The Awesome Book Awards ran from 2017 to 2023. Organised by Cranleigh Schools, it was an annual prize that showcased the best new fiction authors for young readers aged between 7 and 10. To be eligible for the prize, titled were required to be a UK-based author’s debut novel, suitable for able readers in the listed age group, appealing to both boys and girls, and available in paperback. Thousands of pupils from schools across the South East read the whole shortlist of five books and then voted for their favourite overall.
A survey of participants following the 2023 awards revealed that teachers and librarians were struggling to encourage enough children to read all five books on the shortlist. Cranleigh Schools are currently taking a break from running the awards and considering options for different formats. More information will be posted in due course. Meanwhile, to read about previous Awesome Book Awards, please click here.