Stockport Children’s Book Awards are back for 2022, and set to be bigger than ever!

Schools are being encouraged to sign up for this year’s Children’s Book Awards, which are being organised by Stockport Libraries.

Stockport Children’s Book Awards are back for 2022, and set to be bigger than ever!

First established in 1996, the Stockport Children’s Book Awards have become a staple part of the curriculum for primary schools across the borough. The pandemic has hit schools and young people hard, so this year’s Awards are more important than ever in helping schools to shape and develop their recovery curriculum.

The shortlisted titles are designed to enthuse, engage and educate children, and are all published within the last year, so they’re current and up-to-date. Pupils read the books as a class or at home, then vote for their favourite title in each category – it’s a chance to see democracy in action!

For just £50, schools will get a copy of the shortlisted texts (9 in total, 3 from each category), bookmarks and stickers for each child, the opportunity to enter the art competition where one child will win their height in books, and the chance to attend the grand prize-giving ceremony in July, held at the Town Hall with the Mayor of Stockport.

At the prize-giving ceremony, one child from each school will be crowned ‘Reader of the Year’. Schools are encouraged to hold a competition to crown the winner.

Councillor David Sedgwick, Cabinet Member for Citizen Focus at Stockport Council, said: “I’m thrilled that the Stockport Children’s Book Awards are back for 2022, and that we will get to hold an in-person ceremony this year to crown the winning authors and ‘Readers of the Year’. The Book Awards are a fantastic way to engage children in reading some great books, and a perfect way for Stockport’s schools to help build their recovery curriculum. With titles aimed at KS1 through to KS3, there’s something for everyone!”

If your child’s school has not signed up to the Stockport Children’s Book Awards by 28th February, there’s still chance for them to get involved in this year’s awards. Drop in to your local Stockport library to chat to the staff about getting involved, borrowing the titles or entering the art competition.

To sign your school up, email childrensbookaward@stockport.gov.uk.

For more information, visit the Stockport Council website.