From October 31 to November 4, YCIS Qingdao held its annual Book Week. The running theme of the week was journeys. The students looked at how the art of reading and writing is a journey in itself, as well as the journeys, metaphorical or otherwise, protagonists embark on in fiction. Fun, engaging and challenging activities were arranged throughout the week to cultivate our students' love of reading and writing.

Famous children’s author Tanya Landman visited our school from the UK and held writing workshops for Primary and Secondary students on topics such as Murder and Mayhem and An Epic Journey.

The Primary students were involved in a Home Language Reading activity. Students listened to a range of stories in different languages read by parents from our school community. Students also worked collaboratively on creating door decorations and a “book caterpillar” for display, developing valuable skills in teamwork and communication along the way.

Secondary students embarked on a treasure hunt, using their knowledge of some beloved books available in our school library as clues to help them find book-related “treasure” around the school. They also voted on their favourite book-to-film adaptation, with a viewing of the winning film held towards the end of the week. In Chinese classes, our Secondary students worked on picture book designs to present to the Primary students.

Obido Books hosted a Book Fair and students bought books in English, Chinese and Korean.

Book Week culminated on Friday with a Book Character Costume Parade. Students came to school dressed as their favourite book character or author.

The week closed with a whole-school Big Read In where all students in Years 1–13, along with teaching, administrative and maintenance staff came together to read their favourite books.

This year’s Book Week was another wonderful week full of learning, fun and inspiration.