Mark Clutterbuck

Mark Clutterbuck is an education adviser and ex-headteacher, who is passionate about promoting literacy to young people. He founded and is chairperson of the Spark! Book Awards, which currently has over 170 participating schools. Mark has previously worked as an education officer in a human rights organisation, where he arranged music, dance and poetry fundraising events. He is a history-lover and discovered the shocking true story of Carl Bartels and the Liver Birds on a trip to Liverpool. He lives in Kingston upon Thames with his family.

Two Golden Birds

A dual narrative upper MG adventure based on the true story of Carl Bartels, the designer of Liverpool’s iconic Liver Birds. Life in 1915 London is tough for Bernie Bartels and his German family. When the sinking of the Lusitania unleashes an onslaught of anti-German anger and takes away the father he loves, Bernie decides to make a stand. Meanwhile on the Isle of Man, Stan’s rescue of the Lusitania’s survivors leaves him with a passionate hatred of all things German. As the two boys' lives become entwined in ways they never could have imagined, both learn hard lessons about prejudice, truth and standing up for what is right.

Find Mark on Bluesky, or email mclutt2@gmail.com

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