Author Tom Percival visited Year 7 students at Magnus Church of England Academy in Newark, delivering a motivational talk aimed at inspiring resilience and a love for reading. During his engagement, Percival shared insights about his path to becoming a published writer and discussed the themes of his latest book, The Wrong Shoes.
Percival expressed enthusiasm about his experience at the academy, noting, “My visit to Magnus C of E Academy has been great and the students have been really engaged.” He elaborated on the core message of his book, which emphasizes resilience and the importance of not giving up when faced with challenges. “It’s about trying to make the right choices, whatever challenges you are experiencing,” he said.
The author encouraged students to pursue their aspirations, whether in music, writing, or sports, highlighting the necessity of effort and perseverance. “We talked about the importance of resilience, of failing, and improving on your failures,” he stated. Percival underscored that this mindset is relevant not only in academics but also in personal relationships and hobbies.
Sarah Harper, Assistant Principal at Magnus, remarked on the significance of Percival’s visit. “At Magnus, we value the impact reading can have on our students,” she said. Harper emphasized the importance of students hearing directly from a published author to understand the inspiration behind their work and the creative process involved.
As part of the event, each student received a signed copy of The Wrong Shoes, which Percival commended as a wonderful initiative. He stated, “I do a lot of work with the National Literacy Trust, and a key objective is accessibility to books.” He believes that ensuring all children have books within their reach is crucial in fostering a reading culture.
Students shared their excitement about receiving the book. Lilly-Mai Portas mentioned, “I have already started reading the book during lunch and enjoyed listening to the author talk about the story this morning.” Similarly, fellow student Fatima Haymoun expressed her interest in Percival’s insights, stating, “I enjoyed the talk this morning. I was interested to know what the book meant to Tom and can see that he really cares about his stories.”
Another student, Sumayyah Adesope, highlighted her passion for reading, noting, “I have always wanted to own a book by this author, not one I have to return to the library!” She emphasized the role of reading in her academic success, saying it helps her in all subjects.
Heather Jackson, the learning resource centre manager at Magnus, added, “We are delighted to once again present our Year 7 students with a book this Christmas.” She noted that the initiative is designed to inspire continued reading throughout their educational journey. Jackson reiterated the school’s commitment to fostering a love for reading as part of their mission to develop individuals of good character.
Overall, Percival’s visit was a resounding success, leaving students motivated to embrace challenges and explore the world of literature. The engagement not only provided them with valuable lessons in resilience but also fostered a deeper appreciation for reading and storytelling.
