Young bookworms choose their top reads

Saturday 23 June 2018

Young readers, aged nine to 12, are being asked to nominate their favourite book as part of the inaugural Channel Island Children’s Book Award (CICBA).

Children in both Jersey and Guernsey can nominate any book they think fits the criteria for the award, which is jointly organised by Jersey Library and Guernsey Schools’ Library Service.

To be able to be nominated, the books need to be stand-alone novels, published between July 2017 and June 2018. While the first book in a new series will be accepted, sequels can't be entered. 

The author must be from the UK, Ireland or Channel Islands. Organisers have said they would like to try and get the winner over for the award ceremony. It will take place in Jersey this year but the island will take turns with Guernsey for the hosting duties.

Cathy Bithell from Jersey Library said: “We are looking for a captivating and engaging new book which you’d be excited to tell your friends about.”

11 days until nominations open! We're looking for books aimed at children in years 5,6&7 which have been published in the last year in the UK or Ireland. Follow the link to our website to find out more! #CICBAward https://t.co/y7tjGzaDt5 pic.twitter.com/WzTvbhmldg

— CIBookaward (@CIbookaward) June 21, 2018

Nominations for the Award open open on 2 July and will close on 28 October 2018. Readers can submit their favourite books on the award website.

Once the nomination period ends, all eligible books will be whittled down by a panel of judges into a final shortlist. Schools will then have the opportunity to take part in shadowing book groups to discuss and review the shortlisted titles.

Children will then be asked to pick their favourite book and vote for it through the website. The winner will later be announced at the award ceremony at the Jersey Library. 

Ed Jewell explained that the awards were set up to encourage more young people to read. "Certainly we also want to see more engagement of reading," he added. "We want them to start discussing the books they love. This is why part of the selection process will involve groups of children discussing the shortlist."