School events and opportunities

Are you someone with stories to share? Or a teacher working with young writers we should know about? We're looking for our next Scots writer of the year.

Our winner will receive their award and a £100 book token at a special ceremony (The Scots Language Awards) in September (date TBC). They'll have the chance to receive their prize on stage and either read their work or have it read for them – but only if they want to!

Deadline: 19 June, noon

Find out more and apply

Bring the magic of books and reading to your school – become a Reading School this year! The program provides practical resources, friendly support and a variety of accreditation levels designed to help you succeed and celebrate reading for pleasure in your school.

Explore our resources and apply now at readingschools.scot

Through Live Literature part–funded sessions we contribute over half the fees to run in-person and remote author sessions and events.

Apply for Live Literature funding

Equip your classroom with free Tangrams, Beastie Battle cards and Shape Shuffle cards from previous Read Write Count Bags.

Please note shipping is not included.

The Sensory Stories Summer Roadshow is bringing live author events to children with additional support needs in Scotland during the summer holidays.

The week features four incredibly talented, creative authors and storytellers who will visit your setting and hold sessions that are tailored to the specific needs of your group. The authors will engage with the children through sensory storytelling or using props, music, and movement to create a truly immersive experience.

Find out more about the Sensory Stories Summer Roadshow and apply

Are you ready for a wild and wonderful adventure? The award-winning author and artist Helen Kellock joins the Scottish Friendly Children’s Book Tour for an interactive family event with Bumple and Little Mop, the stars of her brand-new picture book The Wild Beastie. Find out more about the mysterious and beautiful Island of Begg where they live, and discover just how much fun it is to be a wee wild beastie!

‘The Wild Beastie’ will be available to purchase at the event from book seller Night Owl Books.

Find out more about Helen kellock's event

Wednesday 21 August 1.30–2.15pm

Suitable for S1–3 classes.

Sarah Crossan is widely regarded as one of YA’s most compelling voices. Her free-verse novels – including the heart-wrenching One – have won the Carnegie Medal, YA Book Prize, and countless other awards. In this special event, Sarah talks about Where the Heart Should Be: a moving story about love, hope, and family, set during The Great Hunger in 1840’s Ireland. Hear the author share why she believes we can – and should – all love poetry and get some tips on how to write your own.

Register your interest and be the first to receive the link of the recording

Date: Wednesday, August 28, 4–5pm.

Where: Microsoft Teams

Join us for an interactive forum sharing text recommendations for young people at the start of the new term.

This session will explore the best of contemporary YA texts as selected by our School Communities team. We will discuss some of the latest titles, including fiction, poetry and non-fiction, plus the chance for you to share your recommendations and hear from other participants.

register for Book Discovery session

When: Thursday 5 September, 4–4.45pm. Where: Microsoft Teams

Primary schools play a key role in the delivery of the Bookbug Primary 1 Family Bag and Read Write Count with the First Minister by gifting the bags to Primary 1, 2 and 3 pupils. Come along to this webinar to find out what you can expect in this year's bags, including free resources and ideas to maximise the impact of gifting. Get inspiration on how to help your pupils and families get the most out of the bags and hear about how other schools have used the programme to promote parental engagement.

Sign up for the bag gifting session

Apply now to host a free visit from multi-award-winning author Danielle Jawando!

When: 9–13 September 2024

Where: Your secondary school (East Renfrewshire, Renfrewshire, West Dunbartonshire or Glasgow)

Audience: S2–6. Approx. 40 pupils for workshop, or 100+ pupils for talk.

Deadline to apply: 12 noon, Friday 31 May 2024

Apply now Danielle Jawando at your secondary school in East Renfrewshire, Renfrewshire, West Dunbartonshire or Glasgow.

Apply for Scottish Friendly Children's Book Tour with Danielle Jawando

Sophy will take your pupils on a journey through Happy Hills to meet the friendly and not-so-friendly residents, discovering lots of characters along the way. Have pencils at the ready as you will have the chance to draw along with Sophy and hear her read from her latest book. There will be a Q&A too!

When: 18–22 November 2024

Where: Your primary school (Edinburgh, Glasgow, Midlothian or West Lothian)

Audience: P1–4

Deadline to apply: 12 noon, Friday 7 June 2024

Apply for Scottish Friendly Children's Book Tour with Sophy Henn

Book Week Scotland is an annual celebration of books and reading that takes place across the country. Book Week Scotland 2024 will take place on 18–24 November, supported by Creative Scotland and SLIC.

Find out more about this year's Book Week Scotland