County Library and Information Service

Lancashire Book Of The Year

History

As we sit here today it's hard to think back to a time when young people had little opportunity to voice their opinions on the kind of books published for them. This award was established back in 1986 to offer a forum for young people to draw attention to the sorts of books they rave about and would most like to recommend, to books that perhaps in some sense or other miss the score and books for a leisurely read to wile away lengthy bus journeys, wet dinner hours or torch lit, under-the-cover sleepless nights!

The award was first presented in 1987. Young judges selected Philip Pullman’s The Ruby In the Smoke as the first winner for the award. The level of discernment involved is evident when it is considered that Philip Pullman was the first children’s author to win the overall Whitbread Book of the Year award and was voted third in the BBC’s recent BIG READ.

In total 22 books have been awarded the Lancashire Children's Book of the Year. These form an excellent starting point for young people bewildered by the overwhelming choice available in libraries and bookshops, teachers wanting to recommend the sorts of books that their pupils really will enjoy or indeed anyone just wanting a thoroughly good read!

We're confident that on the list below there is something to suit all reading tastes and would be pleased to hear your opinions on any of the books.