Looking for inspiration to kickstart your child’s reading for 2020? Try the shortlist for the Blue Peter Book Awards. You can order all of these from the library catalogue completely free of charge – all you need is your library card number and PIN which the library volunteers can reset for you.
Best Story Shortlist
Owen and the Soldier
Author: Lisa Thompson Illustrator: Mike Lowery
Owen and his mum are struggling. It’s just the two of them now and they’re finding it difficult to ask for the help they need. When Owen discovers a battered old war memorial in the local park, he finds great comfort in confessing his worries to the memorial’s war wearied soldier. Ideal from 7+
Vote for Effie
Author: Laura Wood
Join Effie Kostas as she fights to become Student Council President in her new school. With a campaign team of loveable misfits, she tackles the truly important subjects: gender imbalance, outdated school conventions – and good-looking boys stealing the last slice of chocolate cake at lunchtime. Ideal for 9+
Available as a paperback, audio CD, ebook and eAudio for free from the library.
Wildspark
Author: Vashti Hardy
In Medlock, a secretive guild of inventors have brought spirits of the dead back into the world, harnessing them in animal-like machines. Young Prue has joined as an apprentice, but she’s on a mission of her own: to bring her brother back to life. To find him, she needs to get the ghost machines to remember the people they used to be. Ideal for 7+
Available as a paperback, ebook and audio CD
Best Book with Facts
Fanatical About Frogs
Author: Owen Davey
Leap into this fascinating illustrated guide to the most diverse amphibians in the world, from the lumbering common toad to the beautiful but deadly poison dart frog.
How To Be An Astronaut and Other Space Jobs
Author: Dr Sheila Kanani & Sol Linero
What is actually involved in being an astronaut? Sure to inspire anyone who is keen on space!
Rise Up: Ordinary Kids with Extraordinary Stories
Author: Amanda Li Illustrator: Amy Blackwell designed by Kim Hankinson and Jack Clucas
‘Rise Up’ tells the stories of girls and boys from around the world and the challenges they have faced and overcome. It features over 30 amazing young girls and boys who have achieved the unimaginable – whether their story is of sailing single-handedly around the world at the age of 14, surviving a plane crash in the jungle or a shark attack while surfing. There are tales of triumphing over illness and injury, and of fighting against the plastic in our oceans. Entries include Ellie Simmons, Boyan Slat and Phiona Mutesi, to name a few.
