. She traveled all over the world

while sitting in her little room in an English village.”

- Roald Dahl

My Favourite Author

My favourite author is Roald Dahl. Roald Dahl was a British novelist, short story writer, poet, screenwriter, and fighter pilot. He was born in 1916 and died in 1990. Roald Dahl used to write fun and creative books targeted at children aged 5-12. Roald Dahl was an imaginative, innovative and experimental author. He produced over 5 decades of work. This suggests

to us how much he really cared about and loved writing. My favourite book by him is George’s Marvellous Medicine because he uses a lot of descriptive writing to make his text interesting.

Nabeela Umer

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An Anchor’s Dreamby Charlotte Smithers-Hessell

One day on a warm summer’s evening, as the sun was going down, I was lowered into the cold, rippling water. We were pulled up at the docks again like

we are every day. The sweet smell of curry drifted through the clear blue water and I started dreaming about the taste of it. You see, I’m an anchor and my name’s John. I have two goals in my life but I’m afraid I cannot achieve them. I really want to see the sunset and eat curry! As the evening went on, the colours of the sky became even brighter than before, with red and orange waves of wonder. However, I was unable to see them properly because of the water. Eventually, the sky went black, the moon lit up the water. I was lifted back up and we started moving. A quick light moved across the sky; it was a shooting star. I had to think quickly about what to wish for. Legs! I need legs! So I wished for my own set of moving limbs and dozed off to sleep. The next morning when I awoke there was a small twinkling light above my head. “Use your wish wisely, the magic awakes at the first drop of water you touch but wears off at the first chime at midnight”, whispered the twinkling light. Confused, I waited until evening for that was when I would touch ‘the first drop of water’ and the ‘magic would

awaken’. The day dragged on as I waited impatiently with both excitement and fright to see what would happen. As soon as we pulled up at the docks that evening, I was chucked over the edge. Almost instantly I had sprouted legs. My wish! My wish had come true! I waited until the sailors were digging into their meal to slowly emerge from the water. Wandering along to the curry house, I was careful not to be seen. The back alley was full of strong fumes that filled my nostrils with glee. It was then that I realised it came from a big silver can. RATTLE! BANG! The lid smashed to the ground with a ferocious roar. Strangely, no one heard the noise so I carried on. Slowly lifting scraps from the oversized tin, I managed to fill a dirty plate with chicken and rice and sauces and noodles. Yum! I walked back out on deck and sat down on the pier. I had spent so long gathering my perfect meal; most of the sunset had disappeared behind the horizon. Disappointment was what I felt but also joy and wonder for there were still a few orange and pink swirls that danced together around the stars- they had waited for me. I was living my dream.

Creative Writing

Heroby Rickardo Sukhdeo

Thomas Was Runningby Jack Stewart

Thomas was running in aforest, he was hearing strange things.

He is thinking of someone coming out.

But it was true, there was someone behind him.

Thomas stopped and then someone whistled.

He was scared.

He ran as fast as he could.

He ran to a dead end.

The man had a big rock.

The rock had algae all over it and it was slimy.

Thomas didn’t know he had the rock, so he didn’t panic.

So the man got closer and closer with the rock in his hand.

Meanwhile, his parents are anxious because he has never been missing before.

Happy Marriageby Hannah Fagence

Begin with some common interests and add in some exciting conversations.

Stir slowly.

A pinch of inside jokes and a spoonful of laughs.

Pour in a whole bottle of loyalty and tad of jealousy.

Simmer on a low heat.

Lastly. add ten big spoonfuls of happiness.Cool for one minute and enjoy.

Note: Too much jealousy will ruin the whole dish.

Day at Raynes Park What a fun day it is

We play in the playground

We study in sync

We play in the playground

We eat out lunch

We play some football

The bell goes

And it is time to go

Going to our lessons

Finishing the day

With a smile on my face.

- Antoni Constantinides

School is something to embrace,

what to learn is in one place.

Our wonderful teachersare sweet and kind,

their passion to teach will blow your minds.

It’s lunchtimego get some food,It’s all too yummyso get in the mood.

Activities and clubsare all open,

if you are good You’ll get chosen.

Subjects are cooljust for you,

jump up and downand scream “School rules!”

by Rebecca Halford

Endless Lineby Jake Anderson

Where does it begin?

Where does it end?

Idle, standing, waiting as others push in.

Taking steps, but there is no change.

Walking forward it’s all the same.

The rain caresses the window. The only movement I witness.

How can a world revolve without moving?

How can a line end without beginning?

Still stationary. Yet somehow progressing.

A motionless mind, yet my legs advance forward.

Time rapidly dashes away, as if it were a bullet propelled from a gun.

If time is moving, why aren’t I?

I’m waiting. Anticipating.

I’m motionless.

I’m idle. As my body becomes weak.

An endless line.

Where does it begin?

An endless line.

Where will it end?

An endless line….

School

Fateby Ebony Olumegbon

Rapidly running in the burning heat, I tripped on a small but hazardous rock; ripped my trousers which left a jiggered deep cut in my

leg. However, I couldn’t stay another second longer to tend my cut. They are after me: The police! The cops are trying to arrest me for a crime I didn’t commit. It’s always me who gets the blame, no matter how obvious it was that it was someone else. Not this time, I’m not going to pay the price for someone else, therefore, I have decided to run away. It may not seem like the best idea, but for me it’s the only option I have. My new life in Mexico, where I plan to escape to, will relieve me from all the stress I have been put through. I have been running for 30 minutes non-stop. As a result, I was exhausted and decided to find an abode to sleep. Eventually, I discovered a great hiding place. I heard a rustle nearby. Foolishly, I rose to my feet and decided to investigate. I saw two shadows in the distance and crouched down behind a bin so I could hear what they were discussing. I couldn’t believe my ears. I discovered that the people communicating were part of a secret terrorism group; they were planning to bomb London! As soon as I acknowledged that I knew, I had to inform the police even though I was wanted. I slowly started to walk away when I

accidently nudged the other bin causing them to fall. They had seen me! I froze with fear as they turned around and approached me stealthily. They stared at me menacingly. Suddenly they got their guns out. “Get over here” one of them said, so I shuffled to them shyly. “Get in the van.” The other one said. Nothing can explain how frightened I was and at that point I was clueless, scared, worried for my safety. In those few seconds it was as if I went from a brave man to a small young child who was petrified. I got in the van like the man told me to and he pushed me down so I was forced to sit down. A woman held a gun to my head in case I dared to move whilst the man was getting the equipment. I felt helpless as I was incapable of stopping them and nobody could rescue me. That’s when I realised I was ruined. The men eventually came with some objects. They had a rope and wrapped it around me so I couldn’t move a muscle. They then searched me for any technology that I could attempt to use to contact help. Lastly, they tied a handkerchief around my mouth so I couldn’t talk. They got in the front and started to drive, I didn’t know where I was going or what the outcome would be…

The Giants and the Witchby Ryan Daly

Hair as pink as coral,Skin as green as grass,

Brain absent of a moral,To dispel her wicked past.

Girl with hair of crimsonDress like giants ivory,A broad imagination,

But blind of common sensory.

The witch, from the hill of Giants.The girl, from the village of Ebony,

Wanting civil silence,To hide their past of rivalry.

The Giants cry murder!The Ebony says its madness.

They both suffered alone.Experiencing all that is sadness.

The War had broken out, before it was too late.The girls accepted their destiny and true fate.

As they both ran away together.One was stabbed with a bloody dagger.

‘Take our destiny, as one, to the future,Feel our past as it was your present,

Remember me in all my ashes,I know you can make good, my dear peasant!’


Taken, Freeby Courtney-Mae Kidger

Richard sat studying the rain drops dribbling down the window pane. He remembered his constant nightmares and lack of sleep. He remembered the

island. The classroom seemed small now and the only noise to be heard was the subtle, motionless sound of the thin woman’s shoes pacing the floor. Richard loved these hushed moments where he could sit undisturbed, gazing past the window into the dreary world. An expression of pain crept across the boy’s pale face as he remembered how lost and alone he was. How he no longer had his brother, Charlie. A tear rolled down the bony contour of his cheek, he quickly wiped the tear and darted his eyes towards the thin red-haired boy sitting across the room. Joe’s body was slouched back into the crease of the wooden chair. His hair was muffled across the brunt of his face and his eyes, which had once been piercing blue and alive, had sunk and appeared tired and old. Joe’s face was slimmer too and his plump lips were shrivelled and thinning. His eyes wandered the room but never caught Richard’s gaze. The hatred towards Joe boiled and brewed inside the small boy who sat listing ways Joe could feel grief the way he did. “Richard.” A peculiar voice of homeliness and warmth crept up from the distance. “I’m here!” Richard replied with the only words that left his lips during school hours. “No, Richard um… I’m asking you a question. “Richards’s eyes were wide open now, in shock, as he stared at the bony silhouette. “How is the white witch presented in The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe?” She said, her voice remaining soft. “Well, um…” Richard stood up slowly. “She is presented as a despicable, evil figure that desires nothing more than to see

others hurt and she craves power. She hates innocent people who enjoy spending time with...” A tear rolled again down his face. “With. With people I loved. He was a nice boy Joe. He never did anybody any harm. Why did you hurt him ‘eh? Why did you hurt my brother? Why? Why?” His cries and pleas were louder and he could be heard clearly amongst the other classes. “Richard, why don’t you take a minute outside?” The warming voice appeared again. “I don’t need a minute, I’m fine!” He turned to face the boy who still sat smirking. Richard’s face was puffy where he had stood vigorously mopping up the tears streaming down his face. “In fact Joe why don’t you share with everyone what you actually did? Go on then-” Richard was on the floor and the world which had once been dreary faded away. Wandering through the deep forest, Richard and Charlie admired the tropical flowers and bronzed pathways that surrounded them. They strolled, hand in hand, towards the crystal blue ocean that spread out into the open world. Charlie ran ahead laughing hysterically at the beauty in front of him and that’s when he saw it. The falling rock that had once been a star came tumbling down to break them apart and ruin Richard’s world. When he finally got back his vision the only thing to be seen was the red-haired boy at the end of the path dragging Charlie’s body out of the sea. Panting, Richard awoke staring at the bed Charlie used to sleep in. The island seemed so distant now. Like a small memory that faded through time. Charlie was like that now, a distant memory that will never be forgotten, but pushed aside to the back of everyone’s mind. He wanted revenge. No, he needed revenge…

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Fight for His Lifeby Lucy Dorman

Never ever will I forget my first sight when my eyes focused and the fog cleared; my first breath of joyful air that filled my lungs; the cool, fresh breeze that brushed

against my face to wake me up. I never thought the first thing I ever noticed or ever experienced would become my best friend. From the exact time my wonderful mother brought me into this amazing world, nature became my other half ! Every day when the sun slowly appeared, I would make sure I was up and ready with my clean, shiny, striped coat; just so I got the most time I could to play with the butterflies. There was never a day where my eyes were not filled with happiness. It was my daily routine to go out and play with my best friend. I would try to jump as high as possible to the beautiful, blue sky so I could playfully swipe at the delicate butterflies. However, this one day didn’t go to plan. The sun was usually smiling down at me and watching the joy build up inside me, but today it seemed down. All day he didn’t show his face. Instead, I got showered on all day, with big tear droplets trying to knock me over. It was still humid and that’s why I got confused as to why it was such a depressing, wet day. I was confused why an angry black cloud was crying down on such a wonderful place, but I still felt the heated love from the sun… That day, my mum explained that in a desert it’s always hot, but can still rain. I was young, therefore, I didn’t understand. Unfortunately, there was another miserable day a few years later. As I was older, I understood more about weather as my mother had explained everything to me when I was younger. But that day I could tell this wasn’t any ordinary weather pattern. This day my best friend turned into my worst nightmare!

BANG! CRASH!

My other half shouted in a huge rage. Every second I questioned myself on what I had done to deserve this. Slowly I repeated in my head “please don’t tell me I’ve lost my best friend for good.” Buckets of cold water were being thrown down from the angered sky. The desert was no long dry; it looked like a swimming pool. Huge gushes of wind tried to push me over in a certain direction. I paused! Trying to keep my balance and think at the same time was difficult but I had to multi-task at this point. My mind slowly realised that my best friend was not angry with me… she was trying to push me away from the danger that was hunting me!

It was too late.

Out the corner of my worried eyes, I saw a real nightmare in reality. Charging towards me were three hunters in matching fur coats just like mine with black and orange stripes. Big sharp teeth exactly like mine were dangling around their necks on a

bit of string. Suddenly, I swung my whole body around to the opposite direction and started sprinting like I never had before. My heart seemed to be racing me in this sprint. It was flying out of my chest. I thought the end of my life was right ahead of me! The air I was breathing was not filled with joy. It was filled with panic. Everything went black. My ears seemed blocked; it was silent all around me… I thought my life had ended!

SCREECH… SCREECH!

Slowly my body woke up to the screeching sound. Unbearable pain ran from my head to my toes as murderous hunters tried to cut out my teeth... Hundreds of thoughts were racing through my mind. I need to see my mum! I need to get up! I can’t let this happen! What is my plan? Fight! Just fight until the end I repeated. Using all the energy and strength left in my body I surprised the nasty beasts. I jumped up and swiped at their murderous faces just like they were butterflies. But this time there was no playing. One dropped and screamed on the floor as I released my claws from their rough skin. The other got his spear and swung. Luckily he missed! ARGHH. The fatter man screamed in agony as I clawed into him. Filling my body was anger and fire! I hated myself as I slowly realised I was becoming an aggressive beast! Slowly, injured and as weak as he could get, the fatter man stood up and started to chase me. He was limping at the same time. Confusingly he must have not realised how fast I can be when I am part of a cat family, there was no chance of him catching me. However, a deep lake at the bottom of a cliff didn’t mind sucking me in to a horrible trap. Suddenly it started to drown me! As the dangerous water clogged and filled up my breathing tubes, I started choking in pain. Short of breathe I couldn’t save my self any longer. I had already fought in one battle and I didn’t have the strength to fight in another. My paws lifelessly started to move one in front of the other. It just wasn’t enough. Giving up my head started to lower, my muscles started to relax and then I lost consciousness. Luckily I woke up again. Maybe not down with my family but up in heaven with the biggest part of my best friend. The sky! Every day I watch down on my family and of course the rest of nature. Also, I watch down to focus on how high every tiger in my family jumps to swipe at the butterflies. I noticed that not one of them could jump as high as me! They just looked like little stripy ants jumping around like jumping jacks having fun. It is a shame that I couldn’t be down there with them, but at least I still had my other half with me!

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Terror in the Libraryby Athena Stacy

It’s only me now. Sitting in this cold, dank room... alone... “Why me?” The question I’ve been asking myself for the past few weeks. Why was I the only survivor? Why not

Dylan? Or Layla? Or Brooklynn? Or Mason? Or even Sean? They should be here too. Not just me…

* * * *

The bell for class rang. The classroom slowly began to fill with students. The volume rising from a low mumble, to a loud buzzing as students made plans with one another for the weekend ahead. “Settle down, guys.” Mr Morgan said as he walked toward his desk. “Now, I want you all to turn to chapter 7 of your physics books. We have a lot to cover today and I will not tolerate any rebellious behaviour! Do I make myself clear?” Mr Morgan was small, but forceful. He was only a few feet tall, but he was feared by many. His face was small and frail, but his eyes were always alert. They darted around the room, searching as though he was a wild animal, looking for its next victim. “Hey” Alaska whispered. Her voice was low and soft as she called for Dylan. “Hey Dylan. Dylan, hey. You said you were going to tell me something earlier? What was it?” “Oh yeah, so basically,” Dylan said. “Mason heard something from one of the guys on the rugby team. They said that Sean was with this girl on the weekend and-“ “Yeah,” Alaska interrupted. Her voice aggravated. “It was probably his girlfriend. You know my best friend Brooklynn!? Gosh, we’ve been together for how long? And you still know nothing about me or my friends!” Dylan went red. But not with embarrassment, with anger. He’d been with Alaska for six years, though he’d known her all his life. And yet she still didn’t let him finish, she just jumped straight to conclusions. She was a smart and funny girl. She was also the most sarcastic girl Dylan had ever come across. But he loved her for it and, even after all this time, he still thought she was the most beautiful girl that ever existed. He cleared his throat and took a breath. “Look, before you start jumping to any conclusions, can I please finish what I was saying!” “Oh, yeah. Um, I guess I was being a bit… rash.” She said, embarrassed. Her voice was calmer, quieter. Almost a whisper. Barely audible to anyone who wasn’t within a few inches of her mouth. She always told herself that everybody had a weakness. Unfortunately, hers was the inability to admit she was wrong or apologise. ”I’m sorry, babe. Carry on.” “Cool. So anyways,” Dylan continued, “it wasn’t Brooke. It was some other girl, you know, the one that’s always flirting with him in English? Yeah, her name’s Amy or something like that. So they were together all day holding hands and stuff…” Alaska clenched her jaw, her face white with anger. “What…?” she said through gritted teeth, her voice was low and angry. She never liked Sean. Never. She always thought he was so full of himself, so pretentious. Brooklynn and Layla had tried to convince her to give him a chance, but she was too stubborn to listen. She knew he was bad news, she tried to tell Brooklynn, tried to warn her. But she was just as stubborn as Alaska herself. When Sean cheated on Brooke the first time, Alaska had proven her point to everyone, but Brooke still didn’t listen. He begged for her forgiveness, told her he was sorry and that he loved her. She was so naïve. She gave him another

chance, she should have known better. But she was blinded by the idea of love. But the truth is, she never really knew what love was.

* * * *

Layla and Alaska struggled down the corridor as they lugged Brooklynn toward their next class. She had collapsed into a puddle of tears when Alaska broke the news to her. Finally, they reached their destination; Layla and Alaska lowered Brooklynn on to the floor in front of a row of lockers. “So what are we going to do with her?” Layla asked uncertainly. Alaska shrugged. “Urm, I don’t know. Buy her some food. Take her to Starbucks?!” “Brooke?” Layla shouted. “If you can hear me, please, give us a sign.” Brooklynn just sat there and sobbed. Her eyes wear red and puffy. She looked terrible considering it wasn’t the first time she had been in this situation. “Urgh” Alaska moaned “I’ve had enough of this! Where is that little-“ “What happened now?” Sean asked as the turned the corner and saw the girls. His voice had no trace of interest or worry in it. “You!” Alaska shouted. “It’s because of you that she’s like this you little-“ “Okay, Alaska. Let’s just calm this down a bit” Layla said as she held back Alaska’s shoulders. Layla and Alaska were a pretty good team. They had different views on how to approach situations like this, Alaska believed in fights first, Q&A’s later. Whereas Layla believed in a calmer approach, she preferred to get the facts right before any confrontation. They were the complete opposite, yet they were better together. They were like yin and yang, they balanced each other out. Just as Layla let go of Alaska, Dylan and Mason arrived. “Err, so-” Mason said. “Hey!” Dylan shouted. He could see the irritation and hatred in Alaska’s eyes as he rushed over to her. “What’s going on here?” “Why don’t you ask him!” she said, her hands clenched into fists and her eyes unblinking. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.” Sean argued. He knew arguing with Alaska was risky, stupid, probably the worst idea he had ever come up with. He’d tried many times before, but he always lost. Not this time though. He was determined to win, to lie to all of them, and get away with it. “Don’t try acting dumb, you idiot!” Alaska yelled. “You know what you did! Just admit it! You’re an idiotic, pretentious, and pathetic excuse of a boyfriend! I don’t know what’s wrong with you! Brooklynn is the best thing that will ever, ever happen to you! And you’re just going to throw that away for some ugly-“ “Alaska! Enough, okay? Look leave this to us.” “Oohh, going to get your scary boyfriend on me ‘cause you can’t fight your own battles, aye?” Sean’s tone was menacing. He knew it would aggravate Alaska further. “Look, right? You need to walk away now and never bother any of us ever again, okay?” Dylan’s voice was low and threatening. “Or what? You gonna use you scary boyfriend powers on me? Ahh, I’m so scared!” “Don’t, Sean. You know you don’t want to go there.” “Oh, don’t I? You clearly know nothing my friend.” The two boys stared at each other in silence for a second. It wasn’t long before they were fighting. A swarm of students quickly gathered to watch them. Mason, Layla, Brooklynn and Alaska stepped in to try to split the two boys apart but before


they could split it up, Mr Morgan and Mr Edwards emerged from their class rooms.“WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON HERE?!” Mr Morgan barked as the crowd of students quickly departed. “Urm, well you see sir” Alaska started “we were-“ “Enough!” Mr Edwards howled at her before she could lie her way out of trouble. “All of you, detention. After school with me! No arguments against it! Especially from you, Alaska!”

* * * *

The bell rang for the end of the day. Corridors and class rooms full of children began to clear and, soon, it was complete silence. When the six unlucky students turned up to the school library, they found Mr Edwards at the desk waiting for their arrival. “Come in, sit down and be quiet. Get on with your homework or read”, Mr Edwards said, not even looking up from the computer. “What a load of-“ “Shhh,” Layla interrupted,” he’ll keep you for longer, Alaska.” “If you haven’t noticed, I don’t actually care. He can’t keep us here for more than an hour anyways. He has to give our parents 24 hours’ notice.” “Alaska’s right.” Mason pointed out. “We might as well make the most of it. Anyone need help on maths?” Dylan asked. “I’m too annoyed to do anything right now.” Alaska stated. “Brooke, you okay?” Brooklynn hadn’t said anything after the fight. She stopped crying, but she didn’t speak to anyone. Even in class, she hadn’t raised her hand or answered the teachers. It began to worry Layla and Alaska. It wasn’t like Brooklynn not to talk or make any noise at all. Brooke shook her head no, then nodded. She didn’t know how she was feeling. She was upset, of course, but then she was angry. She’d been in this position many times before, but for some reason, this time was different. “I still can’t believe he did that… again. Like is he really stupid or-“ “No, but he is like really close and can hear like everything you are saying…” Sean interrupted, trying to do his best impression of Layla. “Can you not?!” Layla shouted. “Oi! Shush you lot, otherwise you’ll be here longer!” Mr Edwards roared. “But sir,” Dylan started, “Legally, you can’t do that without giving our parents 24 hours’ notice or-“ “Sending them an email explaining why their child is in detention.” Mr Edwards stated, “Which is exactly what I’ve already done. So “legally” I can keep you here for 1-2 hours. Which is exactly what I’m going to do now, I think you guys should thank Mr O’Brien for your extended time in detention.” Dylan went red as Alaska elbowed him in his ribs and everyone looked at him with angry expressions on their faces. “Looks like we got extended time in hell, thanks to my wonderful boyfriend, Dylan.” Alaska said, her voice was sarcastic and unimpressed. “Well done, genius.” Dylan looked at her and faked a laugh. “Yep, I’m just such a good negotiator, aren’t I guys?” “This is all your fault you know.” Mason said staring at Sean in disgust. “We could have all been home right now, enjoying our weekend. But instead, we’re here. In this old, dusty library that no one even uses anymore!” “Excuse me, I use it all the time.” Layla argued. “Yeah, but you’re a nerd” Mason said jokingly.

“A nerd that you love, so shut up” “Ahh go me there.” He said as he put his arm around Layla and pulled her in closer. “Can you not? You make me want to physically throw up rainbows!” Brooklynn said. “Aaaaaand she’s back!” Alaska cheered as she hugged her friend. “I never left…” Brooklynn said sarcastically, allowing a small smile to form on her face. “Nice to see you’re back on Earth, babe” Sean said. “Sorry to disappoint you but, I’m not your babe.” She said coldly. “What?” Sean said sharply. “What do you mean?” Mr Edwards stood up from his desk and cleared his things into his bag. As he did so, the students stood up and began to put their bags on. “I’m sorry,” Mr Edwards said “But what do you think you’re doing?” “Getting ready to leave…” Alaska said uncertainly. Mr Edwards laughed. “Ohh. No, you see I’m packing my things because it’s time for ME to leave. Not you guys. There’s books that need organising and put back on the correct shelves. You guys are going to do that and when you’re finished, you may leave.” “You can’t do that!” Layla protested. “Well actually, I can. And I will.” Mr Edwards said triumphantly. “I shall see you on Monday.” And with no other words, he left.

* * * *

Outside was cold and dark. It was getting late and the students were growing tired. “This is out of order!” Alaska said angrily. “I should be at home. Not here!” “Well look, we’ve almost finished.” Dylan said trying to reassure her. “I’m driving anyway, it’s not like you have to walk in the cold.” “I know but still. I just don’t want to be here.” “I know, I know. Hey, why don’t you sit down and I finish up the rest?” “Hey guys! Have any other lights gone off over by you?” Brooklynn called out. “No” “Nope, it’s all bright over here, why?”“That half of the library just went out” Brooklynn announced as she walked over to her friends. “It’s probably the cleaners thinking no one’s here anymore! Stop being such a wimp!” Sean teased. “It’s not funny. You know I’m terrified of the dark!” “Just get over it, Brooklynn. Stop being a baby and grow up!” “Do you know what, just stop. Stop with this ‘I’m better than everyone else’ act, okay?” “Hey!” Dylan shouted “Both of you stop, okay? I’ll go and check if they can put the lights back on.” Dylan walked over to the door of the library. He tried to open, but found it was locked. “Urmmm, guys. Yeah, the doors locked!” “What!?” Mason exclaimed. “Yeah, it’s locked. Probably from the outside.” “There’s no lock on the other side.” Layla said, scared. “You can only lock it from the inside. Mrs Martin gave me a key a few years ago when I worked in here after school…”.

Read the next issue of Library Leaves for Part II of‘Terror in the Library’ (prepare to be scared...)



My Favourite PoemSelected by SabrinaPoem by Francisco Larin


sPElLInG tipRemember it is weird; not wierd.

As in “We are weird.”

Book Title Crossword

Across1. ________ Fire, Suzanne Collins4. The Perks of Being a ___________, Sphen Chbosky7. Miss Peregrine’s Home for _______ Children, Ransom Riggs10. ___ 23, Jim Carrington12. The _______ of Drizzt, R. A. Salvatore13. Looking for _____, John Green14. Game _______, Tim Bowler16. The ______ Games, Suzanne Collins17. The _____ in our Stars, John Green22. New ____, Stephenie Meyer23. The Maze ______, James Dashner25. George’s ___________ Medicine, Roald Dahl26. ____ Girl, Holly Smale

Down2. The Two ______, J. R. R. Tolkein3. The _______ Minds, Alexandra Bracken5. Percy Jackson and the _________ Thief, Rick Riordan6. Diary of a ______ Kid, Jeff Kinney8. The Golden _______, Philip Pullman9. The Art of Being ______, Lisa Williamson11. Skulldugery _______, Derek Landy14. ____ of Ashes, Cassandra Clare15. The Story of Tracey ______, Jacqueline Wilson16. Harry Potter and the Deathly _______, JK Rowling18. Beautiful __________, Kami Garcia19. Urban ________ Blackout, Peter Jay Black20. Girl ______, Zoe Sugg (Zoella)21. The 5th ____, Rick Yancey24. The ____ Thief, Markus Zusak

Betrayedby Jemima Fosua

Chapter 1

The world’s atmosphere started to erupt whilst my tear drops brigaded towards the Earth. Jealousy hadgobbled my mind, leaving me with nothing but hate.

The wind

s w

a y

e d

as if it were laughing at me. However, it wasn’t. It was just my consciousness, my thoughts. It was just me… Apparently, friends justify honesty, protection and trust. But if that’s true, why am I here? You see, society looks at us in a different light, always pitch black. I’m always being picked up and being thrown away; children just use me and let me go when they’re old - they don’t respect me. I am Alex, the toy Dinosaur!

Chapter 2

In the distance, my eye caught up with a miniature figure, slowly confronting me. I do say they looked pretty, but not as astonishing as me though! Eagerly, I turned

around and wiped away my tears to give them an impressive first impression.They came closer, And closer, AND CLOSER…Until they were right behind me. My heart created animmense thump. This was exciting for me because I thought I had lost hope, after my ex dumped me. To be honest, I think I’ve moved on, she was a gold-digger. But you know I’ve had enough; this is my time to shine.

“Excuse me-” yelled the little figure. Calmly, I looked down and said, “Hey there, what’s your name?” Staring into space. At that moment, I realised she was an Antelope. She had distinguished back-curving horns with their coats of hair that were golden. “Lucy. Wait a minute, I’m lost. Can you help me find my way?” I looked at her in confusion. This was my chance to not be alone for eternity. “Yes, I’ll show you the way.’’ For a hot second my mind went blank, I couldn’t believe I lied to her. My soul had committed ‘one’ wickedness and I couldn’t do anything about it.

Chapter 3

From the top of some mountains, I spotted a small town. Its houses and townsfolk seemed like tiny dots. Never having a long lasting bond with humans, I was

ready to destroy anything that stood in my way... Roughly, she got on my back whilst we started the long lasting adventure! However, as we approached the little town, the houses were getting bigger and bigger… and when we finally arrived, it turned out that the houses were much bigger than us. A young boy with blonde hair and blue eyes was passing by yelling, “Daddy! Daddy! I’ve found some tiny Animal toys! Can I keep them?” My face screwed up like a stress ball, I wasn’t going to go through the pain again. No! No I wasn’t. My mind was telling me no, but my body needed some love. It was War between my mind and physicality.

Right, now as a writer I’m confused. So, as you are the reader you get to decide what happens. Now!


Documents

Library Leaves - Issue 1