The Learning and Resources Centre (LRC) has promoted the Shadowing Scheme for several years, and once again is delighted to launch its very own Carnegie Book Shadowers Club. Pupils are invited to borrow, read and review the eight titles that form this year’s shortlist. Students are then asked to write a brief review and vote for their favourite title. For a full list of titles and their resources and further details of the review process please click here.

The CILIP Carnegie Medal is the UK’s oldest and most prestigious children’s book award. Their mission: “To inspire and empower the next generation to create a better world through books and reading”. The prize, created in 1936 and won that year by Arthur Ransome for his book Pigeon Post, is now an important event on the YA book publishers’ calendar. Read more here.

Ms Rogers (LRC Manager) said: “We can easily fall into a comfort zone when reading, and look for the same themes and authors. The beauty of The Carnegie Awards Shortlist is it introduces the reader to a new and diverse selection of critically acclaimed YA books. Past Book Shadowers have been captivated by authors that prior to the scheme they had not heard of, or found new genres as yet not read. Not only can this increase the readers love of books, but can also improve a student’s writing skills and broaden their vocabulary.”

If you think that your child would enjoy being part of our Book Shadowers Club please encourage them to contact the library by email at: [email protected]. Books can be borrowed a week at a time, although certain titles are restricted by age-group. Students taking part in the Shadowing Scheme will gain from all of the benefits regular reading brings, as well as an introduction to new authors, genres and topics reflecting current Young Adult Fiction. The accompanying resources, provided by CILIP, are designed to promote discussion and develop an even greater insight to the book, its story and message.