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.

The Books!

Sets of the shortlist can be bought from us (with book jackets) for a discounted price of £48

• Rebel Skies by Ann Sei Lin : Kurara has always been a lowly servant but when her party trick of making paper come to life turns out to be a treasured power, she becomes a Crafter.
  Rebel Skies is a pacy adventure, set in a world of flying ships, sky cities and powerful paper spirits. It is Inspired by Japanese origami and explores themes of empire, slavery and freedom.
• The Battle of Cable Street by Tanya Landman : Stepney, London, 1930s
  When fascist thugs come marching down your street … Do you run away? Hide? Or do you stand up and fight? Life has always been hard for Elsie and her brother Mikey. But with Oswald Mosley and the British Union of Fascists on the rise, things are about to get even harder. As lifelong friendships are torn apart, Elsie and Mikey find they have some tough choices to make.
• The Haunting of Tyrese Walker by J.P.Rose : After a shocking event leaves Tyrese struggling with grief, he’s taken to visit family in Jamaica. From the first night, strange things start happening: impossible visions, blackouts, swarms of insects, and the discovery of a grave hidden deep in the forest… Tyrese can’t explain what’s going on and he’s scared that he’s losing his grip on reality.
• Nura and the Immortal Palace by M.T. Khan : Nura has worked all her life in the mica mines, earning just enough to keep her family afloat – and enjoy the odd delicious gulab jamun from the market. Some day she’s going to find the Demon’s Tongue, a legendary treasure buried deep in the mines, and her family will never have to worry about money again.
• Like A Charm by Elle McNicoll : Edinburgh is a city filled with magical creatures. No one can see them… until Ramya Knox. As she is pulled into her family’s world of secrets and spells, Ramya sets out to discover the truth behind the Hidden Folk with only three words of warning from her grandfather: Beware the Sirens.
• The Beatryce Prophecy by Kate DiCamillo : In a time of war, a mysterious child appears at the monastery. As a monk nurses Beatryce to health, he uncovers her dangerous secret, one that imperils them all – for the king of the land seeks just such a girl, and Brother Edik, who penned the prophecy himself, knows why.

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

Book Award timetable and suggestions

Shadowing the book award can be as easy as getting a reading group together and discussing the books – pupils can recommend the different books, or make persuasive arguments as to why they should (or shouldn’t!) win the award!

At the finale, groups from schools put on performances or presentations based on the books and compete for a prize – why not build your book award group activities around putting on one of these shows? See ‘Presentation competition’ under The Finale, below.

Activities

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

• Venue: Morpeth School, Portman Pl, Bethnal Green, London E2 0PX
• Date and time: Thursday 30th November. 12:30 to 14:30/ 15:00

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.

With guest authors

• Ann Sei Lin
• Tanya Landman
• JP Rose

Booking form

Booking for the finale has now closed! Email Jacob.turner@towerhamlets.gov.uk if you wish to be put on a waiting list should another school cancel.

Presentation Competition

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

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 6 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.

The Books!

There were so many great books to choose from this year that we’ve gone for 7 instead of 6!

Canary Wharf Group are kindly supporting the book award again this year and will be providing a free set of these books to all of our subscribing schools.

If you wish to purchase additional sets, we are selling them at the discounted price of £47 (includes protective jacket). *** There’s been extremely high demand and all of our sets have now sold out. There may be a delay of 2 weeks for further orders ***

Jummy at the river school by Sabine Adeyinka

City of rust by Gemma Fowler

When secrets set sail by Sita Brahmachari

Danny Chung does not do maths by Maisie Chan

The Amazing Edie Eckhart by Rosie Jones

No Man’s Land by Joanna Nadin

Mayhem Mission by Burhana Islam

The 7 books shortlisted for the award were chosen from the 2022 Must Read and Teen Book lists.

Book Award timetable and suggestions

Why not try out some of these ideas?

Shadowing the book award can be as easy as getting a reading group together and discussing the books – pupils can recommend the different books, or make persuasive arguments as to why they should (or shouldn’t!) win the award!

At the finale, groups from schools put on performances or presentations based on the books and compete for a prize – why not build your book award group activities around putting on one of these shows? See ‘Presentation competition’ under The Finale, below.

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

Wednesday 30th November

East Wintergarden, 43 Bank St, London E14 5NX

• Schools arrive from 12:10pm
• Event starts at 1pm
• Event ends at 2:30pm
• Meet the authors until 3pm

Guests (so far!) at the finale this year will be:

Presentation Competition

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

If you wish to present a book at the finale, tick the appropriate box 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 by 24th October (preferably earlier 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.