Author Anthony Horowitz opens Bonner School’s new Bethnal Green library

Leading author and TV writer Anthony Horowitz thrilled schoolchildren when he arrived in London’s East End to officially open their new school library.

He cut the ribbon after the pupils, teachers and parents at Bethnal Green’s Bonner Primary watched the special school assembly where Anthony was interviewed by pupils.

Anthony, who has been chosen to write the latest James Bond adventure, signed books and chatted to pupils in the new facility which has undergone a makeover and had thousands of new books added.

The children produced their own very special hand-drawn newspaper, Bonner Times, with a front-page splash headline “Horowitz goes back to school!” and a photograph of the event taken by Year 5 teacher Sophia Atherton.

The main story by young reporter Gwen Knobben, from Year 5, is about his visit to “officially open the library and take part in an interview with three girls”.

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Gwen Knobben writes:

Bonner Primary School was given a massive treat on December 9. Anthony Horowitz, a famous British author, came to Bonner Bethnal Green and answered seven questions by three participating students. Some of the questions were:

If you were not a writer, what would you have been? (asked Gwen Knobben). Answer: actor.

How did you think of Alex Rider? (asked Rowan Early). Answer: James Bond.

What is your favourite book that you have written? (asked Serafina Stokes-Maas). Answer: Stormbreaker.

Sam Hill, a teacher at Bonner, commented: “The children were buzzing with excitement. Anthony Horowitz was brilliant and we’re all hugely inspired!”

Anthony himself exclaimed: “A buzzing and happy school!”

Jeanie, the organiser of the event, remarked: “An inspiring and engaging assembly!”

Last, but not least, Miss Ross, vice head, continued: “He made everyone feel special!”

All of Bonner was very grateful for this special visit.

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Horowitz, turned 60 and honoured with an OBE, specialises in mystery and suspense. His work for young adult readers includes the Alex Rider series, the Diamond Brothers series and The Power of Five series.

His work for adults includes the novel and play Mindgame (2001) and two Sherlock Holmes novels, The House of Silk (2011) and Moriarty (2014). He is the most recent author chosen to write a James Bond adventure by the Ian Fleming estate, Trigger Mortis.

Anthony has also written for ITV, with scripts for Agatha Christie’s Poirot and Midsomer Murders, as well as creating Foyle’s War, Collision and Injustice.