Young autistic writers scoop top literary prizes
Three talented students from one of our specialist schools, Inscape House School, have been celebrating after scooping top literary awards in this year’s Portico Art of the Book Award competition.
Out of 200 entries, our Year 13 student Saffron Broderick was chosen as the overall winner in the competition, which challenges the participants to create a handmade book containing a story through words, pictures or a combination of both. The young talent was also awarded “Best Artwork” for his piece titled ‘I’m a Legless Lizard’, about which the judge, Oliver East, commented:
“Superb comic. Effective panel structure and pacing, with very good drawings. Great use of limited colour. Funny moments in the writing too.”
Year 12 student Talia Marcus’ piece ‘Fox Cub’ was acknowledged as the “Most Engaging Story”, while Year 12 student Ebony Topham’s work ‘My Name is Ebony’ – was “Best Writing”.
Apart from the winners, two more students from Inscape House School - Jessica Thatcher and Zoey Burt from Year 12, also took part in the rivalry and received positive feedback from the judging panel.
On 24 March, the participants, teachers and parents were invited to a prestigious ceremony at Manchester’s Central Library, where all the students received prizes, including Art of the Book Award tote bags, certificates, special Portico notebooks, gift tokens, books and other gifts.
Art of the Book Award
Art of the Book Award is a part of The Portico Sadie Massey Awards for young readers and writers aged 7 - 18 and is open to pupil referral units, as well as schools and departments with special educational needs in Greater Manchester.
The Awards are named after Glasgow-born Sadie Massey and her desire to spread a love of reading and writing. While living in Manchester, Sadie and her husband Alex began helping disadvantaged children through various charities. This desire to give opportunities to all young people is continued through the Portico Sadie Massey Awards.