After the Dorset wide Wessex Amazing Book Award, pupils wanted to carry on with their book groups, so in response, the Wessex MAT GenreSlam was born. Librarians from several schools within the MAT took 7 genres, with a classic example of each chosen to create a shortlist. Over the spring and summer terms, children read each of the books, discussing them in their book groups within their schools, then coming together at Thomas Hardye School for a ‘super book group’ meeting.

Pupils were mixed up into teams, and discussed various categories – for example, which book had the best plot twist? The best visual imagery?

The best moral theme? The most unusual style? They then had to work with their new colleagues to create and deliver a short presentation, and persuade others to vote for their choices. Every book on the shortlist received at least one vote in a category, with ‘One’ by Sarah Crossan receiving several of the awards. Pupils also enjoyed a Book Dingbat quiz, as well as copious amounts of cake – always a vital part of any book group.