Champions of Children's literature celebrated at trust book awards 2026

 

Now in its seventh year, this annual event brings together students from across our Trust in a celebration of children’s literature and is a highlight in the Trust’s calendar.

The event was kicked-off by author Ben Davis, a previous Book Awards winner with his novel The Soup Movement. Captivating an audience of almost 200 students in Years 6, 7 and 8, Ben delighted guests with readings, jokes and an engaging Q&A session, sparking the imagination of our young readers.

Organised by Trust Lead Librarian, Lucy Georgeson, the awards launched back in October and have since seen thousands of students throughout our primary and secondary academies read, review and cast their vote on shortlisted titles across 3 categories: Key Stage 1 Book Award, Children’s Book Award and Young Adult Book Award.

The winners:

Ms Georgeson commenced the prize-giving by announcing the Creative Competition winners, showcasing students’ imaginative responses to their favourite shortlisted title in a range of mediums including character sculptures, intricate artwork and textile interpretations.

Excitement continued to grow in The Carlton Academy’s wonderfully decorated library as the category winners were announced:

• Favourite first lines – Murder at Wintertide by Fleur Hitchcock
• Favourite front cover – David Litchfield for My Dog by Olivia Wakeford
• Librarian’s choice – The Wrong Shoes by Tom Percival
• Favourite character – Birdie from Birdie by JP Rose
• Favourite book – My Dog by Olivia Wakeford
• 6in6 Challenge – The Soup Movement by Ben Davis

Delighted winning authors and illustrators accepted their awards via video message, prompting loud and sustained applause throughout the venue.

Reflecting on the continued success of the Book Awards, Ms Georgeson said: "Our Redhill Academy Trust Children's Book Awards celebrate the power of reading and brings together students across our Trust.”

“The main book awards event brings that celebration to life, showcasing stories that inspire, challenge and shape young minds!" 

Redhill’s Reading Revolution:

These popular awards are just one of the ways Redhill Academy Trust boosts and sustains reading for pleasure amongst our young people.*

Well-stocked libraries, daily DEAR (Drop Everything and Read) time, inspiring author visits and student reading ambassadors contribute to Redhill’s thriving reading culture, helping to foster a lifelong love of literature across our Trust.

*READ: Love of literature soars above national average across Redhill Academy Trust