Last year English teacher Mr Long decided to bring together a group of Year 7 boys with varying degrees of interest in reading to look at why many boys are reluctant readers and to try to enthuse the reluctant readers in the group to become more involved with reading.

The group of boys met for 5 lessons, and the aim was to provide the plot and characters for a story that might engage reluctant boy readers. They did this through a variety of activities. The boys created comic strips, investigated the plots of stories they liked, and had some very messy sessions where they made costumes from cardboard boxes and acted out the scenes. The culmination of this collaboration is Jack Turner and the Black Knight written by Mr Long in conjunction with the boys. Harry Guzenda designed the illustration for the front cover and the chapter headings.  Paperback and e-book editions of the book are available to purchase from Amazon, with profits going to school funds.