... is worth 10 hours watching reality television.  So says David Dimbleby,

and girls in Group 1 certainly agree, after abandoning Big Brother to read the short-listed books in the Southern School's Book Award.  Reading began in September, with many girls finishing all five short-listed books.

The comfortable beanbag reading area in the school's main library proved a popular place for girls to read the nominated books and discuss their choices.  Debates were held, reviews were written and posted on the SSBA website. 

On a dark and blustery evening in January, the girls travelled to Roedean School, which was hosting the presentation evening for the winning authors, based on votes from students.  The evening was hosted by a good friend of Cobham Hall, Ann Cassidy, whom older girls have enjoyed meeting in school.

The short-listed authors all attended the evening and read extracts from their books.  There were also opportunities for book signing.  The climax of the evening was the announcement of the winner:

Leaving Poppy  -  by Kate Cann

a very popular choice with the Cobham student.