Leeds Book Awards 2016
On 25th May, students from Leeds East Academy attended the Leeds Book Awards Ceremony at Pudsey Civic Hall. Having read the short-listed books and voted for their favourite, students were delighted to be able to meet the authors and gain inspiration from their success.
The Leeds Book Awards started in 2009 and has grown in success over the years. Run jointly between Leeds School Library Service and Leeds Public Libraries, the aim is to give young readers their own Book Award, where they have a voice and influence over the books they enjoy reading. Every year students suggest titles for consideration and it is the votes of the young people who take part in the Leeds Book Awards that ultimately decide who will win the much coveted prize.
During weekly meetings students discussed and reviewed the shortlisted books on the Leeds Book Awards website before voting for their personal favourite. The awards ceremony was held at Pudsey Civic Hall, where over 200 students across Leeds gathered to present the trophy to the winning author. Jessica’s Ghost took first prize of the 11-14 category and was the firm favourite at Leeds East Academy. Megan was thrilled to meet her favourite author who on signing a copy of his book invited her to pose with his prize-trophy.
Lisa Williamson took first prize for the 14-16 age category with The Art of Being Normal. Lisa works for the Gender-Identity Development Service and wrote the book in an attempt to support young people who struggle with issues around their personal gender-identity. On asking what message would she like to give to young-readers her answer was simply: “Be kind, there is no such thing as normal.”
Further details can be found at www.leedsbookawards.co.uk.
