We have been very excited at Bushey Meads in anticipation of running a Carnegie Shadowing Group for the first time. Despite the constraints of school closure we are determined to take part in this scheme.

The CILIP Carnegie Medal is one of the oldest and best-loved children’s book awards, awarded by children’s librarians for an outstanding book written in English for children and young people.  It’s mission is; To inspire and empower the next generation to create a better world through books and reading.

A national (and international) reading for pleasure initiative, the CILIP Carnegie and Kate Greenaway Awards Shadowing scheme engages thousands of children and young people in reading the books on the shortlist via reading groups in schools and public libraries. Each year young people who take part in the scheme are invited to vote for their favourite books to win the Shadowers’ Choice Awards, which are normally announced alongside the Medal winners at the annual winners’ ceremony in June. This year, due to the exceptional circumstances, the Shadowing has been extended to October when the Shadowers’ Choice will be announced.  It is always fascinating to see whether the book chosen by the adults matches the one chosen by the young people themselves, after all, who is best placed to judge what book will have the greatest impact on children and young adults?

Around 20 students across the years had signed up to join our group, eagerly awaiting the announcement of the shortlisted titles on 19 March and looking forward to regular meetings to share their thoughts and choose their favourite. We even created our display board ready to share our comments and chart our progress!Fortunately, a number were able to take books with them when the school closed and we are devising ways for them to discuss the books they read.  Chosen from the list of new books published over the previous year, the shortlisted titles are varied; some tackle controversial issues relevant to the world and youth today, others are a ‘more gentle’ read.  The variety in these eight books exposes readers to genres they may not have picked under normal circumstances, taking them outside their comfort zones.  I wait with anticipation to hear their views.

Over the coming weeks we will feature each of the books and hopefully get some feedback from our group who will resume their meetings at a later date.  Look out for our Carnegie Shadowing Updates.