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Sunday, 8 March 2026
"Sunday School" concept, emphasising curiosity and creativity without exams
Sunday, 1 March 2026
What You’re Looking For in the Library, and a Hindi story from, “The Whistling Schoolboy”
Sunday School of 1st March 2026
To read and discuss two books, focusing on themes of ambition and school life.
Key Takeaways
Low Attendance Due to Exams: Final exams for classes 9 & 11 (home) and 10 & 12 (board) significantly reduced student attendance.
Dual-Book Format: The session featured two books: a Japanese novel, What You’re Looking For in the Library, and a Hindi story, “The Whistling Schoolboy” from Kabhi Kabhi School Masti Ka Adda Lagta Tha.
Core Themes: The English novel explored ambition vs. responsibility through protagonist Ryo’s dream of opening an antique shop. The Hindi story used humour to highlight the fun, non-academic parts of school life, like plays and food.
“Parallel Career” Concept: A key idea from the English novel, a “parallel career” (coined by Peter Drucker), was introduced as a way to pursue two complementary careers without one being secondary.
Topics
Context: Low Attendance & New Participant
Low student attendance was attributed to ongoing final exams across many schools.
Shailaja from Holi Sai International School (Chennai, IGCSE) joined for the first time to observe the session.
Jugjiv Singh provided an overview of the program’s goal: using books to spark dialogues on life skills and socio-emotional learning.
English Book: What You’re Looking For in the Library
Recap: The session began by reading student blog reflections to recap the story.
Plot: Ryo, stuck in a finance job, dreams of opening an antique shop.
Librarian’s Role: Ms Komachi gives Ryo a book on worms and a felted cat, prompting him to discover a cat-themed bookshop, “Cats Now Books.”
Reading & Discussion:
Ryo’s Work Stress: Ryo is burdened by his boss’s lack of software skills and an unmotivated assistant.
Hina’s Family Pressure: Hina’s parents see Ryo as a “steady chap” and hint at marriage, creating pressure that conflicts with his dream of running an antique shop.
“Parallel Career” Concept: Ryo learns this term from Peter Drucker, defined as two complementary careers in which neither is secondary.
Hindi Book: Ekanki Swang - Natak
Pre-Reading Quiz: A quiz on “fun school moments” served as a warm-up, with students identifying activities like sharing jokes and playing during free periods as key to enjoyment.
Reading: The story, read by Manisha Khanna, used humour to describe the author’s experiences at boarding school.
Plays: Rehearsals were a fun escape from mandatory study.
Food: The author would intentionally finish last in races to stop at a tikki/samosa stall, highlighting the importance of food in school life.
Library: The library was a favourite place, made lively by the senior master, Mr Knight.
Discussion: The story sparked a discussion on the importance of food in boarding schools, with participants sharing anecdotes about hunger and the quality of school meals.
Program Calendar & Logistics
Manisha Khanna shared the March calendar to provide context for new participants.
Weekly Schedule:
Sundays: Dual book readings (English & Hindi).
Saturdays: Professional learning for teachers and a masterclass for students.
Fridays: “Brewing Knowledge” meet-and-greets with published authors.
Upcoming Event: A retreat is scheduled for April 10–14 at Mayoor School Jaipur.
Next Steps
Sunday, 22 February 2026
A structured approach for writing effective book reviews
Kartik Bajoria at the Sunday School
We discussed the impact of the AI Summit in Delhi, which affected traffic and hotel prices. Kartik, a communication expert, led a session on book review writing, emphasising the balance between facts and opinions. He shared a detailed structure for writing reviews, including context, premise, characters, conflict, plot, language, resolution, themes, and conclusion. Participants discussed an excerpt from a book about Rio, highlighting the author’s dream of opening an antique shop and his relationship with Hina. The session also covered the importance of dreams, practical steps for starting a business, and the role of libraries in supporting such endeavours. Ms Brinda Ghosh and Ms Manisha Khanna led a session about learning through stories. Maira Jalan 8th shared her reflections, highlighting the engaging storytelling by Ms Brinda Ghosh and the informative session by Ms Manisha Khanna, which included a story by Ruskin Bond. The discussion emphasised the importance of personal takeaways from reading and reflection, as outlined by James Clear in \” Atomic Habits.\” Maira was encouraged to review the book and share insights. The session concluded with well-wishes for upcoming exams and a reminder to apply the lessons learned.
Key Takeaways
Balance Fact & Opinion: A good review combines objective facts (plot, characters) with subjective opinions (pacing, style), clearly signalling the latter with phrases like “in my opinion.”
Uncover Deeper Themes: Look beyond the surface story for the author’s underlying commentary on society, politics, or human nature.
Use a Standard Structure: Follow a logical flow: Context → Premise → Characters/Conflict → Plot → Execution → Resolution → Themes → Conclusion.
Title Last: Write the review first, then craft a short (1–3 word), catchy title that teases the content without spoiling it.
Topics
The Why & What of Book Reviews
Purpose: Deepen personal understanding and help others decide if a book is worth their time.
Core Principle: Balance fact and opinion.
Facts: Objective details (plot, characters, setting).
Opinions: Subjective judgments (pacing, style, themes).
Signal Opinions: Use phrases like “in my opinion” to avoid ambiguity and prevent readers from feeling judged by your views.
A Standard Structure for Reviews
1. Context & Premise
Context: Brief author background or series history.
Premise: A one-sentence summary of the story.
2. Characters & Conflict
Protagonist: The main character.
Antagonist: The opposing force.
Conflict: The central challenge (internal or external).
3. Plot & Execution
Plot: The sequence of events.
Execution: Analysis of writing style, language, and pacing.
4. Resolution & Themes
Resolution: The story’s ending and character outcomes.
Themes: The author’s deeper messages (e.g., social commentary, mental health).
5. Conclusion
A final summary of the book’s value and target audience.
Live Application & Feedback
Case Study 1: “The Bushel Days” Reflection
Feedback: Good factual summary, but lacked personal opinion and analysis.
Case Study 2: “Talat’s” Reflection
Feedback: Overly general praise (“super amazing”) without specific examples or details about the story.
Case Study 3: “My Good School” Reading
Plot: Ryo, an accountant, dreams of opening an antique shop.
Conflict: Ryo’s inaction vs. Hina’s proactive ambition (taking classes, planning sales).
Catalyst: Librarian Sayuri Komachi challenges Ryo’s “one day” mentality, providing resources to turn his dream into a plan.
Next Steps
Students: Write a book review using the structure you learned.
Students: Email reviews (text or photo) to Karthik for feedback.
Maira Jalan: Prepare a review of James Clear’s Atomic Habits for a future session.
Kartik: Explore a children’s review section or contest with The Book Review journal.
AI-generated notes by FATHOM, please excuse names and spelling errors.
Sunday, 6 July 2025
My Good School, Sunday the 6th July 2025
Key Takeaways
- Discussed the importance of resilience and a positive mindset when facing challenges, using Steve Jobs' life story as an example
- Explored the value of reflection vs. note-taking for deeper learning and personal growth
- Introduced internship opportunities for students to gain practical business experience
- Emphasised the importance of focused reading and listening for developing intelligence and leadership skills
Topics
Book Discussion: "The Door-to-Door Bookstore"
- Continued reading Chapter 5, focusing on characters Carl and Schascha
- Explored themes of friendship, misunderstandings, and helping others overcome challenges
- Discussed how Carl and Mrs Longstocking devised a plan to help Hercules learn to read
Personal Growth and Resilience
- Examined Steve Jobs' life story as an example of overcoming setbacks and persevering
- Discussed the concept of "blessing in disguise" - how apparent setbacks can lead to positive outcomes
- Encouraged students to develop a growth mindset and view challenges as opportunities for learning
Reflection vs. Note-taking
- Explained the difference between taking notes (recording information) and reflection (processing and applying information)
- Encouraged students to practice reflection to deepen their understanding and personal growth
- Introduced the Joy of Learning Diaries as a platform for sharing reflections
Internship Program
- Announced internship opportunities for students to gain practical business experience
- Explained the program structure: weekly meetings, hands-on projects, exposure to business operations
- Discussed fees and scholarship options for eligible schools
Additional Learning Opportunities
- Introduced "Brewing Knowledge" Friday evening book reading sessions
- Highlighted the importance of focused reading and listening for developing intelligence
Next Steps
- Students are encouraged to write reflections on the session and share them on the Joy of Learning Diaries.
- Interested students should explore the internship application process on schooleducation.com
- Participants are invited to join Friday evening "Brewing Knowledge" sessions for additional reading practice.
- Next week's session will follow a similar format, combining reading and reflection.
Sunday, 8 June 2025
Thoughts Left Unheard:Pages From a Diary of a Book - Rishona Chopra
I spend my days sitting on an old dusty bookshelf in a bookshop watching readers go past me without even looking in my direction. Sure, my pages are now yellow and crinkly. The stories are now old and forgotten but do people really have to ignore me? I’m just as pretty as the latest edition of a magazine. Don’t those humans always look for something vintage? Everyone has time for the diary of anne-frank, and good old Shakespere, but no one seems to care about me. Yes, Anne was a sweet little girl but I know someone who’s even sweeter-me!
Today is officially the 105th day that no one looked at me. That no one picked me up and held me in their arms and skipped past the pages. No one put me by their bedside so I would be the first thing they see in the morning. I haven’t had a new home in forever. I miss being loved. I miss being that one book that people would always show to their friends. Those posh modern novels get it all. They have the same old story yet people go mad after them. No one seems to realise that the real treasure has been sitting here, right here, in aisle four of this bookshop.
I’ve put my hopes up for too long. How monotonous life has become! No excitement, no thrill. Just because I’m a little older than the rest doesn’t mean I don’t long for the adventure. I yearn for it more than I ever did.
I dream of the day someone would care enough to at least acknowledge my presence, that would suffice. I hope I’d get a home, where I’d be more than just a book on a shelf. I’ll be part of someone’s story, someone’s life and that would be the biggest gift of all.
But in the end, life is a journey. We need to face it, even if there are times I feel lonely, even if there are times I feel overwhelmed, it’s okay. Because this too shall pass.
~Book Thoughts of a book voiced by Rishona Chopra, Grade IX, Gyanshree School
Sunday, 27 April 2025
Celebrating World Book Day
The Valencian writer Vicente Clavel Andrés came up with the idea for World Book Day to honour the famous author Miguel de Cervantes (known for Don Quixote), whose birthday is April 23.
Students from Dehradun Hills Academy recently embarked on an exciting adventure at The English Book Depot! They had the incredible opportunity to host a podcast with the captivating Sandeep Dutt. During this engaging discussion, they delved into the world of books, exploring the joys of reading, the thrill of learning, and the fascinating history of this 100-plus-year-old bookstore. Don't miss out on Part 1 of this enthralling podcast, now live on their YouTube Channel in celebration of World Book Day!
Sunday, 19 January 2025
My Good School, Sunday 19th January 2025
Mr Raghu Pandey, the founder of iMature.in, led an insightful session focused on preparing students for the future in the context of AI readiness, internet maturity, and digital citizenship.
Key Points from Mr. Raghu's Session:
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AI Readiness & Future Careers:
Mr. Raghu discussed how AI will disrupt traditional career paths and job structures. He explained the importance of students developing essential skills to thrive in an AI-powered world, including:- Continuous online learning is needed to stay adaptable and acquire new skills.
- Online Reputation Management to effectively showcase their abilities and secure opportunities.
- Mastering the "4 C's"—Critical thinking, Creativity, Communication, and Collaboration—is key to success in human-centred roles, even as AI evolves.
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Online Safety and Internet Maturity (FAST CAR Method):
Mr Raghu stressed the importance of students practising internet maturity and adhering to online safety practices. The FAST CAR method for online safety was highlighted:- Firewall, Antivirus, Strong Passwords: Basic tools for securing devices and personal information.
- Trust with Caution, Confidence, Avoidance, and Reporting: Guidelines for online interactions while avoiding cyberbullying and antisocial behaviour.
- Never Share Physical Location Online: Encouraging students to protect their privacy.
- Be Cautious of AI-generated content: Always verify the credibility and source of information found online, as AI-generated content can sometimes be misleading.
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Digital Citizenship Skills:
Mr. Raghu emphasized the importance of developing digital citizenship skills, including responsible, ethical, and safe use of technology. He discussed how these skills are essential for navigating the digital world and balancing emotional and moral growth in an AI-driven society.
In conclusion, Mr Raghu's insights provided a clear roadmap for ensuring students are ready for the future and well-prepared to responsibly navigate digital citizenship's challenges.
Book Reading
Chapter 14, "Misal Pao," from My Name is Cinnamon by Vikas Joshi
What skills does Cinnamon demonstrate while interacting with others in the chapter, and how do these skills help him navigate his relationships?
This question encourages us to reflect on Cinnamon's communication, empathy, and adaptability as he interacts with those around him.
How do the characters in this chapter use practical skills to express themselves or contribute to their family and community?
This question explores how specific skills, such as cooking, can represent personal expression and connect individuals to their culture or traditions.
In what ways does the chapter illustrate the difference between academic skills and life skills, and why might both be important for personal growth?
This question considers the value of academic achievements and life skills (such as social interaction, resilience, and emotional intelligence) and reflects on their balance.
How does Cinnamon’s perspective on the value of skills evolve throughout this chapter, and what does this reveal about his character development?
This question invites us to reflect on Cinnamon’s growth and how he came to understand the importance of various skills—both practical and personal—on his journey toward self-discovery.
Friday, 11 October 2024
Meet and Greet with Anant Narayan Mahadevan
Students from the Doon International School attended the event hosted at The English Book Depot. They interacted with the author and crew of the film Pastt Tense, which is being shot in Uttarakhand by National Award-winning filmmaker and actor Ananth Narayan Mahadevan.
The Meet and Greet was hosted by Garhwal Post and The English Book Depot. Satish Sharma, the Editor of Garhwal Post, the Editorial Board, special invitees, and guests thronged the Book Cafe at 7:00 p.m. on October 10, 2024; the event lasted over an hour and a half. Book reading was followed with a question and answer session with the author. Complete story will be published in The Garhwal Post on the 12th of October 2024*.
Sunday, 25 August 2024
My Good School on Sunday 25th Aug 2025 - AI Generated Notes
AI Generated Summary, read with caution and E.&.O.E.
Jugjiv and Sandeep introduced a new book, "My Name is Cinnamon," by Vikas Prakash Joshi. The book tells the story of a young boy's quest to find his biological parents. Jugjiv shared the author's background, highlighting his successful writing career and numerous awards.
Discussing 'The Word From the Author' by Vikas Joshi
Jugjiv led a discussion about the book "The Word from the Author" by Vikas Joshi, with Manisha reading the "Word from the Author" section. The group also included RP Sir, the chairman of Learning Forward India, Sandeep, the founder, and Manisha, the Principal. Jugjiv structured the discussion to alternate between reading the book, asking questions, and reading again. Vikas shared his writing journey, stating that writing was part of his identity, not a compulsion or ambition. The group also learned about Vikas's challenges in publishing his book.
Book Reading and Character Introduction
Jugjiv introduced the book's theme, emphasising the author's intent to reflect the reader's experience and offer a glimpse into other worlds. Vikas Prakash then began reading from the book, starting with the introduction and continuing into chapter one. The reading focused on the main character, Cinnamon, and his experiences as a goalkeeper in a school football championship. The narrative was filled with details that evoked a sense of excitement and tension, culminating in Cinnamon's crucial penalty kick.
Cinnamon's Story: Adopted Child's Achievements and Dreams
Vikas Prakash narrated a story about Cinnamon, an adopted child who loved sports and cinema. Cinnamon's parents, Ma and Baba, were proud of their son's achievements, and they celebrated his success as if he were their biological child. The story also touched on Cinnamon's dream of becoming an Indian football player and winning the World Cup. The chapter ended with Cinnamon receiving a giant fruit instead of a chocolate bar to reward his performance.
Vikas Prakash's Book Reading and Writing Inspiration
Vikas Prakash read the first chapter of his book, "Cinnamon," in front of an audience that included students and teachers. Rajinder, a schoolteacher, praised Vikas' writing and encouraged students to start writing at a young age, citing famous writers who began writing in school. Vikas explained that "Cinnamon" was inspired by his childhood love for reading and his teacher's insistence on correct pronunciation. He also shared that his own life experiences heavily influenced the plot of his book and that the advice of a more experienced writer led him to write about his unique experiences in his first book. Yashraj and Jugjiv listened to his story and reflected on their own experiences, and Vikas emphasised that his book fills a gap in the market for children's books in India.
The Boy Who Grew Up" Book Discussion
Vikas Prakash introduced his new children's book, "The Boy Who Grew Up", which explores themes of adoption, identity, and self-discovery through a humorous and engaging story. He intended to impart positive values to children while tackling serious topics. When asked about the key messages he wanted children to take away from the book, Vikas emphasised the importance of not making assumptions based on initial behaviour and not limiting oneself based on past experiences or mindsets. He also revealed his writing approach, which involves starting with a general idea and allowing the story to unfold as he writes, discovering new elements.
Creating Characters and Overcoming Rejection
Vikas Prakash discussed the process of creating characters for his book, emphasising the importance of making them realistic and relatable. He also shared his experience of rejection from publishers, which he described as a standard and expected part of the writing process. Shubhangi asked about the title of his book, which was initially rejected by publishers but is now being translated into six languages. Manisha asked about the most challenging chapters to write, and Vikas identified two chapters at the end of the book as particularly difficult.
Vikas Prakash's Child Adoption Journey and Writing Process Vikas Prakash shared the emotional challenges he faced while writing about a child's adoption journey, highlighting the complex relationships involved. He revealed that his motivation for writing the book was a childhood dream and a desire to share the story inside him despite the pandemic's challenges. The initial draft took a few months, but reworking and making changes based on publisher feedback took around 6-9 months, totalling 1-1.5 years. The team expressed their gratitude towards Vikas Prakash for his time and insights, and RP emphasised the importance of broadening one's perspective through travel and meeting people from different backgrounds.
Challenges in Urban Tree Growth and Care
The discussion centred around the challenges trees face, particularly those planted in urban environments. The speaker highlighted how trees in parks, often not native to the area, struggle to grow in urbanisation's harsh conditions, including compacted soil, lack of open space, and constant human interference. The speaker also noted how the mechanical process of planting and maintaining trees, such as pruning roots, can negatively impact their growth and health. The discussion underscored the need for a more nurturing and supportive approach to tree care and maintenance.
Urban Tree Growth and Maintenance
The speaker discussed the growth and maintenance of trees, using redwoods as an example. They highlighted the contrast between the natural development of old-growth forests and the managed growth of urban trees. The speaker noted that urban trees often suffer from over-pruning, leading to fungal infections and stunted growth. They also pointed out that the compacted soil and restricted growth on the roadside make it challenging for urban trees to thrive. The speaker emphasised the need for a more natural approach to tree care to allow them to grow and develop properly.
Urban Trees and the Challenges They Face
Learning discussed the plight of trees in urban areas, highlighting the challenges they face due to limited space and human interference. The discussion focused on how trees' roots often grow into underground pipes, causing blockages and damage and how this can lead to trees being cut down due to their intrusion. Learning also shared an extensive study by Rohr University that found trees were attracted to loose soil, not extra nutrients, which often led to them growing into pipes. Jugjiv confirmed that he had seen trees growing into concrete in his multi-story condo, and Manisha was asked to reflect on why trees fall. Learning encouraged the team to share pictures and stories of trees affected by urbanisation to raise awareness of this issue.
Urban Trees and Their Stressors
Learning discussed the harsh conditions urban trees face, including the urban microlight climate, heat from asphalt and concrete, and pollution from exhaust fumes and salt. These factors cause stress to the trees, leading to premature death. The oak processionary, a rare species, has become a pest due to the attractive conditions of urban environments. However, trees of the same species planted in rows can communicate and support each other, offering a small consolation. Learning emphasised the need for reflection on the life of a tree in the city and the challenges it faces.
Book Reflections and Group Communication
The group discussed various topics, including a reflection on the book The Hidden Life of Trees and its similarities with Cinnamon. They also discussed the process of writing reflections and how to submit them. Manisha, the facilitator, encouraged everyone to share their takeaways from the book and to write their reflections, which would then be published on the blog. The group also discussed the use of a shared whiteboard for brainstorming and the importance of communication within the group.
AI-generated content.
Please excuse our addressing all participants by first names. This is not intentional, and AI is not good at showing respect and emotions yet. You may discover inadvertent errors. Please do excuse us.