The Cheshire Schools’ Book Award is an annual book award celebrating teenage fiction and the joy and community of school reading groups. The award is entirely pupil-led, with pupils nominating and voting for their favourite books. These nominations showcase books that are truly enjoyed by students, the kind of scruffy, well-loved books that are passed between classmates, the books that fly off the library shelves, the books that provoke debate, and the books that are inclusive and representative of their readers’ lives.
Each year, the shortlist is revealed at a special in-person author event. Participating schools are invited to bring pupils, staff, and guests to the launch event – along with their best questions for the author Q&A session!
Our main event – the award ceremony – is the perfect opportunity for pupils to meet authors and be inspired by their writing journeys. Previous attendees have included bestselling authors Robin Stevens, Stewart Foster, Simon James Green, and Cynthia Murphy.
At the ceremony, pupils have the chance to get their books signed by shortlisted authors, ask (more) questions, pick up some bookish freebies, and meet keen readers from neighbouring schools!
Participating schools receive a set of the ten shortlisted books, posters and bookmarks, and the opportunity to win prizes in the pupil art and book review competitions.
For more information about the Cheshire Schools’ Book Award, including how non-subscribing schools can take part, please contact Susannah Hill at susannah.hill@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk.