Shortlist for county children’s book of the year revealed
THE shortlisted titles for the Lancashire Book of the Year awards have been announced.
Lancashire Book of the Year remains one of the few book awards where young people are responsible for drawing up the shortlist and choosing the winner.
A special launch this month was attended by representatives from 25 high schools from around the county.
The shortlisted authors and books are: ● Holly Bourne – It Only Happens In The Movies . ● Katy Cannon – How To Write A Love Story. ● Sarah Moonrise. ● Siobhan Curham – Don’t Stop Thinking About Tomorrow. ● Lauren James – The Loneliest Girl In The Universe. ● Penny Joelson – Girl In The Window. ● Taran Matharu – The Summoner: Outcast. ● Nathan Parker – The Disappearance Of Timothy Dawson. ● Paula Rawsthorne – Shell. ● Fiona Shaw – Outwalkers. ● SM Wilson – The Extinction Trials.
The winning author will be decided on Tuesday, June 25 and announced at a special celebration event, with sponsors UCLan, on Friday, July 5.
County Cllr Peter Buckley, Lancashire County Council’s cabinet member for community and cultural services, said: “Being introduced to books at a young age is important, as it can build up a love of reading that can stay with you for the rest of your life. Crossan –
“It’s fantastic to see so many young people so actively involved in choosing the books to go forward, and clearly getting so much pleasure from books.
“I know that what makes this award extra special for the shortlisted authors is that it is the young readers themselves who choose the winner, the young people they are actually writing for, and this means so much to them.
“I really hope that they enjoy reading these shortlisted books to decide on their overall winner, and that their love of reading continues.” There were 60 books nominated this year.
The young judges have been reading them since September to decide which books to shortlist.
Ormskirk High School, Ormskirk has taken part this year.
The Lancashire Book of the Year was the first regional book award for children when it began in 1987.
It was won that year by Philip Pullman, who went on to great success with the His Dark Materials trilogy.
The pupils taking part are from school Year 9 (aged 13 and 14).
25 high schools from across the county have taken part, with each Lancashire district being represented.
The Lancashire Book of the Year Award is sponsored by UCLan for the 17th year.
For more information, go to www.lancashire.gov.uk/libraries or call 0300 123 6703.