Exeter students inspired by award-winning author Joseph Coelho

Former Children’s Laureate Joseph Coelho, who was awarded an OBE for services to children’s literature, spoke to Year 7 pupils at Exeter’s Isca Academy in a special live-streamed event.

The session gave pupils the chance to hear from Mr Coelho, who served as Waterstones Children’s Laureate from 2022 to 2024 and received an OBE last year for services to children’s literature.

He is best known for his Luna Loves… picture books and Werewolf Club Rules!, which won the CLiPPA poetry prize.

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As part of their transition to secondary school, each student had been given a copy of Coelho’s novel Relic Hamilton, Genie Hunter to read over the summer.

During the live stream, he spoke about his career, inspirations and ambitions, before answering questions from students about his work and writing life.

Isca Academy, part of the Ted Wragg Trust, places a strong emphasis on reading within its English curriculum, encouraging pupils to explore a wide range of texts from Shakespeare to contemporary poetry.

Headteacher Vicki Joyce said: “It was fantastic to see our Year 7 students so engaged and inspired by Joseph Coelho. Events like this bring reading to life and show our students that books can open doors to creativity, imagination, and ambition.”

Moira Marder, CEO of the Ted Wragg Trust, added: “We are thrilled that students at Isca Academy had the opportunity to meet such an accomplished author.

The session gave students the chance to meet Mr Coelho and learn more about his work, leaving them inspired to read and write.