An award-winning author visited pupils and staff at a Workington school last week speaking to children about writing and giving many at the school the chance to meet a 'real life' author.

His latest novel ‘Angel of Grasmere’, released in May 2024 is the second historical fiction book set in the Lake District in the Second World War. This link to Cumbria excited pupils at Victoria Junior School and a visit from the author was arranged.

The author led an assembly and talked about his approach to writing, sharing notes and journals that have been an essential part of his planning and writing sequence. Tom spoke to pupils about the themes in his books and the ideas that have inspired him.

Mark Stilwell, the English Lead at Victoria Junior School said: “Children have been inspired by this visit, Tom spoke with such honesty, he was extremely engaging and very encouraging – particularly with regards to his approach to writing for pleasure which we are working hard to nurture in school.”

“Our pupils really enjoyed their time with Tom Palmer, they were delighted to meet a ‘real life’ author and we are pleased to see that a number of children purchased his books to be signed. His books are now very popular reads and have all disappeared from our library shelves.”

Tom Palmer writes children’s books about history and sport. In 2019 he won the Children’s Book Award for Armistice Runner, which was also nominated for the Carnegie Prize. His best-known series are Football Academy, Foul Play and Roy of the Rovers.