Quiet Storm success

Quiet Storm by local author, Kimberly Whittam, has been chosen by pupils as this year’s Transition Read book. Every child starting Year 7 in a Manchester high school in September will be gifted a copy of this book when they attend their ‘transition day’ in July. Reading the same book and taking part in lessons and activities themed around Quiet Storm offers pupils a shared experience when they start high school, irrespective of which primary school they attended. Pupils in Specialist Educational Needs provision will also receive a copy of the book and an additional title – Super Duper Me by Sophie Henn. 

Reading Ambassadors from Chorlton High School were invited to read a selection of books that had been shortlisted as possible titles for the Transition Read. Quiet Storm was by far the most popular choice! 

The Reading Ambassadors considered each title against the following criteria: 

• Plot – Were there some interesting themes that could generate discussion or debate? 
• Characters – Did you get to know the characters? Do they speak the way you’d expect them to for their age and background?  
• Accessible to all students – do you think the book would be good for less confident readers? Is it suitable for Year 6 students?  
• Explores change or managing emotions connected to change  

Here’s some of their feedback about Quiet Storm and why pupils chose it as this year’s Transition Read 

The plot helped me understand what shy/quieter people are going through in a way I had not really thought about before. The book was very addictive and there were always new and exciting things to keep me hooked. I feel as though this book has something for everyone and is very inclusive, diverse and relatable. (Maria, pupil) 

It really shows her transition into high school well. It shows her struggle and her happiness. Brilliant. (Sophia, pupil) 

For the characters you see your mates and teachers speaking and it’s just very relatable in terms of what’s being said and who says it. (Isla, pupil) 

I think Storm is great and I love it. I think the character speaks like a year 7 child, and I love the background of how she wins and faces challenges despite the fact of what might be going on at home. (Amirah, pupil) 

Quiet Storm is Kimberly Whittam’s debut novel. Kimberly says ‘I wrote Quiet Storm for children who struggle with shyness; children who don’t speak up, no matter how much they want to. It’s also a celebration of the chaotic yet joyous tribulations that occur every day in classrooms across the country’. 

Quiet Storm is also available to borrow from Manchester Libraries

Thanks to Usborne for their support of Read Manchester’s Transition Read 2024. The programme is supported by Read Manchester and funded by Manchester City Council.