Holly Bourne Visits Brentford School for Girls

Author discusses pressure faced by young people

Holly Bourne, journalist and young adult fiction writer, visited Brentford School for Girls on the 19th September.

Holly is an author of many popular books including the Spinster Club series. She worked for a youth charity helping young people with their relationships and mental health; her experience provided background to her novels.

Holly introduced the year 8 pupils to two new publications: "It Only Happens in the Movies" and her latest "Are we all Lemmings and Snowflakes". Holly spoke about our younger selves, enjoying reading and listening to stories. She talked about the pressures that young people face and the limited time given to reading for enjoyment.

Holly talked about the mental illness epidemic that young people face and the role books can play in stress relief as they provide an escape from the pressures of exams, broken friendships and social media.

Her latest book "Are we all Lemmings and Snowflakes" reflects on the issues and problems faced by many children. She mentioned some of these as causes of anxiety and stress such as being lonely, bullied, and racially or sexually harassed.

The Year 8 students at Brentford School for Girls very much enjoyed Holly’s presentation and were very keen to buy her books. Holly signed copies and was able to chat to students after the main event.

October 3, 2018