Some of our most enthusiastic readers took on a challenge when they undertook to read the seven books chosen as finalists for this year’s Carnegie Medal.  The Yoto Carnegies are the UK’s longest running and best-loved children’s book awards, recognising outstanding reading experiences created through writing and illustration in books for children and young people.  From the seven finalists, the medal itself is awarded by a panel of librarians, however the Shadowers’ Choice Medal is chosen purely by students like ours who ‘shadow’ the process by reading the books, meet to discuss them and vote for their favourites.

On Wednesday, I took a group of seven of our ‘Bushey Bookworms’ group to JFK School in Hemel Hempstead to join their group and those from Kings Langley, Tring and Berkhamsted Schools.  The day started with a talk and creative writing workshop by author Penny Joelson, which gave us an insight into her journey to becoming an author and inspiration for her books.  The workshop taught students some valuable ‘show don’t tell’ techniques as well as being fun.

My impression, while leading discussions on my alocated book, was that our students had read more of the titles than most of those from other schools – something to be proud of. The range of titles are so varied that students are challenged to read genres they may not normally choose;  whilst this feels daunting at first, the students said ultimately it is what they enjoy about taking part.

The joint winning titles from Bushey Meads were Medusa and I Must Betray You which was also the favourite when votes from the five schools were combined as well as winning the Shadowers’ Choice, while the official Medal winner was The Blue Book Of Nebo.

You can see the shortlisted books, read the blurbs and our students’ comments on each on the special Carnegie tree display in the library.