Author of Chocolat to visit high school
A bestselling author is to visit McLaren High next week as part of Book Week Scotland.
Scottish Book Trust, the national charity changing lives through reading and writing, has announced that bestselling author Joanne Harris will visit the Callander school on Monday, November 19, from 4.30pm until 6pm.
Book Week Scotland is a national celebration of reading and writing that runs this year from November 19–25, linked to the theme of‘rebel’.
Joanne Harris will appear in conversation with Scottish storyteller Amanda Edmiston. The event is free and open to the public but tickets must be ordered in advance from Eventbrite. The discussion will be followed by a book signing in association with Waterstones Stirling.
An author of novels, novellas and cookbooks, Joanne Harris is best known for her 1999 novel Chocolat, which would go on to be adapted for the big screen in a production starring Dame Judi Dench.
The event forms part of ‘Pitch It’, a new programme for Book Week Scotland 2018, where libraries, community groups, organisations and individuals were invited to pitch for one of four literary stars to pay them a visit. McLaren High School was selected alongside five other‘Pitch It’hosts in a process open to applicants from all over the country. In addition to covering the authors’fees, Scottish Book Trust has provided each successful host with £500 to help deliver their event.
Joanne’s latest book, Blue Salt Road, is inspired by traditional folk tales. Callander’s rural setting was a key factor making for a successful pitch, with Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park considered to be an ideal backdrop to explore the book’s main themes.
School Librarian at McLaren High School, Joanne Watson said: “We’re delighted that Joanne Harris has chosen to visit us to talk about her new book, Blue Salt Road, with Scottish storyteller Amanda Edmiston. McLaren is the only high school in the Trossachs national park and our community does not usually host world– famous authors. This will be an excellent event for our young people, their families and the community at large. We’re very grateful for the support of Scottish Book Trust in making this a free to attend event.”
Marc Lambert, CEO of Scottish Book Trust, said: “We’ve been so impressed by the standard of pitches we received to host these authors.
“The energy and enthusiasm demonstrated by all applicants throughout this process is a great reflection on the health of book-loving communities all over the country.”