Young readers at a Brentwood primary school experienced a special literary treat when acclaimed fantasy author Yassmin Abdel-Magied paid them a personal visit. The writer spent time with pupils from Years 3 to 6 at Larchwood Primary School, sharing insights into her creative career and her popular fantasy series, Silverbrook.
A Captivating Classroom Experience
The author's visit created an electric atmosphere in the school, with children completely engrossed as she discussed her journey to becoming a published writer. Abdel-Magied didn't just talk about her work – she brought it to life by reading a tantalising teaser from her latest story, immediately capturing the young audience's imagination.
Inspiring the Next Generation of Readers
Lucy Johnson, assistant headteacher and English lead at Larchwood Primary, described the profound impact of the visit. "Yassmin Abdel-Magied provided a really enthusiastic story about her life and how she got to the point of writing her different stories," she explained. "She read a teaser from her new story, which really engaged the children. It was fantastic to welcome Yassmin to Larchwood."
Johnson emphasised how the author's presence supported the school's educational goals: "The children were captivated. There was such a buzz in the room as she talked to them about her career path to becoming an author. Reading for pleasure is a real focus, and hearing her read some of her story really inspired that."
Fostering a Love for Literature
The visit represents a significant opportunity for young learners to connect literature with real-world creativity. By meeting a working author and hearing stories directly from their creator, pupils gain valuable perspective on the writing process and potential career paths in the arts.
Such author visits have become increasingly important in primary education, helping to:
- Demonstrate the practical application of literacy skills
- Inspire creative thinking and storytelling
- Connect classroom learning with professional careers
- Encourage reading beyond academic requirements
The enthusiastic response from Larchwood Primary pupils suggests author visits like Abdel-Magied's can play a crucial role in developing lifelong reading habits and literary appreciation among young students.
