The Readers Speak
Authors write for their readers, and our readers, young and old, are very important to us. While proud that the many awards we receive for our books confirm their literary merit, the good opinion of our readers is of utmost importance to us, and to our authors. So we are happy to receive comments and reviews from young readers who have used our books in school or who have read and enjoyed them at home.
We also welcome comment about our author visits to schools and libraries. Write in and tell us about the preparation for the visit, about the visit itself and about any follow-up work you might have done. Or send us your thoughts on a book or series of O'Brien books that you have enjoyed. These pages will be updated at regular intervals: keep watching for readers' reviews.
Also available: The Author Speaks
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Making witches' hats
Children from second and third classes, Scoil Plás Mhuire, Dorset Street, Dublin 7, make witches' hats with Mary Carroll from the Pine Forest Arts Centre
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Reader's review
Review by Sam, aged 11 on www.giftedkids.ie
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Student work based on Mad Grandad books
Display panels prepared by pupils of Ss. John Fisher And Thomas More school, Manchester
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Eight week residency in a Dublin school
Children are given a real chance to participate in developing their own stories and illustrations.
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Monsters Clink! Collaborative writing with a student
Oisín McGann (author) and Robbie Kenny (student) write and illustrate a story together, based on a breakout in a monster's prison: Monsters Clink!
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Review of The Secret of Kells
Review of the picture book by Hannah, aged 8, from www.giftedkids.ie
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Reader's review
Review by Síobhra, age 10, on www.giftedkids.ie
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Pupils' impressions of The Johnny Coffin Diaries by John W Sexton
Comments on the book, with pictures of school children enjoying the mad world of Johnny Coffin!
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Student Reaction to Visit to Millisle Primary School of Marilyn Taylor and Mr Hackworth
On 11 October 2000, Mrs Marilyn Taylor and Bobby Hackworth visited Primary 7 class in Millisle Primary School, Newtownards. They talked to us about Millisle's history and about Marilyn's book, Faraway Home.
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Why Use A Class Novel?
Since the introduction of the Revised Curriculum in 1999, many teachers have begun using a novel with their pupils as well as the more traditional 'reader' or textbook. Some teachers have decided not to use 'readers' at all, choosing instead to use novels with their class. Here two pupils from Stratford National School, who used Marilyn Taylor's novel Faraway Home last term, share their thoughts on the advantages of using class novels.
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The Match in Millisle
Commentary on the football match between the Refugee Camp and Millisle Village, by Colman Hanley, pupil at Stratford National School, Dublin.
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Review of 17 Martin Street by Robert Nestor, Greenhills College, Dublin
A review of Marilyn Taylor's novel. Contains plot description and picks up on the major themes in the book.
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Quiz based on Faraway Home
Quiz: 101 questions and answers on Faraway Home by Tom Hanley, Principal, Stratford National School, Dublin.
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Pupils' Impressions of Faraway Home
The pupils of St Matthew's National School in Sandymount, Dublin, describe their impressions of Faraway Home by Marilyn Taylor.
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My Favourite Character in Faraway Home
Pupils from Stratford National School in Rathgar, Dublin, describe the characters from Faraway Home who made the biggest impression on them.
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Goldi's Story by Megan Ní Mhathúna
When Karl and Rosa were taken by the soldiers, as seen by their dog, Goldi. By Megan Ní Mhathúna, Rang a Sé, Scoil an tSeachtar Laoch, Baile Munn