Inter-school Saltamontes Chronicles – Escape from Darkness Readers’ Competition

Taking part in the Inter-school Readers’ Competition, based on the first part of the Saltamontes Chronicles trilogy, Escape from Darkness, were 25 pupils from 5 schools. In the first stage, the contestants answered general knowledge questions on the book and then wrote a story. Then on April 22, the two winners from each school faced off in the final, which was held at the primary school in Tanowo. And this is where I must say something about the staff who organised this competition at such a high level and paid so much attention to every detail – Dorota Błaszczyk and Urszula Roszak, you just blew me away! Anyone who has ever had any dealings with a school, be it as a pupil, parent or as in my case, as a writer, dreams of having such amazing educators, teachers and librarians. Ms Błaszczyk and Ms Roszak loved Escape from Darkness so much that they ran the first stages of the competition and then invited me to the final to introduce me to the children whose knowledge of the book, quotes, the characters’ names, and the ability to find deeper meaning in the content, really moved me. I must admit that when I saw how involved the children were and how they responded to questions so well, I welled up out of happiness… Ms Blaszczyk and Ms Roszak: I am really, honestly impressed by your work, your ability to link together the content and your efficient organisation, and it was also lovely to hear how sensitively you spoke to the children. Without you, this competition wouldn’t have taken place. Thank you! I would also like to thank Mr and Mrs Białek who, a long time ago (and without my knowledge), donated a copy of the Chronicles to Ms Błaszczyk and Ms Roszak, along with a very favourable review. I’d also like to congratulate all the finalists, and those who didn’t get to the final, because the words, “I didn’t like books until I read yours,” is such a great reward for me, and proof that my work has a profound meaning. I wish that all the dreams you’ve thrown into your own “happiness-making machines” come true. And one more thing: for me, everyone was a winner that day.