Shortlist revealed for Stockport Children’s Book Awards 2023

The Awards aim to get children across the borough engaged in reading some fantastic, shortlisted books. You can watch this video to see how children and authors were inspired by last year’s ceremony.

There are three categories: Best Picture Book, Best Read for Juniors and Best Read for Upper Juniors, with the shortlisted books now revealed for the 2023 competition. There are three shortlisted titles in each category. These new titles from UK authors are chosen by library staff to challenge, enthuse and create excitement in school.

Stockport libraries are now encouraging schools to sign up to take part in the 2023 Awards before the cut off date of 3rd March 2023. All schools that sign up will receive copies of the shortlisted titles, bookmarks and stickers for every child taking part, as well as activity sheets and lesson plans to help teachers get children engaged in the books. Schools will also have the chance to crown their ‘Reader of the Year’, who will receive a special invitation to the grand prize-giving ceremony in July. All this for a nominal fee of £60 per school!

Schools can buy extra copies of the books as required, and children have the chance to interact directly with the authors thanks to our virtual author visit programme.

Cheryl Rock, Reading Lead at Banks Lane Primary in Stockport, said of last year’s awards: “We have thoroughly enjoyed reading the books and have chosen several to use for whole class reading lessons next year, because they were so awesome! It has thoroughly boosted enthusiasm for reading at our school.”

Sarah Bennet, a teacher at Torkington Primary in Hazel Grove added: “I can honestly say the Book Awards has been absolutely fantastic for us as a school and the children have really embraced it.”

There is also an art competition where children have the opportunity to win their height in books.

Councillor Grace Baynham, Cabinet Member for Highways, Parks and Leisure Services at Stockport Council, said: “We want to make this year’s book awards even bigger and better than ever! The titles shortlisted are carefully chosen, and are selected from titles published in the last year, to ensure that they are totally fresh and current. It’s a great way to get your little ones engaged in reading, so I would encourage you to ask your school to sign up. Don’t worry though, if your child’s school misses out, you can still be a part of the fun of the Stockport Children’s Book Awards. Drop in to your local library and chat to a member of staff to find out more."

To find out more about the awards, visit this page on the council website

To register your school or for more information, email childrensbookaward@stockport.gov.uk.