PUPILS in Thornbury were recently visited by a bestselling author.

Onjali Rauf led a workshop at Castle School with year seven students and also year six pupils from Crossways Primary School.

The Sunday Times bestselling author, is known for her book The Boy at the Back of the Class.

The book - which has sold over half a million copies in the UK since its release in 2018 - portrays the refugee crisis through the eyes of a child.

As part of the event, students had the opportunity to ask Onjali questions about her books, her characters and discovered some new writing tips.

Onjali also explained how she wrote her latest novel, The Letter with the Golden Stamp, which tells the story of a girl with a stamp collection, and her challenges as a young carer.   

After answering questions, Onjali met with many individual students and signed books during the session on Friday, October 18. 

Castle School librarian Cindy Titcomb said: “We’re really grateful to Matt Taylor at Chepstow Bookshop who helps arrange these events for us.  

“I love seeing the children hanging on every word, and then I see them so keen to borrow books and read for pleasure. 

“Onjali is a very special woman, who had plenty to teach adults as well as children, and we’ll never forget her visit.”

Castle School headteacher Jess Lobbett said: “What a great day. It was particularly lovely to be joined by students from Crossways School. 

“A joint event is such a lovely way for them to spend time here before they join us next year. 

“Thank you to the staff at Crossways for helping to make this happen.”

Onjali Rauf with Castle School headteacher Jess Lobbett (Image: Castle School)