The Learning Resource Centre (LRC) team at Springfield Sixth Form Centre hosted its first ever live author visit on Thursday 4 November.
The college were delighted to welcome Nikki Young, author of the ‘Time School’ book series and champion local talent to inspire budding writers within the student community. Nikki grew up in Heckmondwike and the main setting of the books is inspired by the Batley, Dewsbury and Heckmondwike area.
The quartet of books explores issues from key points in history, each from the perspective of one of its young characters. The third book, ‘We Will Stand with Them’, has just been published and was written to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Ugandan expulsions. The fourth instalment is due for publication next year and explores the psychological impact of the Bosnian War on a Croatian survivor and her son.
The event was attended by over 25 students and eight staff who listened to Nikki talk about her career, her inspiration for ‘Time School’ and her writing life. The talk was also signed for a student with hearing loss which made the event truly inclusive.
Emily Thornton, Librarian at Springfield Sixth Form Centre said:
“It was brilliant to hear the insightful questions which were posed, particularly by the students involved. Those who attended did themselves and Kirklees College proud. We would like to thank Nikki and everyone who joined us for what we hope is just the first of many such events.”
For students and staff interested in reading the Time School series, Nikki’s books are available to borrow from Springfield LRC and via ‘click and collect’.