CILIP Carnegie is the UK’s oldest and best-loved book awards for children and young people. This award celebrates outstanding achievement in children’s writing and is unique in being judged by librarians. 

Ivybridge Community College students from Years 7, 8 and 9 were invited to read each of the eight shortlisted books and then partake in the weekly Carnegie Club, where they discussed books, played games, and completed creative tasks based on the shortlist.

On the day of the CILIP Carnegie Medal Winner announcement, students spent the day in the Learning Resource Centre designing and making their own cushion covers inspired by their favourite Carnegie nominated book.  Students used a range of materials from pens, sequins, lace, felt, and even hand sanitiser!  Each cushion was completely unique showcasing the students’ endless creativity and talents. Natasha, in Year 8 said, “It was fun thinking of ideas inspired by the Carnegie books,” and Cara, also in Year 8 added, “I thought today went really well and the cushion covers all looked so cool and related to the books.”

The students watched the official award ceremony, hosted by University Challenge star and author, Bobby Seagull, and livestreamed from The British Library.  Jude in Year 8 said, “Watching the ceremony was tense because I really wanted Run, Rebel to win.”  It was announced that US poet and author, Jason Reynolds, was this year’s winner for his novel Look Both Ways.  This is a collection of 10 short interlinking stories about students and their different walks home from school.  The judges called it “breathtakingly gripping”, an “innocent tale which covers hard hitting issues including bullying, homophobia and bereavement” that “challenges the reader to see differently in an engaging and fresh way.”

Evie in Year 8 said, “Look Both Ways was based on so many different viewpoints of life which relate to children, so I think in that way Jason Reynolds and his book are a deserving winner,” while Eloise, also in Year 8, added, “Today was a very fun experience and listening to the authors was very inspiring.  In my opinion I thought Run, Rebel or Clap When You Land, or On Midnight Beach should have won, but maybe I will read Look Both Ways and change my mind!”

Students across the country were invited to vote for their favourite book to win the Shadowers’ Choice Award.  Although Ivybridge Community College students voted The Fountains of Silence, by Ruta Sepetys, as their winner, they were still excited to see Run, Rebel by, Manjeet Man, win.  Eloise said, “I am very pleased Run, Rebel won the Shadowers’ Choice Award because it was extremely good and changes your point of view of the world.”  Cara added, “The Fountains of Silence was my favourite because it included a lot of history as well as romance which I enjoy.  It must have taken the author a long time to research all the information included in the book.  I was a bit sad when it didn’t win anything but I thought Run, Rebel was really good as well and deserved to win.”

Overall the day was a huge success and the librarians were glad to finally be able to celebrate reading for pleasure with students once more.

"It is fantastic to see students share their love of reading with one another and to hear the passion in their reviews.” Charlotte Hanton, Associate Leader.