Young readers from across from the county can still vote for their winner before gathering to celebrate top reads at the annual book award.
Tuesday 3rd July will see the Royal Air Force Museum, Cosford once again play host to Staffordshire’s Young Teen Fiction Award Celebration Day.
Now in its thirteenth year, the scheme is designed to encourage the county’s young people to enjoy reading books and share their enthusiasm with others. Hundreds of 11-14 year olds, who either live or go to school in Staffordshire or use Staffordshire Libraries, have been voting for their favourite reads since last September.
Staffordshire’s Library Chief, Gill Heath said: “As a county council, we’ve always recognised the importance of encouraging youngsters to read for pleasure and helping them to become effective, independent learners. This really is a great scheme that encourages reading amongst teenagers and allows them to vote for their favourite book.
“We’re very grateful to the RAF Cosford museum for welcoming us back for a fourth year, and I know our young book worms will be truly inspired by their illustrious surroundings. There’s still time to vote online before the Celebration Day in July too, so why not check out the shortlist and vote for your favourite to get the gong!”
This year, as part of the Celebration Day activities, schools will participate in a ‘Beat the buzzer’ quiz about the nominated titles, before the final votes are cast by an invited audience of county schoolchildren.
Two special guest speakers have also been invited to the Celebration Day including top author, and YTF2017 nominee for his book, under his alias Danny Weston, ‘The Scarecrow’ Philip Caveney. Philip said: I’m really looking forward to my forthcoming appearance at the Staffordshire Young Teen Awards – and, as the son of a former RAF officer, extra excited that it’s taking place at the RAF Museum, Cosford!”
Almost 1000 young people across the county took part in last year’s competition, voting Death or Ice Cream? by Gareth P. Jones their winning title. The six shortlisted titles for the Young Teen Fiction Award 2018 #YTF2018 are:
- The Liar’s Handbook by Keren David
- The Scarecrow by Danny Weston
- The Ones That Disappeared by Zana Fraillon
- The Ravenmaster’s Boy by Mary Hoffman
- But Then I Came Back by Estelle Laure
- The Nearest Faraway Place by Hayley Long
Local author, Ben Davis, known for the ‘Private Life of Joe Cowley’ books will also be in attendance on the day. Ben said: “I’m really looking forward to being part of the YTF Celebration Day. As a Staffordshire resident myself, it will feel like home turf! Plus, it’s always great to talk to young people who are excited about books.”
The closing date for online voting is 25th June at 5pm. For more information visit www.staffordshire.gov.uk/ytf
