Young people get voting in book awards

The shortlist has been announced for the Lincolnshire Young People’s Book Awards and young voters will have the chance to make sure their favourite author gets the recognition they deserve.

The awards are in their sixth year and schoolchildren across the county are being encouraged to vote for their favourite book from the shortlist.

Every library in Lincolnshire, including mobiles, will have a copy of each of the shortlisted books and will also have voting boxes. Special groups within the county’s primary schools will be working with the books until spring 2009. These groups will also be able to visit libraries to contribute by writing reviews or submitting artwork for their favourite book.

Voting for the awards is split into two categories,  9 to 11 year-olds and 12 to 14 year-olds. Voters will also be entered into a prize draw, where  a full set of shortlisted books could be won for each age category.  Entry details can be filled-in on the voting forms.

John Pateman, head of Libraries, Learning and Inclusion said:

“The Lincolnshire Young Peoples Book Awards are a great way of encouraging young people to  read books.

“The schoolchildren that are involved in voting will have a chance to get to grips with the books, be analytical and challenge themselves with themes.

“We have some outstanding quality in all of the categories this year, and it is sure to be a really close contest.Young people will still be able to vote for their favourite author until 10 April 2009. The winners will be announced next May.

Below are the shorlists for the two age categories.

9 -11 year olds

Title Author

The legend Worst Boy in the World Eoin Colfer

The Great Escape Natalie Haynes

Ottoline and the Yellow Cat Chris Riddell

The Truth Sayer Sally Prue

My Dad’s a Birdman David Almond

12 – 14 year olds

Title Author

The Swan Kingdom Zoe Marriott

Here Lies Arthur Phillip Reeve

Sundae Girl Cathy Cassidy