Episode 8: The Reader on the Grassy Knoll

Welcome back to The Bookmark from Kings Academy! We are on Episode 8, and this week we shake things up with our very first non-fiction recommendation. Joining us is a special guest, and a face popular with many of our students: Mr. Channell, teacher and e-sports leader.This episode delves into:Non-Fiction vs. Fiction: We chat about why some readers, like Mr. Charnel, naturally drift towards information texts, even from a young age.Geeking Out: We touch upon Mr. Channell's passions for Star Wars, space, and gothic fiction, and how these genres shape his reading habits and influence his students.Sharing Stories: Mr. Channell and Dr Matthias reminisce about reading to their children, including classics like The Gruffalo and, well... Barry the Fish with Fingers.The Kennedy Conspiracy: Mr. Channell makes his compelling recommendation for the non-fiction text, 'Last Second in Dallas' by Josiah Thompson. We discuss the enduring fascination with the JFK assassination and the credibility of this particular conspiracy theory.Is it Worth Reading? We consider the complexity of the book and whether it’s suitable for students across all key stages, especially given the historical evidence and analysis involved.Tune in to discover Mr. Channell's unique perspective on reading and the power of a convincing, well-researched argument, even when it challenges official history (for the record, Dr Matthias remains very cynical about the author's claims!).