Power Of Books When Changing Schools
Between the ages of 8 and 13, I went to four different
schools, including one halfway around the world. This meant I had be the ‘new girl’ four
times, not know how the school works four times, try to make friends four
times. You get the idea. Don’t get me wrong, a lot of it was great fun, and I
met so many wonderful people. But it was also incredibly daunting. In fact terrifying
is a more accurate word. But there was one thing that saved me during
these turbulent times. Books!
The night before my first day of school, I would grab my
favourite: The Lion The Witch and The Wardrobe, and I’d be transported to
Narnia. Instead of worrying about the next day, I would see my old friends,
Lucy and Mr Tumnus. I’d stroke Aslan’s fur, and shake my head in horror at
Edward’s actions - I was quite a judgmental child!!
My copy passed down to the next generation.
My copy passed down to the next generation.
This book was my constant. When everything else was
changing, it was my security blanket. And even now, if I pick up my tatty much
loved copy, those feelings of warmth and safety come flying back.
Most children between the ages of 8 and 13, have to change schools at some point, whether it’s primary to secondary, prep to senior. It’s a time of transition. And it’s hard. Books can be real lifesavers at times like this.
They can be a comfort, an old familiar face, when everything
else seems to be changing. Just like The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe was
for me.
Or they can be helpful tools. Pea’s Book of Best Friend’s by
Susie Day is a superb book telling the tale of three girls, not only moving
school, but moving house too. Written in such a humorous way, it shows all the
different emotions children feel they when start a new school. What I
particularly love is that it shows how things don’t always go as planned; it
takes time to settle; and most importantly, things often have a way of working
themselves out in the end.
