2021 Award

2021 Salford Children’s Book Award: Winner Announced!

The winner of the 2021 Salford Children’s Book Award has been announced in a special video shared with all the Salford schools taking part in the award.

Pupils in Salford secondary schools read the five shortlisted books and received exclusive video messages from all the authors, before voting for their winner.

The winning book was Orion Lost by Alastair Chisholm.  Accepting his award, Alastair said,

“I’m absolutely gobsmacked … To be considered on a shortlist this strong was a wonderful feeling, and to actually win it is incredible.  Thank you so much!”

2021 Shortlist

The Girl Who Speaks Bear by Sophie Anderson

I came from the forest, now it’s calling me back.

Found abandoned in a bear cave as a baby, Yanka has always wondered where she is from.  When she has to flee her house, looking for answers about who she really is, a journey far beyond anything she ever imagined begins.

Orion Lost by Alastair Chisholm

13 years old, and I’m in charge of this spaceship?                    

The transport ship Orion is four months out of Earth when catastrophe strikes – leaving the ship and everyone on board stranded in deep space.  Suddenly it’s up to thirteen-year-old Beth and her friends to navigate through treacherous and unchartered territory to reach safety.

What’s That in Dog Years?

By Ben Davis

I still want to share more adventures with my best friend.

Gizmo has been George’s best friend since the day he was born – he’s always been around.  But now it seems he might not always be around.  George is determined they’ll have lots more fun and adventures before he goes.  Gizmo’s bucket list is up and running – unlike Gizmo who is totally lazy and demanding to be carried.

The Girl Who Stole an Elephant by Nizrana Farook

I only rob from the rich, but have I gone too far this time?

Chaya can talk her way out of anything – except stealing the Queen’s jewels. So she escapes on the back of a stolen elephant and leads her friends on a jungle adventure, where leeches lurk and revolution is stirring.  And this gives Chaya an idea.  Maybe she can leave her village a thief but return a hero?

The Maker of Monsters by Lorraine Gregory

Can I overcome my fears, in time to save us all?

Brat has always lived in the isolated castle on the island, taking care of the vicious creatures that his master creates, but then the unthinkable happens – the monsters get out.  Now Brat must overcome his fears, and venture into the world he has hidden from his whole life.  For the fate of everyone rests on his shoulders alone …