To mark the popular and highly regarded CILIP Carnegie & Kate Greenaway hildren’s Book Awards, 75 Hackney students gathered at the Council Chambers on 12th June to award BETWEEN SHADES OF GREY their favourite book from the shortlisted titles.

Representing eight secondary schools from within the borough, the students were on hand to discuss the shortlisted books and vote for their favourite.

Ali Lewis, shortlisted author of ‘Everybody Jam’ lead a Q and A session with the students who asked about how she became an author, her favourite book and what she is working on next.

Ms Lewis said: “The Carnegie event in Hackney is unlike any other I’ve had the pleasure to take part in. I will be singing Hackney’s praises after today – it is a great place with incredibly talented and creative young people who have inspired me.”

In preparation for the event, the students were asked to read all eight of the shortlisted books MY NAME IS MINA, David Almond; SMALL CHANGE FOR STUART, Lissa Evans; THE MIDNIGHT ZOO, Sonya Hartnett; EVERYBODY JAM, Ali Lewis; TRASH, Andy Mulligan; A MONSTER CALLS, Patrick Ness; MY SISTER LIVES ON THE MANTELPIECE, Annabel Pitcher; BETWEEN SHADES OF GREY, Ruta Sepetys.

Ms Lewis added: “The students’ work in performing presentations about each of this year’s shortlisted titles was wonderful. They used film, art, drama and writing – all sorts of ways to explore their thoughts and feelings about the stories. It was such a positive event.”

Students from Bridge Academy were selected as the winners following their presentation.

Sophie Holdforth, Senior English Teaching and Learning Consultant for The Learning Trust said: “This event is a wonderful way for children to shadow the process for awarding a renowned book prize and also to learn how to critique books and discuss their opinions with others.”

“Jo DeGuia has, as always, been phenomenal in making sure the day ran smoothly. We are proud to have Victoria Park Books as a continuing partner on this wonderful project.”

“We hope that some of the students invited to come along consider a career as a writer but also that it encourages them to read widely and often.”

Picture of Ali Lewis with Bridge Academy students

www.learningtrust.co.uk