Longfield Primary School proudly hosted this year’s Junior Book Award Ceremony – a celebration of reading across Harrow. The event was graced by the Mayor of Harrow and winning author S. F. Said, as Guests of Honour. Speaking to an audience of enthusiastic children from several local schools and book clubs, S. F. Said shared his inspiring reading journey from countless rejections from publishers to becoming a successful and award-winning author.
Six pupils from Krishna Avanti Primary School, Harrow, took part in the ceremony, which celebrated the culmination of months spent reading shortlisted books and engaging in a variety of book club discussions.
S.F.Said’s key message to budding writers was clear: anyone can write. He encouraged the audience to begin with a story that they would love to read themselves, and to embrace the writing process—draft, draft, and draft again—until their story is the best it can possibly be. In fact, S.F.Said completed 17 drafts of Varjak Paw before it was published! Through perseverance and passion, every young storyteller has the potential to become a published author.
Another highlight of the ceremony was the announcement of this year’s Junior Book Award winner, celebrating creativity, determination and a love for storytelling. Our children at Krishna Avanti came away feeling truly inspired.
