Author Anna James launches virtual bookclub

Pages & Co author Anna James hash created an online and interactive middle-grade book club called The Bookwanderers Club, supported by her publisher HarperCollins Children's Books.

The book club will be made up of a weekly programme of interviews with some of the biggest stars and upcoming authors of the middle-grade world chaired by James and streamed live on her YouTube Channel.

James said: "So many authors are keen to help support readers, parents and teacher who are at home, and the idea for the Bookwanderers Club came out of trying to create a centralised, regular place to provide fun, inspiring content around children's books, and also help support authors and independent bookshops during uncertain times."

The first bookclub will be on Friday 27th March at 2 p.m. The programme kicks off with an interview with the author of the Murder Most Unladylike series, Robin Stevens.

Each episode will be half an hour long and will include a Q&A with the author, readings, opportunities for viewers to ask questions live, and writing or craft activity suggestions inspired by the author's books.

Each week the author will also nominate an independent bookshop where their books can be purchased during the lockdown and quarantine period.

From next week the book club will be held every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 2 p.m. Next week the guests will be Ross Welford on Monday, Frank Cottrell-Boyce on Tuesday and Kate Young on Friday.