The Knife of Never Letting Go by Patrick Ness

Title: The Knife of Never Letting Go
Author: Patrick Ness

Series: Chaos Walking #1
Availablity In School Library: Yes
Genre: Young Adult, Science Fiction, Dystopia

Blurb: Prentisstown isn't like other towns. Everyone can hear everyone else's thoughts in an overwhelming, never-ending stream of Noise. Just a month away from the birthday that will make him a man, Todd and his dog, Manchee - whose thoughts Todd can hear too, whether he wants to or not - stumble upon an area of complete silence. They find that in a town where privacy is impossible, something terrible has been hidden - a secret so awful that Todd and Manchee must run for their lives.
But how do you escape when your pursuers can hear your every thought?

Facts About Study Drugs

The issue of study drugs, and the inherent resultant dangers has just entered the spotlight of modern news.  An exponential increase in use and supply/demand has lead to sudden publicity, with an estimated 55% of American university students having been offered some form of study drug. Some are completely legal - caffeine supplements, namely "ProPlus" and "NoDoz" are ways for students to safely stay alert and able throughout exam time, but on a more sinister note, abuse of prescription drugs such as adderall and ritalin is reaching an all time high.

Remember Remember the 5th of November

(source)

1) We remember the 5th of November because Guy Fawkes Night commemorates the discovery of the plot to blow up the Houses of Parliament in 1605.

2) The first fireworks were made in China nearly 2,000 years ago.

3) In Australia they call fireworks bungers.

A New School For Portobello?

Roadside view concept art

We know that lots of Porty High students are after more information about the new school. Questions like “When will our new school be built?” and  “How long will it take?” are constantly in our thoughts.   So we decided to take some of the questions we thought should be answered to Mrs MacArthur to see if she could tell us a bit more.