Ali Sparkes adopted by Green End Primary School

Ali Sparkes gave an inspiring performance at Green End Primary School

As part of the Manchester Children's Book Festival and the International Reading and Writing Relay, Ali Sparkes visited Green End Primary School on Friday 4th July.

Ali's visit to Manchester wouldn't have happened if the wonderful staff and pupils at Green End Primary School hadn't adopted her. Ali had heard through the grapevine that Green End Primary School was a wonderful eco-friendly school with an enthusiasm for learning, and insisted she visited the teachers and pupils if she were to take part in the Festival.

Green End Primary School Librarians have promised to give Spidey the Sea Monkey a safe home in their library

Ali's custom-made Sea Monkey, Spidey, enjoyed his visit to Green End so much that he asked to stay. The school librarians have promised to give Spidey a safe home in the library, on the condition that he behaves himself.

Teacher at Green End Primary School, Faye Okorie, told us how her pupils were "engaged and inspired" by Ali's visit, "Ali linked brilliantly into our school motto of 'Dream it, achieve it!'"

Ali Sparkes with pupils Rahima Chowdhury (left) and Michael Ryder (right), and teacher Miss Okorie from Green End Primary School

Pupil, Michael Ryder, added that the author of Shapeshifter and the Switch series "really inspired" him.

Fellow pupil, Rahima Chowdhury, commented, "Her books are very fascinating and I'm looking forward to reading her next book. I have learnt to never give up."