One Book, One Tuam

One Book One Tuam, Tuesday 25^th February 2014 to Friday 11^th April 2014.

Following on from the hugely successful launch of One Book One Tuam on Tuesday 25^th February 2014, a comprehensive schedule of activities and events have been organized to help bring our chosen book, ‘The London Eye Mystery’ by Siobhan Dowd, to life for readers, young and old.

 ‘The London Eye Mystery’ by Siobhan Dowd is a story written for 9 to 12-year-olds that holds universal appeal for readers of all ages.

This is a novel that works on a number of levels and is a compulsively readable, spine-tingling thriller with subtle characterization. It provides rich veins for exploration by reading groups and also by teachers in the classroom setting.

It can be appreciated not least for Siobhan’s portrayal of disability as a gift. “London Eye” won the NASEN/TES Special Educational Needs Children’s Book Award, was longlisted for the 2008 Carnegie Medal, and shortlisted for a range of other awards. In May 2008, it was posthumously awarded the

Bisto Book of the Year prize.

Siobhan Dowd was born in 1960 to Irish parents. She was brought up in London, but spent much of her youth visiting the family homes in County Waterford and Wicklow town. Sadly, Siobhan died in 2007. Throughout her life, Siobhan was committed to integration and providing opportunities for young people experiencing adversity to share in her love of literature and reading. Shortly, before she died, she set up the Siobhan Dowd Trust.

The Siobhan Dowd Trust has the simple aim to bring the joy of reading to those who need it most – disadvantaged children and young adults. It is the legacy of Siobhan Dowd, who bequeathed the royalties from her books to further the Trust’s work and who did so much in her short life for others.

Siobhan’s cousin - Rosari O’Brien will be visiting Tuam library and schools on behalf of the Siobhan Dowd Trust on Friday 14th March 2014 to talk about Siobhan’s life and work. This is a great opportunity to gain an insight into ‘The London Eye Mystery’, the influences that lead Siobhan into her writing career and her passion for supporting those less fortunate.

Rosari will be gving a public presentation in the library from 1.45 pm to 2.30 pm. Anyone with an interest in ‘The London Eye Mystery’ or the life of the author are welcome to attend.