Canary Wharf Group have kindly supported the 2025 award by funding a free set of the shortlist for all subscribing schools.

Buy additional sets

Additional sets can be ordered for £40 including protective jackets. Please email monica.carmichael@towerhamlets.gov.uk stating the number of additional sets that you’d like to buy. These will be delivered in September, subject to availability.

The books

The Wrong Shoes by Tom Percival : Exploring themes of empathy and child poverty.

Will has the wrong shoes – he’s always known it but doesn’t know how to change it. Navigating the difficulties of home and school when you feel you stick out is tough, but finding confidence with the help and empathy of friends can be all you need to see the way.

The Destiny of Minou Moonshine by Gita Ralleigh : A fantasy adventure set in an alternate history India, exploring some themes of colonialism.

Armed with a secret and a map, Minou sets off with her friends and a mechanical elephant, through the lush jungles of Indica, in search of a queen, a goddess and her destiny.

The boy who cried ghost by Ian Eagleton : Exploring themes of mental health and overcoming fear

Every day he carries out a series of rituals that he believes will keep the ghost trapped inside. He tries to tell his friends and family, but they dismiss his worries and concerns as being part of his OCD.

Mallory Vayle and the Curse of Maggoty Skull by Martin Howard : Exploring themes of loss (in a very funny way)

The ghosts of her parents are cruelly snatched away by the shadow of the grimmest, wickedest necromancer in all of history. To get them back, Mallory will have to learn how to use the talents she hates Her teacher? A talking skull called Maggoty, who wants some favours in return for his help…

Bringing back Kay-Kay by Dev Kothari : A mystery/ adventure set in a vibrantly-realised contemporary India

When Lena’s beloved older brother goes missing at the end of summer camp, the bottom drops out of Lena’s world. The police dismiss Kay-Kay’s disappearance as that of just another teenage runaway, but Lena knows they are wrong. Tired of not being listened to, powerless to reach her parents through their grief and unable to imagine a future without her brother in it, Lena sets off to find him.

Birdie by J.P. Rose : Exploring themes of family, racism and identity

Birdie Bagshaw has never known her parents. Having grown up in a children’s home for mixed race children in 1950s Leeds, now she has come to live with her great-aunt in the Yorkshire Dales. From her arrival, Birdie is treated like an outsider by the local children. When their bullying drives Birdie to hide in the nearby coal mine, she finds an unexpected rescuer in the form of Mr Duke, the last remaining pit pony in the village.

Note : if any pages display as grey on your browser, zoom in/ out to resolve.

Every year we run an art competition based on the shortlist books.

Pupils are challenged to create an artistic response of their choice to any of the 6 Book Award books.

Previous competition entries have included…

• Drawings/ paintings of scenes from the books
• Poems inspired by the stories
• Alternative endings/ scenes
• Comic strips based on the books
• Character portraits
• Book cover designs
• Bookmark designs
• Models of scenes from the books

Winners will be awarded a prize at the finale where shortlisted work will be on display (guest authors have been known to request competition entries to put on their websites!).

The Books!

Canary Wharf Group have kindly supported the 2024 award by funding a free set of the shortlist for all subscribing schools. These will be with you in September!

Extra sets of the shortlist are now SOLD OUT

City of Stolen Magic. Pathak, Nazneen Ahmed

In 1855 India, under British rule, people born with magic are disappearing. When Chompa’s mother, Ammi, is kidnapped, Chompa enlists the help of Ammi’s friend Mohsin to find her. Their search takes them from rural India to London’s East End, where they uncover a plot by businessman Sir Clive Devaynes to exploit magic for power and wealth.

The Twig Man. Rasoul, Sana

A year has passed since Ari’s older sister, Lana, vanished. But Ari knows the truth: she was taken by the Twig Man, a terrifying creature lurking in the woods for a century. With no one believing him, Ari takes it upon himself to rescue Lana before it’s too late. However, time is running out as Ari finds himself next on the Twig Man’s sinister list.

Safiyyah’s War Khan, Hiba Noor

As war approaches Europe, Safiyyah’s life in Paris at the Grand Mosque remains peaceful. However, as the conflict encroaches, the city undergoes drastic changes: refugees arrive, wealthy Parisians leave, and German soldiers impose restrictions. Safiyyah observes the worsening conditions and discovers signs of rebellion within her community. Despite the risks, she resolves to take action.

The Final Year. Goodfellow, Matt ; Todd-Stanton, Joe

Ten-year-old Nate lives with his mum and younger brothers, Jax and Dylan. Nate’s best friend PS is moved to a different class, leaving Nate upset. Nate’s nemesis, Turner, becomes friends with PS, adding to Nate’s frustration. However, Nate finds solace in writing, encouraged by his teacher Mr. Joshua. When Dylan falls ill and is hospitalized, Nate’s world is shaken, and he must navigate his emotions and fears.

The Song Walker. Bethell, Zillah

In the heart of the desert, a young girl awakens with no memory of her identity, clad in a singular shoe and a mysterious black dress, clutching a heavy case. She encounters Tarni, who is embarking on her own enigmatic journey. As they traverse the expansive Australian Outback, seeking answers, they must confront not only the mysteries of their pasts but also the secrets they carry within themselves.

Steady for this. Lessore, Nathanael

Shaun (aka MC Growls) is ready to drop his best bars and smash the competition at Raptology. That way, he’s convinced Tanisha, his crush, will finally give him a chance. But when a livestream practice goes epically wrong, Growls’s dirty laundry is literally exposed. He’s finally achieved his dreams of going viral – not in the good way.

Finn Jones was here. Green, Simon James

Eric’s best friend, Finn Jones, was the world’s biggest prankster. Now Eric can’t believe Finn’s not here anymore. …Or is he?

Eric seems to be getting messages from beyond the grave, and as he follows Finn’s wild, cryptic instructions, his hope grows that he’ll find Finn laughing at the end.

The journey also brings memories – and a truth that seems impossible to accept.

Follow us on Twitter (@thsls) and Insta/ Threads (@towerhamletssls). #thba 

We’re looking forward to another great finale event, with more performances, quizzes and competitions!

• Venue:Genesis Cinema, Stepney Green.
• Date and time: Friday 29th November. 10:30am to 1pm/ 1:30pm

With guest authors

• Simon James Green
• Sana Rasoul
• Matt Goodfellow
• Nazneen Ahmed Pathak
• Nathanael Lessore

Bookshop on the day

Brick Lane Books will be holding a book stall on the day selling books by the shortlisted authors (10% discount on cover price). If you’d like to pre-order books, please contact Brick Lane books directly Home – Brick Lane Bookshop.

Presentation Competition

Up to 8 schools can enter the presentation competition. Prizes and prestige to be won!

The Genesis means that we’ve got our biggest stage and screen ever to present your work!

If you wish to present a book at the finale there will be an option to register on the finale booking form.

• Prepare a short performance or presentation around one of the shortlisted books
• Past performances have included acting and dramatisation, discussions, alternate scenes/ endings, film trailers, animation and more!
• As usual, schools will be allocated slots in the competition on a first come-first served basis as they confirm which book they are presenting, and as long as this book has not already been chosen by too many other schools (all 7 books should have at least 1 presentation each).
• let the Schools Library Service know which book you’re championing (preferably as soon as possible to ensure your choice of book!). If your book is already fully booked (pun intended), you’ll be asked to choose an alternative, so it’s good to have a reserve title in mind.
• Presentations will be judged by our guest authors on the group’s ability to deliver their presentation in an entertaining, interesting and exciting way that will appeal to a pupil audience and inspire pupils to read their chosen book.
• Performances must last no more than 4 minutes.