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;
All the kids who do sports, they get their moment, they run along the track and people are cheering them or they’re cheering their football team. But regional book awards, when you, the readers, you have your moment and it’s
just such a lovely chance for you to celebrate and talk about the books that you love.
To watch a short video about the ceremony, visit our YouTube channel.
The Salford Children’s Book Award will return soon with a shortlist for 2027. To find out more about the award, contact the Schools’ Library Service on 0161 778 0936, or email schools.library-service@scll.co.uk .
Bird Boy by Catherine Bruton
Can you heal a broken wing? What about a broken heart?
After the tragic death of his mother, Will is sent to stay with his uncle in the Lake District. Will isn’t sure about this place of endless sky and mountain … until he discovers an osprey nest, with two small chicks inside.
When tragedy almost strikes again one stormy night, and one of the chicks is knocked out of the nest, Will is determined to save her. Maybe, by helping the chick, Will can find a way to take flight too …
I Am Wolf by Alastair Chisholm
In a savage world where huge technological Constructs fight for territory, living on Wolf and being part of her crew is all Coll has ever known. But when a new and dangerous Construct attacks, Coll’s life is changed forever.
Thrown clear and left stranded, Coll will do anything to get back to Wolf. But as he learns a new way to survive, he starts to question everything he’s been taught. Can he find Wolf again? And even if he does – will he still belong?
The Great Phoenix of London by Lindsay Galvin
London, 1666. When fire breaks out, eleven year old Gil is separated from his family in the chaos. One of his few remaining possessions is a mysterious ball of rock that fell from the sky.
As he races to beat the inferno spreading across the city, neither he, nor his new friend Jennet, has any idea that the stone in his satchel is an unhatched bird of myth and fire. And that there are some who will stop at nothing to get their hands on a legendary phoenix …
Bringing Back Kay-Kay by Dev Kothari
“Without you, Kay-Kay, there’s no sun, no warmth, no light. I will find you, if it’s the last thing I do.”
Lena can’t imagine life without her beloved older brother, so when he goes missing, the bottom drops out of her world. The police dismiss Kay-Kay as just another teenage runaway, but Lena knows they are wrong.
No one will listen to her, so Lena decides to search for him herself. But can she find the courage to face the journey ahead?
People Like Stars by Patrice Lawrence
Three thirteen year old strangers are connected by one big secret.
Nervous Ayrton was stolen from his mum as a baby. He was returned safely, but now Mum won’t let him out of her sight. Curious Stanley has a Forbidden Grandmother. His mum won’t even talk about her.
Homeless Sen and her mum have finally found a place to live, but they’ll be out on the street if they upset their secretive landlady.
What happens when their paths cross …?
King of Nothing by Nathanael Lessore
“Dreams are for Martin Luther King. I don’t need none of that. I’m king of the school, already living my best life.”
Anton and his friends rule the school. The other kids steer clear when they’re about, and that’s the way Anton likes it – he’s got a reputation to live up to, after all.
But when Matthew, the biggest loser in class, unexpectedly saves his life, the boys strike up an unlikely friendship, and Anton finds himself questioning everything he thought was important.
“I loved exploring new books and delving into new genres I never would have tried before. It really expanded my book taste.”
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