Over 1100 copies of books from the Bookfest Book Award shortlist will soon fill the classrooms of 39 primary schools across Shropshire to mark the start of the sixth Shrewsbury Bookfest Book Award 2020.

Nearly 1500 children will begin reading, reviewing and voting for their favourite book for 9-11 year olds from this shortlist which includes award winning children’s authors, new authors and gripping tales of adventure and journeys. 

The project will culminate in a celebration of the pupils’ work during the project and announcement of the winning book and author during the Awards Ceremony at Theatre Severn in April 2020.

The shortlist, chosen by 10 Shropshire primary schools from a longlist of 81 submitted by leading children’s publishers, is:

‘Armistice Runner’ by Tom Palmer.  A wonderful story exploring the history of World War 1 with compelling narrative perfectly pitched to bring the big themes of war to young readers

‘Eagle Warrior’ by Gill Lewis.  A thought provoking read that will enthral children and inspire them to think about conservation.

‘Malamander’ by Thomas Taylor.  A brilliantly plotted mystery swirling with secrets, myths and the enigmatic residents of one unforgettable sea-side town.

‘My Parents Cancelled My Birthday’ by Jo Simmons.  A hilarious tale of wish fulfilment gone wrong that every child will relate to.

‘Slick’ by MM Vaughan.  A middle-grade sci-fi novel which appeals to all internet gamers. It’s a sweet story about an unlikely friendship.

‘What’s That in Dog Years?’ by Ben Davis.  A poignant, funny, loving story about a boy and his dog who also have adventures together as their alter egos, Ultra Boy and Wonder Dog. 

The Bookfest Book Award is a highly successful project that has been run every two years in primary schools across Shropshire since 2010. It has been proved to have had a significant impact on inspiring children to read.    As a testament to the popularity of the project, schools rushed to book within days of it being launched in September.  Organisers at Shrewsbury Bookfest were inundated, and nearly overwhelmed, with applications from primary schools up and down and across the county.  Places for the awards ceremony, scheduled for April 2020 at Theatre Severn, were filled within the first 6 days of the launch.

“Never before has the response from schools been so quick, definitive and unquestioning.  Forget the surveys and post project analysis – this action was the most demonstrative indication that more and more teachers across Shropshire support this impactful project having seen the positive effect the project has had since we first ran the project in 2010.” Says Sophie Peach – chair of Shrewsbury Bookfest.

Bookings for the whole project had to close ahead of the deadline due to full capacity being reached. 

Award winning children’s author and patron of Shrewsbury Bookfest, Piers Torday says:

“Shrewsbury Bookfest is quite unlike any other regional book award. Child led and centred, it a response from young readers that beats hands down anything I’ve ever experienced at other awards for its passion, imagination and creativity.” 

Jackie Hampson of Castlefields Primary School, Bridgnorth says of the project:

“It has a massive, positive impact on reading and writing in our school. It is the shared experience that brings the whole class together. Reluctant readers are inspired to read, and the choice of texts means there is always something that is suitable for the range of children in the class.  As a teacher, I feel it helps me to keep up to date with current literature aimed at children. This is so valuable.”

Shrewsbury Bookfest is a registered charity and does not seek to profit from its work.  Its growing reputation with national organisations such as The Guardian, publishers, children’s authors and illustrators as being well-run, well managed has underpinned its success in seeking funding from trusts, foundations and sponsors.

Shrewsbury Bookfest’s team has secured funding from schools, trusts, foundations and sponsors to underpin the project.  The project is being delivered with by way of partnership of Shropshire Libraries, Schools’ Library Service, The Arts Society – Shrewsbury Branch and a dedicated team of experts and volunteers who form the Steering Group at Shrewsbury Bookfest.