2026 Salford Children’s Book Award
On 30th June 2026, 182 pupils, from 13 Salford secondary schools came together at Salford University’s New Adelphi Theatre for the award ceremony of the 2026 Salford Children’s Book Award.
Among the notable faces in attendance were ceremonial Lord Mayor of Salford, Robin Garrido, and 5 of the 6 shortlisted authors; including 2025 shortlisted author and 2026 winner Nathanael Lessore.
Lessore’s second novel, “King of Nothing” addresses topics such as masculinity and grief with humour and a lightness of touch that makes it resonate with young readers from across the board.
The whole event felt like a real celebration of diversity, expression and literature. One pupil at the ceremony said,
“Taking part in the Book Award was fun, and has inspired me to write a book myself”
While Patrice Lawrence MBE, shortlisted author and the new Waterstones Children’s Laureate stated;
