Introduction
In 2003 Redbridge Schools' Library Service decided to pilot
a new local book award. Not another one, I hear you
say! The decision was not taken lightly but several schools
were behind us and very keen to have a go so we thought "Why
not?"
The reason we were asked to do it in the first place was because
many of our schools and public library reading groups were getting
more and more frustrated with the level of books being highlighted
in the Carnegie Award. Our public libraries were especially
frustrated because we only cater for children up to 13 years.
We had some very keen reading groups of 10-13 year olds who wanted
books that were aimed at their age group.
We devised a plan that would still allow groups to shadow the
Carnegie if they wish but would provide a lead up to it. It
is a wonderful partnership opportunity for schools and it also
provides a chance for children to feel very closely involved in a
local initiative.
Aims
- To inspire children to read for
pleasure.
- To encourage children to read, review and
debate and thus appreciate good quality literature.
- To encourage an ethos of independent reading
within schools and across the borough.
- To provide a stepping stone to the Carnegie
Award.
The process
- Autumn term - Schools and libraries sign up
to the award and select 40 books to read.
- January - Collection of books published the
previous year delivered.
- March - Groups send in a list of their top 10
favourite books.
- End of Spring term - Shortlist announced and
schools receive a set of shortlisted books.
- June - Final voting.
Final Voting
All the participating groups get together to vote for their
favourite book. Some schools will do presentations of their
favourite book from the shortlist, and there will be an
inter-school quiz. The winning author from the previous year
is invited to come and speak. Each school will receive a
complimentary set of the shortlisted titles for their school
library.
The winning author will then be invited to a special event in
November to receive their award.
Funding
At present the award is funded by the Schools' Library
Service with sponsorship from Kent Book Company
who donate a set of shortlisted books to each participating
school. We are extremely grateful for their support.
Evaluation
The award is still evolving and each year will build on
experiences from the last.
The first year 4 schools took part. In 2005 we had 13 groups
taking part - 9 Secondary schools, 2 Primary schools, and 2 public
library reading groups and in 2008 16 schools and 2 public library
reading groups are taking part.