In 2024, the Salford Children’s Book Award celebrated its milestone 21st anniversary with a bumper event attended by eleven local schools, leading authors, a comedian, Salford councillors and key partners of the service. The Ceremonial Mayor of Salford, Councillor Tanya Burch, was also in attendance.
The Award, hosted by author and comedian James Campbell, encourages 11 – 14 year olds to read a wide variety of books and authors, and highlights the importance of reading for pleasure. James commented, “It’s such a privilege to return to Salford. It has become one of my favourite places. I love the enthusiasm of the children and the care and devotion they put into their presentations.”
All six of the shortlisted authors took part in the event, along with Salford pupils who gave presentations on each of the books. There was also a special presentation by pupils from St Patrick’s RC High School, marking their school’s 21st year taking part in the Award.
The winning book was “When I See Blue” by Lily Bailey. Lily said:
“I am delighted to win this award. I wrote ‘When I See Blue’ as the book I wish I’d had as a young person growing up to make me feel seen. When I was younger this is the sort of event I would have gone to, so it is amazing for me to attend and be on the other side as an author. I have huge respect for the pupils who came on stage today talking about their favourite books and authors in front of authors, adults and peers.”
All the authors took part in a book signing after the ceremony, and in addition to buying books, all the children this year were able to take home a free book, signed by one of the authors, thanks to the generous support of the Bupa Foundation.
When I See Blue by Lily Bailey
Sometimes Ben’s brain makes him count to 4 to stop bad things happening. Sometimes it tells him to avoid certain colours. Mostly it makes the smallest things feel impossible. And with a new school, a moody big brother, and a Mum and Dad who are falling apart, Ben feels more out of control than ever.
21% Monster by P. J. Canning
When Darren Devlin is arrested for destroying his school with his bare hands, it’s not just the police who are after him. Enter Marek Masters, 14 years old, 19% alien, and the most intelligent, most wanted “almost human” alive. Marek is here to tell Darren the truth – he is 21% monster, and together they must take down the secret organisation that created them.
Can You Feel the Noise by Stewart Foster
When Sophie wakes up one morning to the sound of silence, her whole life changes in a split second. Lessons are suddenly replaced by hospital appointments, conversations become an exercise in lip reading and her dreams of taking part in the Battle of the Bands are in ruins. But when she meets another deaf musician and realizes she can feel noise through the vibrations of an old drum set, the spark she’s been missing reignites.
Fake by Ele Fountain
Imagine a world where your only friends are virtual, and big tech companies control access to food, healthcare and leisure. This is Jess’s world. But when she turns fourteen, Jess can go to school with other children for the first time. Most of them hate the ‘real’ world, but Jess begins to question whether the digital world is ‘perfect’ after all.
The Extraordinary Voyage of Katy Willacott by Sharon Gosling
Living among the flowers and ferns of Kew Gardens, Katy has always dreamed of more – of the sky and the stars and the sea. Unfortunately for Katy, her father doesn’t understand. He says young girls should be content to stay at home, not go off gallivanting around the world. So when news reaches London of a meteorite falling in the faraway land of Brazil and an expedition being put together to find it, Katy knows it’s her chance to follow her dreams and prove her father wrong.
The Storm Swimmer by Clare Weze
Summer was supposed to be Ginika’s time for fun, friends and fairs. But instead she’s been sent to live at the dead-end seaside boarding house her grandparents run. Even though her parents say it’s just for a little while, she can’t help feeling abandoned and heartbroken to be missing out on everything she loves back home. And then she meets Peri. He leaps and dives through the water like a dolphin and he talks like a burst of bubbles. He’s not exactly a mermaid, but he’s definitely something Ginika’s never seen before.
Sign up to the Salford Community Leisure mailing list and be the first to find out about our latest news, offers and forthcoming events across our services.
