MALALA: SCHOOLGIRL SUPERHERO...

Prepare to be inspired by the awesome Malala Yousafzai who, at seventeen, has just become the youngest person to win the Nobel Peace Price...

Cathy says:
You have probably heard of Malala Yousafzai, the Pakistani schoolgirl who was shot in the head by Taliban extremists for being courageous enough to go to school when extremists were trying to ban girls from attending. Malala began campaigning for girls to have a right to an education when she was just twelve, and the more she spoke out, the more danger she was in. She received death threats many times.
In 2012, she was boarding a school bus when a Taliban gunman boarded, asked for her by name and then shot her three times in the head. In a critical condition, Malala was eventually brought to a British hospital for treatment and rehabilitation, and slowly made a good recovery. Malala was just fifteen when she was shot, and since then has worked hard to promote the right of girls to be educated, and for children worldwide to have access to education. She has spoken at the United Nations on these issues, and has also been supportive of the 'Bring Back Our Girls' campaign to rescue the kidnaapped Nigerian schoolgirls, even travelling to Nigeria to speak with their families.
Malala has just been awarded the Nobel Prize for Peace, jointly with Kailash Satyarthri, a children's rights activist from India. I think Malala is a very worthy winner and a very inspiring young woman. Her bravery has made us see how powerful education can be… so powerful, that terrorist extremists are very scared of it indeed. The next time you feel fed up about going to school or college, think about that… and remember that sadly, the freedom to be educated is something not every girl has.

Cathy says:
I can't think of a better person to win the Nobel Peace Prize and I wish Malala all the luck in the world with her campaigns. Would YOU fight for you right to go to school? Why is education important? COMMENT BELOW to tell us what YOU think!

CLEAN BREAK...

Have you ever broken a bone? It's quite a challenge, and NOT a whole lot of fun, as reader Piper found out… 

Piper says:
A month ago I broke my ankle. I was just running on the field at school and tripped on a bag; I've been in a purple cast for a month now and using crutches to get around. At first this was tricky, especially at school where I have a few lessons upstairs, so I had to go to the student support class. This is where you go if you cannot get to lessons or aren't well behaved. I didn't enjoy it too much as you just have to get on with the work set by your class teacher, but I did meet some new friends, especially Daisy who helped me back to the car at the end of the day.
I felt quite lonely and missed my other friends, though, so after a week I was determined to use the stairs at school. I couldn't practice at home as we live in a bungalow, so I went to a friend's and we practised going up and down her stairs… and yes, I could do it! So by week two I was back at my regular lessons. I noticed people staring at me and I could see they were wondering how I hurt my leg. A lot of people have asked about it, even kids who would never normally have spoken to me.

One of the most upsetting things when I broke my ankle was that I thought I wouldn't be able to go to Bath to see Cathy Cassidy's event at the Children's Literature Festival, which I'd been looking forward to for ages. Mum said we would still go - but she would drive us now rather than travel on the train; my nanny was coming along too and she borrowed a wheelchair which was really kind! We stayed in Bath for the weekend and stayed in an old house with three flights of stairs, but I managed it! The Sunday arrived and I was so excited to meet Cathy and hear all about Sweet Honey and the new books. The Guildhall was a magnificent building but lots of stairs again; everyone was very kind and helped me though. I had a fantastic time at the event - I took the quiz and I'm a cross between Skye and Coco.

Today I went back to the hospital and my cast can come off in two weeks - yay! I can't wait. I have been very lucky - I have a lovely family who have cared for me, and the best friends ever. Without Esme, Jess, Izzy, Poppy, Amelia and Els I would not have coped at school. They carried my bags, helped me up and down stairs, carried my lunch… what awesome friends I have! I realise now how lucky I am to be able to walk freely without relying on others. My next adventure will be learning to walk again, and physio! Wish me luck!

Cathy says:
I'm lucky enough never to have broken a bone, though I used to wish I could when I was little because I thought it might be cool to have a plaster cast. Now I'm not so sure! It was brilliant to meet Piper at the Bath Festival… and to sign her cast! COMMENT BELOW to tell us if you've ever had a serious injury, or to send your get well wishes to Piper!

MY FAVOURITE SHOES...

We asked readers to tell us about their favourite shoes... and we got some great shoe stories!

Olivia says:
Dr Martens are fabulous, OK? Nobody can argue with that. Not only are they the most beautiful pairs of shoes to ever walk the earth, but boy do they stand out! And that's by far what I like the most about them. When you're wearing a brightly coloured pair of Docs, you are guaranteed to get a nice comment from a random stranger, which always brightens my day. I got my first Docs for Christmas 2012, a bright pink pair; then a pair of black Dr marten shoes, which I still wear for school; and these blue boots were for Christmas 2013. As a girl who has always been afraid to stand out, wearing Docs has finally given me the confidence to be myself and not care what anyone else thinks. I love my Docs because they make me feel INDIVIDUAL. Especially with a pair of Swings on them!

Marjolaine says:
These are my lucky shoes! My sister bought them from Primark... they were reduced from £7 to £3 but when she got to the till they were just £1! I loved them, and of course that was the start of them being my good luck charm! Today at the Lyceum Youth Theatre I was called over to talk about an audition for a part in the American TV show Outlanders being filmed in Scotland - I hope the good luck holds!

Eilish says:These are my new $5 Op Shop shoes… that's about £3 for anyone in the UK, and an Op Shop is a charity shop! Honestly, I LOVE them! Summer's coming on (I live in New Zealand!) so these are perfect - I can still look cool while not cutting up my feet walking around town. A few people think they're ugly, but they're just jealous I think. When I get a pair of new shoes, I wear them until they fall apart, so currently me and my shoes are going on all kinds of adventures. The photo was taken while I was exploring a stream, climbing boulders, jumping the water. They passed the test, as my feet didn't get wet! Now they just need to pass the test of skateboarding through town…

Deborah says:
My favourite shoes are my black knee-length boots. They go with everything and mean a lot to me emotionally too! In Year 8 I had a favourite teacher, Mrs W - she was the best, and she used to wear cool black knee-high boots with everything. At the end of the year she told me she was leaving to teach in Dubai and I was so upset - I just didn't want her to go. Of course, she did - teachers come and go. Around Christmas time my sister asked what I'd like as a prezzie and I thought of the black boots; we found almost the exact pair in New Look and bought them for me! Now I wear them pretty much everywhere and I love having that memory of my brilliant teacher!

Krissi says:
My boots are vintage… I think they're from the 30s or 40s, and they cost £25 from a vintage shop. I'm a student, so that was about as much as I'd spend on a pair of shoes - money is tight! They have a small heel and are the softest, most comfortable boots I have ever had… I love them. They also look amazing with everything, and at this time of year I like to layer them up with thick socks which keeps my feet warm too. I'm really sad because the soles are now starting to come loose after eighteen months of constant wear… I've tried glueing them, but I think these boots could be on the way out at last. I'm gutted… not sure I'll ever find another pair I love so much.

Cathy says:
Do YOU have a fave pair of boots or shoes? Tell me about them or email me a piccy… and COMMENT BELOW to tell me which of the pairs above you'd most like to have, and why!

LOUISA: ARE PEOPLE LAUGHING AT ME?

Got a problem? Let the Tanberry-Costello sisters sort it out for you! This week, Skye offers advice to a reader trying to find her own distinctive style…

Louisa says:
In the last year I have been getting in to vintage style. I am a bit bigger than my friends and have a curvy figure, and I think the 50s style dresses I like are quite flattering for me. I wore one of my dresses to a party last weekend and one of my friends told me afterwards that people were laughing at me and that perhaps I shouldn't draw attention to myself and wear bright colours and cinched-in styles when I am not exactly thin. I'm not sure what to think… especially as I got asked to dance a lot, had lots of compliments and was even asked out by a boy in the year above. I know I shouldn't care what others think, but this has knocked my confidence. I may not be a perfect size ten, but that doesn't mean I have to wear brown tent dresses for the rest of my life, surely?

Skye says:
Ouch… I think this is a classic case of the green-eyed monster! Your friend sounds jealous of the attention you got, and perhaps also envious of your distinctive style. You're right, 50s dresses can look amazing on anyone lucky enough to have a curvy figure, and it sounds like people liked your party look. Maybe one or two less adventurous types didn't approve, but so what? You can't please everybody. I love trying all kinds of different vintage looks and I do get teased and laughed at sometimes, but I honestly don't care - I love pushing the boundaries where style is concerned! Have a chat with your friend and let her know you're OK with standing out from the crowd… but if she goes on undermining your confidence, it may be that she's not a friend at all. Big, small, tall, short… it shouldn't matter. Wear what you love, and wear it with confidence!

Cathy says:
Is Louisa's friend jealous or just trying to help? Do YOU agree with Skye's advice? COMMENT BELOW to let Louisa know what you think!

LOVE YOUR LIBRARY!

I'm part of a protest against the closure of ELEVEN Liverpool libraries just now… and I wanted to ask YOU what libraries mean to YOU… I LOVED your replies!

Ciara says:
I love libraries - you have to spend ages looking through the shelves to find THE book! And then you get to read the next few days away. I still go to the library… it's free, it's quick and if you want some peace and quiet it's the one place you can be sure to find it!

Lorna says:
Libraries are where I used to feel at home, where I used to come alive. They were where I really bonded with people and were somewhere my gran and I could go together. I loved my school library too, it was my escape!

Rachel says:
Libraries are great - if they don't have the book you want, they will order it in for you!

Grace says:
A library is like a second home. I spend all my spare time at the college library with my boyfriend, just reading and talking about books.

Deborah says:
The library is where my love of books started. I loved going there so I could read another book after I finished the ones they gave us in school, so my reading skills got better and the Summer Reading Challenge always kept me busy in the six weeks of holiday time. The library is like my home, the start of my life.

Alison says:
Me and my kids love our library. My daughter does the book challenge every summer; I borrow books that help them with their homework; I pop in and see people learning new things, old and young people, maybe for five minutes, maybe for hours. The wonderful librarians have watched my children grow up, from reading picture books to reading Harry Potter. Libraries are wonderful, understated places where you can relax and read; we need them!

Molly says:
Libraries have so many books - you'd never be able to get all those different types of books from a shop, so libraries give you choice. Some children can't afford to buy books at all so the library is the only place they can get to read…

Blue says:
Mum got us library cards at a young age. Once a fortnight, she'd grab her sturdiest bag and we'd head to the library, a beautiful, historic building, to return and borrow books. I started with picture books and progressed through short fiction and by twelve years old was devouring Jodi Picoult and Dr Who novels. When I was six I got a video of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone for my birthday and my first stop after viewing it was the library to find the books! Libraries are as much to do with my voracious reading habits as Mum's encouragement. In secondary school, my friends and I hung out in the library at lunchtimes - it was a safe, familiar environment. I'm a book geek… the library is my natural habitat!

Laura says:
It's a portal shop… it gives you wormholes to another place for free… with a piece of card! What could be better?

Stephanie-Jade says:
Libraries are really useful. I need to do a heck of a lot of research for my A levels and they are really useful to get my information from!

Cat says:
Libraries are my home away from home… they are a good place to lose yourself in, and contain the most wonderful books that you can practically fall into.  Libraries are usually beautifully quiet so a person can read, write or draw. I LOVE libraries!

Cathy says:
What do YOU think? COMMENT BELOW to tell me what libraries mean to you… and if you want to help stop the closure of the eleven Liverpool libraries, please SIGN THIS PETITION made by fab reader & campaigner ELYSCE. Every signature helps, so sign and share if you can! Why not send Cathy a library card selfie like the fab girls above? You can email it through the link  here. And show some love to YOUR local library… go and borrow a book today and help to keep it open!

YOUR WORST SCHOOL CRINGES...

If there's one thing worse than embarrassing yourself  big-time, it's embarrassing yourself big-time at SCHOOL. Readers share their worst red-face moments…

Kym says:
I forgot to lock the toilet door on a residential trip and a male teacher walked in while I was pulling my knickers up. We never looked each other in the eye again. Nor did I go on any more school trips…

Laura says:
Going into a classroom at college, I reached behind to push the door shut without actually looking… and realised I was pushing the boy behind me in the chest. At least it got my friends laughing!

Blue says:
I came out of an English exam at the same time as my crush. I'd left my bag on top of the lockers and being short, I was jumping up and down trying to grab it. She turned to ask if I was OK just as I caught the strap and pulled the whole thing down on my head… textbooks, notes, sketchbook, pens, pencils… I'd left it unzipped. My crush walked away and the corridor was full of my classmates who had witnessed it all; I was left scrabbling about to pick it all up, my face crimson. The world can be a dark and cruel place when you're sixteen.

Bethanie says:
When I was fourteen I made the fatal mistake of mis-pronouncing the word 'organism' in class. You can imagine my shame. Ex classmates still laugh about it now, years later…

Molly says:
Walking down a crowded gym corridor with my blazer over my arm… leaving a trail of sanitary pads behind me…

Niamhie says:
I was so busy talking to my friends that I missed my footing on some steps and fell head first down them, wearing a skirt which wasn't doing much to hide my modesty. About a hundred kids and one creepy male teacher were watching - I nearly died!

Abigail says:
One day I managed to split my trousers all the way up my bum. I did my best to hide the split and thought I'd got away with it until a sixth former pointed it out… waaah!

LilMiss says:
Walking around school happily, not knowing I had a huge rip in the back of my cardie…

Latifa says:
On my first day of Junior High I tripped on the stairs and almost fell over in front of all the seniors… and then a Year Nine girl spilt her drink on me, so I had to walk around for the rest of the day wearing a wet skirt with horrible stains…

Jana says:
Two years ago I had a very short haircut. Some people came into class to give out footballing leaflets, just for the boys… but it turned out to be just for the boys and ME. Everyone laughed and I felt such an idiot…

Laura M says:
Everything. Falling up the stairs. Making a speech in RE then promptly falling off the chair. Waiting ages in a queue with impatient people behind me, then dropping all my money. Calling a girl in my class 'Mum' (she's still not talking to me). Falling over a hurdle in gym. Any Scottish Country Dancing lesson. Shall I go on?

Cathy says:
Wow… some v cringey moments there! Which reader gets YOUR cringe-of-the-day award? COMMENT BELOW to tell us, or to share YOUR embarrassing school story!

EMILY: SMALL THINGS THAT MAKE ME HAPPY!

Reader Emily has always loved diaries and journals… but her latest 'small things' project takes that idea one step further! Find out how you can do the same…

Emily says:
I've kept a diary since I was little, writing about my life and the things that happened to me each day… but as I got older and had less time to sit down and write, the diary writing decreased. I decided recently   that I wanted to pick it up again, but maybe find a way of being able to record memories without having to spend hours writing every detail down! This idea is perfect.

The great thing about my 'Small Things' project is that you don't need a special diary of journal to do it, and you don't have to write every day if you'd prefer not to. You just need a cool notebook and an interest in looking for the good things in life! When choosing a notebook, I always think of the things that interest me most, or see which one draws my attention. What are your interests or hobbies? Favourite colours or patterns? If you can't find one that's right, buy one with a plain cover and draw your own cool doodles onto it!

To make a cool title page, you could write out the title in bubble writing or maybe print the letters and cut them out to collage on. You can add collage or decoupage images if you like, or experiment with paints if you're arty! Then, like I did, decorate it with all the things that 'happy' means to you… smiley faces, swirls, unicorns… it could be anything, because it's your notebook and you can make it whatever you want it to be!

Each night, I use a clean page of my notebook to write a couple of paragraphs or bullet points about the little things throughout the day that made me happy. For example, yesterday I made a new friend who has very similar interests, and this made me really happy and excited to be starting a new year at university. Also, I went for a spontaneous 10.30pm trip to Tesco with my mum last night. It was so spontaneous I just shoved on some clothes over my pyjamas… well, nobody found out! We bought sweets and chocolate, took them back home and ate them in the warm comfort of our living room.

These things are such small, unremarkable moments to look back on, but when I read them again in a few years time, I know that they are moments I will remember with pride and happiness!

Cathy says:
Emily's idea is just brilliant - so simple, yet designed to help you pick out the happy moments from every single day. COMMENT BELOW if you'd like to try it - or if YOU found a different way of looking on the bright side of life!

MOON & STARS… FINCH'S STORY!

There's a brand new e-book short out now… an exclusive extra to the CHOCOLATE BOX GIRLS series, written from the viewpoint of Jamie Finch… and guess what? It's only 99p!

Cathy says:
It has been lots of fun writing this year's e-book shorts, each one from the point of view of one of the boyfriends or friends in the series. And not only have the e-books shown us what these characters are like, they have also taken the story in new and unexpected directions!

The whole idea of writing a short 'extra' story began with BITTERSWEET, one of the special World Book Day books from 2013, which told a story from the viewpoint of Shay Fletcher. Next it was Alfie's turn to have his say - his book, CHOCOLATES & FLOWERS, had a slightly ironic title but a really emotional storyline which showed us how Summer was getting on in the battle with her eating disorder. Next was HOPES & DREAMS which told the story of Jodie, Summer's ballet school friend, as she struggles to accept that she's good enough to take the dance school place that should have been Summer's.

MOON & STARS is the latest of the e-books, out NOW… and it tells the story of Jamie Finch, Skye's handsome, vintage-loving long-distance boyfriend. Finch is a popular, confident boy who dreams of being an actor, but lately his perfect life is coming unstuck. Finch has a secret - and a choice to make that could turn his whole life upside-down. This book may shock and surprise you, but I think you'll love the mystery that always follows whenever Finch is around. The book is set around Halloween, so there'll be lots of cool Tanglewood party atmosphere to enjoy, too! MOON & STARS is just 99p in the Amazon.co.uk Kindle store… that's a bargain! If you don't have a Kindle or a Kobo or an e-reader of some sort, borrow one from a friend or parent, or see if you can read via your ipad or mobile phone… but don't miss out on this story. Things are hotting up over at Tanglewood… read it and see!

Have YOU read any of the CC e-book shorts? COMMENT BELOW to tell us which one is your fave - or to suggest which character Cathy should write about next!

FURRY FRIENDS...

More stories of lovely, loyal pets… and the bond between us and them!

Caoillin says:
I got my dog Humphrey last year. He's a cockerpoo - half cocker spaniel and half poodle! Everyone always mistakes him for a girl and he does have a pink collar… but I love him! His full name is Lord Humphrey The Cute, but we just call him Humph… isn't he cool?

Laura says:
We've always had lots of pets - budgies, gerbils, hamsters, goldfish and rabbits - but my best friend for all my life, since we've had him, is my dog Brandy. He's honestly the best dog in the world! We've had him since he was twelve weeks old and he has always been there for me; when I was younger, I'd tell him my troubles and even now if I'm upset he always makes me feel better. He was a rescue dog who had been treated badly before he came to us. At one point, when he was younger, he was quite ill - there was a problem with his liver and and stopped eating and drank water all the time. We were so worried, but he recovered and we all love him so much I don't know what we'd do without him. Brandy is thirteen now and I can't imagine being without him… he's one of the family!

Eve says:
I've had my cat Millie ever since she was six weeks old and extremely tiny! She was really happy when she was younger but then we got another cat, Skye, and Millie must have felt betrayed because she was quite angry and aggressive for the next few years. This summer, we went on holiday to Florida for two weeks, and my granddad was looking after the cats - there were three by now, counting Jet, the youngest. Apparently Millie went missing for nine days… but she did turn up in the end. I think she was so grateful we came back that she's been much more friendly since then! Even if she is a bit moody, she's still my baby!

Hazel says:
My brother and I got our rabbits, Sammy and Clover, as early birthday presents in December 2010. They were brother and sister, and a couple of months old when we got them. They were the cutest bunnies I'd ever seen and the whole family fell in love with them. Clover was my baby - she had white fur, a grey nose and tail and could be quite skittish. Sammy was my brother's, and a bit of a chameleon… he had mostly black fur to begin with, with white and grey splotches, but then bits of him began to turn brown! He was very laid back and happier to be held and cuddled. When my family learned we were moving to California in October, it was decided we had to re-home the rabbits. Sammy and Clover moved to their new home in November, and I haven't seen or heard of them since; one thing's for sure, I will never forget them.

Willa says:
My dog Jack was my hero - he was a labrador crossed with a Great Dane, and he looked after me when I was little right up until the time he passed away two years ago. We knew he was dying, but he waited until I'd woken up and looked me in the eyes and took a big breath and closed his eyes; he was the most incredible dog ever. Whenever we went to the river, you'd throw a rock in and Jack would go after it, and he wouldn't come back until he had that exact rock! And he'd bring it home, too! We made him a beautiful grave with flowers and a cross… I love you jack and miss you!

Cathy says:
Such beautiful stories of the love between humans and animals… thanks so much girls, for sharing! Do YOU have an extra special pet? COMMENT BELOW to share your story or leave a comment on these stories!

NOA: I WANT TO BE AN ECO WARRIOR!

This week, reader Noa has a question for Coco Tanberry - will you agree with Coco's advice?

Noa says:
I just do not get along with girls my age… I honestly do not care about One Direction, lipstick or boys. My interests are the environment, rabbits, cats, horses, playing violin, reading, writing, craft, cookery… just like you! People think I'm immature, but I disagree… I'm just different! I feel sad as I have no real friends at school, and I'd love some advice on changing this. And some tips on saving the planet, too, if possible!

Coco says:
We really do have lots in common! I feel your pain - I do have friends, but they think I'm crazy a lot of the time! Who cares? I am true to myself and you should be, too. You CAN find some friends… it's just a case of finding kids with similar interests. This term I've started a Green Club at school… I asked my art teacher if I could use her room and made some posters, and we meet every Monday lunchtime. I have actually met some new people this way, who are on the way to becoming proper friends. Every week we talk about a different issue and plan ways to raise money or make posters or campaign to change things. Sometimes it's something big, like writing to the Prime Minister to stop the badger cull, and sometimes it's smaller stuff like getting the school to recycle paper. We are also raising money to sponsor a horse at a local sanctuary. So whatever your interests, you can find out more and get involved in trying to change things. Remember that friends don't have to be perfect, or have to agree with you on every issue or interest… be flexible. Friendship is a two-way thing, and sometimes you can get on with people who are very different as long as both of you are willing to accept the other. Good luck!

Cathy says:
Good advice from Coco… would YOU add to it? If you have tips on making new friends or saving the planet, COMMENT BELOW to share them with Noa!

LAURA'S ORANGE FAIRY CAKES!

Get the 'Bake-Off' vibe and rustle up some lush and zesty orange fairy cakes… reader Laura shows you how!

Laura says:
I have been baking ever since I was a toddler - as soon as I could stand up, really. I generally just licked the bowl - well, doesn't everyone? Normally I bake simple Victoria sponge cakes and cupcakes, but now I am branching out and trying more things. I have baked for my friend's Macmillan Coffee Morning, for my dad's running club and for the Christmas Fair at my old primary school. My next projects are lemon and blueberry cupcakes and red velvet and chocolate marbled cupcakes! I'll keep you posted on how I get on, but meanwhile I think you'll love this recipe!

You will need...

for the fairy cakes:

100g caster sugar
100g soft margarine
2 eggs
100g self raising flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
Grated rind of 1 orange


for the icing:

225g icing sugar
juice of 1 orange (the one you grated earlier!)


Method:

Pre-heat oven to 200c/400f/gas mark 6. Place about 18 paper cake cases in bun tins. I only had a tin for 12 so I just made really big fairy cakes - it worked great!)
Measure ingredients into a large bowl and beat well for 2-3 minutes until the mixture is smooth and glossy. Spoon into the paper cases so they are half-full.
Bake for 15-10 minutes until cakes are well risen and golden brown. Cool on a wire rack.
Place icing sugar in a bowl and add orange juice until the icing is fairly stiff and smooth. Spoon on top of cakes. I added some grated orange rind on top to make them look nice!

Last but not least - enjoy!

Cathy says:
These look and sound gorgeous… I imagine they would work really well with lemon too! Do YOU have a favourite cakey recipe? COMMENT BELOW to tell us more!