Young people to celebrate top read in teen fiction award

Young readers from across Staffordshire will gather in force at a top Midlands venue on Tuesday 2 July for the grand finale of their annual book award.

The Young Teen Fiction Award, now in its nineteenth year is being organised by Staffordshire County Council's Libraries and Arts service. The initiative encourages the county's young people to enjoy reading books and share their enthusiasm with others.

Pupils have been voting for their favourite book from a shortlist of 6 titles. The winning read will be announced at the celebration day at the RAF Museum Midlands.

Joining pupils on the day and signing copies of their books are established children's authors Alastair Chisholm and Sophie Anderson. Staffordshire's Young Poet Laureate Trinity Davis and Staffordshire Poet Laureate Dawn Jutton will also be at the event sharing poetry inspired by teenage fiction and reading for pleasure.

Catherine Mann, Assistant Director for Culture, Rural and Safer Communities at Staffordshire County Council said:

"Our libraries service has always recognised the importance of encouraging young people to read for pleasure.

Our Young Teen Fiction award is a great opportunity for us to engage with young readers while promoting all the amazing things available at local libraries. It's always a fantastic event and we're very grateful to the museum for welcoming us back for the eighth time. I know the youngsters will be truly inspired by their illustrious surroundings."

Shortlisted books for the awards include:

• Postcards from Valhalla by Danny Weston
• Twelve Bones by Rosie Talbot
• Secret Sister by Sophie McKenzie
• Scare Me by Teri Terry
• Bite Risk by S J Wills
• A Million to One by Adiba Jaigirdar

For more information visit the Staffordshire Young Teen Fiction Award webpage.