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About the Awards

The Berkshire Children’s Book Award was launched in 2004 for the best, recently published book written for young people.  This Award is the first of its kind in Berkshire and differs from similar Award schemes by enabling young people to both nominate the titles and select the winner. Thousands of young people from over 90 Berkshire schools and public libraries have taken part.

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The Aim of the Berkshire Book Award is to contribute to young people’s achievement by:

  • encouraging them to develop a love of reading and become lifelong readers

  • encouraging social inclusion by organising events and activities for young people

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Research has shown that a love of reading is more important to young peoples’ educational success than either their family’s wealth or social class. Supporting young people to take part in the Award is one way in which school and public libraries can encourage young people to read more, improving their educational opportunities and encouraging social responsibility by giving them a major say in running the Award.  

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Participation in the award is open to all young teens living or studying in Berkshire through secondary schools and public libraries.  

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Berkshire Book Award 2024 Information & Guidance for Teacher and Librarians

Key Dates

  • 11 October - Launch and nominations for longlist
     

  • 15 November - Nominations close
     

  • 22 November - Longlist announced
     

  • 17 January - Longlist voting closes
     

  • 31 January - Shortlist announced
     

  • 31 January - Shortlist event at Reading Bluecoat School
     

  • 01 May - Voting for shortlist closes
     

  • 08 May - Winner announced!

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