Published Book Reviews

Well done to Amy Rose Hayes (5th class) and Thomas Tierney (6th class) on completing book reviews for Seomra Ranga, an irish owned resources website for teachers. Amy Rose reviewed First Term at Fernside by Sheena Wilkinson while Thomas reviewed The Story of Irish Rugby by Gerard Siggins.
The reviews are printed below and they can also be viewed on www.seomraranga.com

First Term at Fernside by Sheena Wilkinson

Review by Amy Rose Hayes, 5^th Class, Knockavilla NS 

First Time At Fernside is a fictional adventure book about girls in a boarding school called Fernside by Sheena Wilkinson.

    Robins’ younger cousin Linnet has just started school at Fernside and is already homesick, there are just too many strict rules, new faces and confusing timetables for her to handle. Luckily Linnet has Robin to help her settle in and her own secret place to hide. When pets and animals start to disappear it’s up to the four friends Linnet, Robin, Fran and Sadie to find out where the animals are going. When Rowanbank, the house next to the school is sold the girls in Fernside are wondering what’s going on there. There’s a mystery to solve!

      The book is a really good book especially for adventure, animal lovers and people who like the Malory Tower novels. I loved the book overall; it was very intriguing. I really liked the way all the girls work together to solve the problems and always help each other. I also like the way that Robin is honest, helpful and determined. I didn’t dislike any of the book and I’d be happy to read the book again. My favourite part of the book, was when Robin and Linnets class, the lower fourth went out on a hike and when Robin noticed that Sadie was getting tired, she asked Miss Taylor could she bring Sadie back then Linnet and Babs offered to come back to help them. I thought that was very kind.

 I would recommend this book for 10- to 12-year-olds. I think this age bracket would really enjoy it. I found it easy to read and very enjoyable, I would read the next book in this series. I would rate the book 10 stars out of 10.   

The Story of Irish Rugby by Gerard Siggins

Review by Thomas Tierney, 6^th Class, Knockavilla NS 

The book describes how rugby was invented and how it spread to Ireland. It also has information on clubs, provinces and national teams.  It explains the rules of the game and takes us back to unforgettable matches and tournaments. It also takes a look at legendary players like Johnny Sexton and Willie John McBride.

I thought the book was very good. I liked all the facts and figures about the history of Ireland at the World Cup. My favourite part of the book was reading about the players that Ireland have had on British and Irish Lions teams over the years.

I would recommend this book for 9 to 12 year olds who have an interest in rugby because it has a lot of information in it and I also thought the illustrations are very detailed. Gerard Siggins also wrote the Rugby Spirit series and I really enjoyed those too. I would rate this book 9.5 out of 10.