Readers of Big Book Award 2020 shortlist were given the chance to show off their letter writing skills. Entrants had to write a letter to a character in one of the shortlisted books, offering some advice at a key point in the plot.

Entry criteria:

• A minimum of 6 entries were required from each school for entries to be put to the judging panel.
• Children were invited to submit a letter to a character from ONE of the six shortlisted titles, offering them some advice at a key point in the plot.
• This may be persuasive text or a balanced argument style.
• The letter could be formal or informal but had to be in the style of a personal letter.
• Children could hand-write or type their letters.

Judging:

Hundreds of entries flooded in and each one was considered by a panel of teachers, literacy and art specialists. Judges looked at the following when making their final decision:

• Letter writing composition (use of formal elements).
• Appropriate and well-thought out advice given to the character.
• Literacy skills. g. use of appropriate and powerful language, structure e.g. introduction/conclusion, use of conjunctions e.g. therefore, although.
• Creativity and originality.

Prizes:

Prizes are to be given to the best letter from each participating school.

These are the six top-winning letters read out by the authors of the books that inspired each winner:

Isabella’s letter (Greenacres Primary School) is read by Tom Palmer, author of Armistice Runner:

Holly’s letter (St Mary’s Catholic Primary School, Madeley) is read by Gill Lewis, author of Eagle Warrior:

Charlie’s letter (Longden C/E Primary School) is read by Jo Simmons, author of My Parents Cancelled My Birthday:

Rhyd’s letter (Radbrook Primary School) is read by Ben Davis, author of What’s That In Dog Years?

Tristan’s letter (Shrewsbury High Prep School) is read by Thomas Taylor, author of Malamander:

Maya’s letter (Martin Wilson Primary School) is read by MM Vaughan, author of Slick:

And here is the list of winners from each school that entered the competition:

William – Alveley Primary School

Chloe – Castlefields Primary School, Bridgnorth

Nicholas – Cheswardine Primary School

Jack – Coalbrookdale & Ironbridge C/E Primary School

Tabby – Condover C/E Primary School

Isabella – Greenacres Primary School

Meredith – Hinstock Primary School

Charlie – Longden C/E Primary School

Maya – Martin Wilson Primary School

Alice – Morville C/E Primary School

Elena – Mount Pleasant Junior School

Tyler – Much Wenlock Primary School

Honor – Packwood Haugh School

Rhyd – Radbrook Primary School

Kazimierz – Rushbury C/E Primary School

Tristan – Shrewsbury High Prep School

Cerys – St Edward’s C/E Primary School

Eva – St John’s Catholic Primary School

Ed – St Lawrence C/E Primary School

Annabel – St Leonard’s C/E Primary School

Holly – St Mary’s Catholic Primary School

Eoghan – St Winefride’s Convent School

Beth – West Felton C/E Primary School