Bolton Book Award

And the Winner is...

2009-06-29T12:45:00.034Z

..Sally Nicholls for Ways to Live Forever!!! Many, many congratulations to you Sally!!!

The Awards Ceremony on Saturday was fantastic, there were some really emotional moments when the young people from the schools spoke so passionately about the books they had enjoyed.

There were also some real comedy moments - particularly from the "Pharoah" and "Serpent God" from Thornleigh!! A MASSIVE thank you to all of you who took part in the ceremony - I saw how nervous you all were just before going on stage but you were all absolutely brilliant and the ceremony simply wouldn't be the same without you.

Chris Bradford has already been in touch to say:

"Young Samurai may not have won, but I certainly wasn’t too downhearted by the result!
The reason being was the girl who introduced me and talked about my book was so eloquent, professional and wrote the most amazing review for me: ‘excitement, fear and adventure are blended perfectly to bring you a concoction of a good read...and makes a truly individual book in this year’s book awards.’ I couldn’t have asked for more. It was also a pleasure to meet all the dedicated young samurai fans... "

We're certainly very grateful to the authors for giving up their time to be with us and we hope that they enjoyed their time with us as much as we enjoyed having them here!!! Certainly some of the comments I received from the authors after the ceremony suggested that they were very impressed with the ceremony and the incredible enthusiasm from the young people of Bolton. And the photo also suggests that they thoroughly enjoyed the experience!!!

It would also be fantastic, if the enthusiasm from Saturday could flow for a little longer by helping us with the shortlist for next year as it's a tough job trying to find a shortlist that everyone approves of...!!

There would be no better recommendations than those from the young people for whom the Bolton Book Award is intended - you can post your recommendations on here, or speak to your school librarian who can either pass the recommendation on to me or even give you my email address for you to contact me directly!!! Remember, to be eligible for the Award, the book must be published in paperback for the first time in 2009, it cannot have a previous hardback edition!!

The final countdown...

2009-04-14T13:08:00.009Z

It's hard to believe that the Book Award final is only just over two months away! Since we announced the shortlist in January, the time has really flown by. If you're still reading away, it's time to get your skates on because you need to hand in your votes at school by the 18th May

The Book Award featured in an article in March's edition of Bolton Scene, and seven children from local schools profiled each of the shortlisted books. Click this link to go to the Scene, then scroll down to page 19 to see the article.

Let us know on the blog what you think of the contendors, love 'em or hate 'em, we want to hear your views...

Book Award Shortlist Announced Today!!!

2009-01-28T15:59:00.031Z

The Bolton Book Award Shortlist was announced yesterday morning to over 100 pupils and teachers from local schools, in a ceremony at the University of Bolton. Those who were there were introduced to each of the seven shortlisted titles by members of the working group, took part in book quizzes and generally had a lot of fun getting enthused about this years titles!

The now-not-so-secret-seven shortlisted titles are as follows...

Alec Devlin: The Eye of the Serpent by Philip Caveney

EGYPT 1923. Fifteen-year-old Alec Devlin is on his way to the Valley of the Kings to spend the summer holidays working on his Uncle Will's archeological dig. It's not the first time he's spent his summer this way . . . but this year things are different

Uncle Will and his young assistant, Tom, have recently made an amazing discovery - an ancient tomb hidden deep below the earth. But only hours after opening it's doors, Uncle Will falls mysteriously ill and Tom seems to have disappeared without trace,

Alec sets about unravelling the tomb's mysteries - seemingly harmless animals have turned into rabid killers, long dead mummies are rising from their tombs, the spirit of a powerful High Priest is claiming people as living hosts . . .and Alec must confront a terror that has waited three thousand years to be reborn.

Ways to Live Forever by Sally Nicholls

"My name is Sam. I am eleven years old. I collect stories and fantastic facts. By the time you read this, I will probably be dead. "

Sam loves facts. He wants to know about UFOs and horror movies and airships and ghosts and scientists, and how it feels to kiss a girl. And because he has leukaemia he wants to know the facts about dying. Sam needs answers to the questions nobody will answer.

Crash by J A Henderson

A day out with his dad Gordon turns into a nightmare for Bobby Berlin when something shocking happens that leaves Dad thinking it's 1977 and he's really 14. The only people Bobby can turn to for help are his best friend Mary and her gypsy grandmother. The problem is, they don't have a clue what to do either.

Gordon is irrationally convinced that if he can just get to Dundee, everything will be OK - but he couldn't be more wrong. The east coast of Scotland is about to be hit by a tsunami. As the population flees, Gordon journeys towards the heart of danger, followed by Bobby and Mary, hell-bent on trying to stop him...

A Beautiful Place for a Murder by Berlie Doherty

"It was the first time my mum had left me on my own. Five days of glorious freedom stretched in front of me. “Enjoy yourself,” I shouted, waving her off. “Don’t worry about me. I’ll be fine!” I danced back into the house, whooping with delight. And half an hour after she’d gone, I was plunged into the worst experience of my life."

Shaun Parker is a suspect in a murder at a lonely cottage near his house – only Caroline, his girlfriend, believes in his innocence. Can they find the real murderer before the police charge Shaun?

Lee Raven Boy Thief by Zizou Corder

Lee Raven, boy thief, has stolen something he really didn't mean to. Now he faces a perilous flight through London (and the murky sewers below) as he tries to escape capture ; because Lee has stolen the Book of Nebo, a book that has existed for thousands of years and tells every story and legend known to man. It's priceless. Some will even kill to possess it.

The pressure mounts and the future of Nebo is in Lee's hands; can he prevent the most dangerous ending of them all?

Zal, Zara and the Great Race of Azamed by Kit Downes

It's time for the Great Race of Azamed - the most exciting magic carpet race in the world. Zal and Zara believe that only an enchanted rainbow carpetcould possibly win the prize, but perhaps such a thing is just the stuff of stories...

The race is on for the pair to discover the secret behind the legend and weave the winning carpet, but will their enemy Haragan beat them to their dream?

Young Samurai: The Way of the Warrior by Chris Bradford

August 1611. Jack Fletcher is shipwrecked off the coast of Japan – his beloved father and the crew lie slaughtered by ninja pirates. Rescued by the legendary sword master Masamoto Takeshi, Jack's only hope is to become a samurai warrior. And so his training begins.

But life at the samurai school is a constant fight for survival. Even with his friend Akiko by his side, Jack is singled out by bullies and treated as an outcast. With courage in his heart and his sword held high, can Jack prove himself and face his deadliest rival yet?

One day and counting...

2009-01-27T10:11:00.002Z

I'm really excited about the shortlist launch tomorrow. We're going to be talking to over 100 teachers and pupils from over 20 different local schools, introducing them to each of the 7 shortlisted books, doing a quiz and generally having fun and getting everyone really excited and enthused about the process. The book i'm introducing is the one that's really captured my attention - although all of them are such strong contendors that it's hard to predict how things will turn out. However, that's a long way off yet.........!

Only a week until the shortlist is announced......

2009-01-21T09:34:00.002Z

A week today all of Bolton will know which books have been shortlisted for the Bolton Children's Book Award! Until then, of course, my lips are sealed and i'm unable to give any sneak previews - but i can say that it is an extremely strong shortlist. Watch this space as the full shortlist will be posted here on Wednesday 28th January. And then you can get reading and voting....

Book Award 2009....

2008-11-27T12:38:00.003Z

I know this blog hasn't been updated for a long time, but now that reading for the 2009 Book Award is well underway, it seems like a good time!
The awards ceremony for the 2008 book award took place on 21st June at the Festival Hall in Bolton. Terry Caffrey acted as compere for the event. The suspense was finally brought to an end when Derek Landy was announced as the winner for his novel "Skulduggery Pleasant".

It's my first time on a book award panel, so it's quite an exciting time for me - i'm reading more children's books than I've ever read in one go, and trying to cram in as many as i can. I've already read a few which seem like great contendors and have been really caught up in some of the stories. The shortlist will be announced on Wednesday 28th January - I know that seems like a long time away now, but the weeks are just flying by and i'm sure the festive season will be gone before we know it! Keep checking back here for the latest updates on the award.

Only Just Over 6 Weeks to Voting...

2008-04-04T12:58:00.003Z

There's just over six weeks to go before all the votes have to be submitted and counted... I suspect its going to be quite an exciting count this year as all the books seem really popular and I haven't spoken to two people yet who agree on the winner so I think it's going to be a close run thing..!!

I always wonder when I write this blog if a) anyone actually reads it and b) whether the authors read it to see what we're saying about them. I'd love to know!! I know if I was one of the authors I'd have to have a look to see what people were saying about my book!! What do you all think of the individual titles (just in case the authors are reading the blog - it would be nice for them to read your comments about their books)??!! You've had plenty of time to get stuck into the reading so am sure people have something to say about them and we're looking for quotes to put in our booklet so if you do have something to say and we like it - you might find your words are put into print for the Bolton Children's Book Award 2008 Booklet which will be given out at the Awards Ceremony!!

By the way - we are have had a few techincal difficulties recently which is why there was a MASSIVE delay before some comments appeared. Think we've got it sorted now so comments should appear much more quickly, so please do send some more!!

The 2008 Shortlist is Announced...

2008-01-25T16:21:00.000Z

On Wednesday 23rd January many schools attended the exciting announcement of the 2008 Bolton Children's Book Award shortlist at the University of Bolton...

In case, like me, you couldn't make it - the shortlist is as follows...

Titanic 2020 by Colin Bateman
The Geek, The Greek and The Pimpernel by Will Gatti
The Cat Kin by Nick Green
The Black Book of Secrets by F.E. Higgins
Deeper than Blue by Jill Huckles
Skulduggery Pleasant by Derek Landy
Finding Violet Park by Jenny Valentine
Wild Magic by Cat Weatherill

So you all now know the books on the list - any surprises??

For the first time I wasn't involved in the shortlisting meeting so the list was as much of a surprise to me as everyone else but I think it's a great choice of books and I think it's going to be a very close run thing this year - I haven't got a clue which one is going to win....

As you know, we really like getting your comments on the shortlist on this blog - from now on, the only ones who can decide the winner is YOU!!! Your comments might influence how people vote, so if you've got a favourite get your comments on here now - you never know, your comment could persuade others to vote for your favourite as the winner!!

Hope to hear from you all soon!!!

Congratulations Sophie!!!

2007-07-13T14:11:00.000Z

What am I doing??!! It's been ages since we announced the winner of the Bolton Children's Book Award 2007 and I haven't written about it on the blog!!!. Am sure that by now, you all know that the winner of the Award was Girl, Missing by Sophie McKenzie, who was absolutely thrilled to win. Sophie said:

"I'm thrilled to have won the Bolton Children's Book Award this year, especially considering my book, Girl, Missing, was up against such strong competition from some very fine authors. The most special part of winning this particular award is that it's voted for by young people - the actual readers of children's books! That really is a great honour and I'm very grateful, not only to the children who voted for my book, but also to the organisers, who work so creatively themselves on planning both the awards and all the associated competitions and activites."

A big well done to Sophie from us all!!

As you know, the reading never stops for the Bolton Book Award, so, we're actually already reading for the 2008 award. We are always looking for recommendations, so if you have any thoughts on books that should be on next years shortlist, post a comment and let me know!! Believe it or not, we do take all comments into consideration when shortlisting so your comment could actually make a difference as to whether a book goes onto the shortlist or not!!!

Have a great summer and don't forget to recommend any good books you read - reading has got to be one of the few things we can all do over the summer while it's pouring down outside!!

A Word from Sophie McKenzie

2007-06-05T12:44:00.000Z

Hi there.

It’s a big thrill for me to have my book: Girl, Missing, on the Bolton Children’s Book Award shortlist. And, thinking about all the great stories that have been nominated, makes me want to ask you a question.

What do you think makes a good read?

It’s easy enough to say whether or not you like a book. It’s much harder to explain why. Personally, I want to really care about the characters and what’s happening to them. That’s how I felt when I was writing about Lauren in Girl, Missing too.

But what matters to you?

Is it getting lost in the story? Or having really exciting things happen so that you can’t put the book down? Maybe you like stories that make you scared, or excited, or that make you laugh. Whatever it is, I’d love to know…

Happy reading!
Sophie McKenzie

A Word From Michael Coleman...

2007-05-02T09:50:00.000Z

A big hello to everybody involved with the Bolton Children's Book Awards!

I was delighted to hear that The Howling Tower had been shortlisted and am eagerly awaiting the big Awards Ceremony. I'm even looking for a tie to wear, which shows you how excited I am!

The Howling Tower was great fun to write, as were the other two books in the trilogy, The Fighting Pit and The Hunting Forest. By the end I was quite sad to say goodbye to Benjamin, Mops and Spike. I was even sorry to say goodbye to some of the bears (but not Inspector Dictatum)!

I'm looking forward to meeting as many as you as possible when I come up to Bolton in June. In the meantime, though, I'd love to discover what you thought about the book. If you enjoyed it, I'd love to know why. And if you didn't like it - well, I'd like to know that too. Honest!

With very best wishes - Michael Coleman

Authors...

2007-04-26T09:27:00.000Z

Hi

Some of the authors on the award want to submit blogs and would love you to respond. The first one will be published next week and will be from Michael Coleman, author of "The Howling Tower".

When you are making comments about books, please try to be constructive with your comments, if there are any comments which are rude or harsh, we may remove them from the blog!!

Think by now many of you will have read them all - this year, I haven't got a clue what will win and I think it's going to be a close-run thing. In 2005 and 2006 I had a fairly good idea that The Recruit and Jimmy Coates would be the winners but you all have different favourites this year - it will make it even more exciting!!

Don't forget to check the blog next week when you will be hearing from Michael!!

The Truth is Out!!!!

2007-01-30T16:45:00.000Z

Finally, finally, finally... I can stop watching what I say in the office incase I let something slip about what is on the shortlist - it was such a relief to reveal it to everyone this morning!!

For anyone who doesn't know the shortlist is as follows:

Jerry and the Jannans by Elly Brewer
The Howling Tower by Michael Coleman
Beast by Ally Kennen
Nemesis by Catherine Macphail
Girl, Missing by Sophie McKenzie
Kiss of Death by Malcolm Rose
Flash Flood by Chris Ryan
The Shapeshifter: Finding the Fox by Ali Sparkes

What do you all think then, first impressions, which do you think you'll enjoy the most? Have you read any yet? Did your favourite make it to the list (or not make it!!?)

I can't make my mind up as to what the winner will be - obviously, I've got my favourites on the list but, unfortunately, I'm not eligible to vote (I'm too old) so now it's all down to the young people of Bolton (and some in Bury, Blackburn and Salford!) to make their decisions! I think it will be a really close run thing again this year and I think every vote will count so make sure you don't waste yours!!

I am really looking forward to hearing what everyone has to say and one or two of the authors will be publishing "guest blogs" once everyone has got into the reading so keep checking this site as I'll let you know when the guest blogs will be appearing!!

Happy reading!!

The BIG Announcement

2007-01-13T15:59:00.000Z

Well - the big reveal is on 30th January, now only a couple of weeks away. Obviously, we've known for a while which books have been shortlisted and keeping it a secret is really hard, I'll be glad when we've told everyone else so I can stop talking in code!!!

When we were shortlisting, we took everyone's comments into consideration but, as with all shortlists, some of you may have recommended something that didn't quite make it, but if it's any consolation a book that I read and really enjoyed didn't make it either so I know how it feels!!! However, I think you'll really enjoy the shortlist this year and I honestly couldn't say which would be the winner I think it will be a very close run thing this year - counting the votes will be really exciting!!

I've spoken to some of the authors on the shortlist and think it's quite likely that they will be submitting "guest blogs" over the next couple of months, so you'll need to visit this site regularly to make sure you don't miss a chance to reply to your favourite authors blog!!

Hope to see many of you at the big announcement but if I see any of you before then I won't be saying anything about the shortlist!!! Any guesses as to what we have (or should have!) chosen it would be interesting to hear what you think...

Shortlisting Next Week...

2006-11-30T12:09:00.000Z

Right, well we are going to be shortlisting for the award next week so this is your very last chance to let me know what you think of books you've read this year. Clearly, I have my favourites but they don't seem to be the same as everyone else's this year, which is why I'd like some opinions from everyone else!!

I don't think I should really say what my favourites are here because I'll be doing another blog after we've shortlisted and if I say I'm really pleased it might give one or two of the titles away!! There have been quite a few good ones and I have to admit I still have several to read before next week so I could change my mind about what I want on the list anyway!!

Reading for Next Year...

2006-07-11T11:39:00.000Z

Not sure if anyone is going to be reading this blog now but I thought I'd update you on what I've been reading anyway!! Have to say I haven't read much recently that I've really enjoyed but one that I have read recently is Marco's Pendulum by Thom Madley. WOW!! I absolutely loved this book - we've even booked to go and spend a night in Glastonbury just to see all the places it mentions. It's a great plot and it's genuinely scary - one of those books that you just have to keep reading! Infact, I haven't read a book that I've thought was that good for a long time!! I would highly recommend it but be warned, it is scary and not for the faint-hearted!!

If you've read Marco's Pendulum or read something that you think is even better will you let me know? We really need to find some good titles for the shortlist next year!!