UKLA Book Awards 2011
The UKLA Book Awards are the only awards judged entirely by teachers. Teachers are looking for books which evocatively express ideas and offer layered meanings through the use of rich language, imaginative expression and engaging illustration.
The Award winners for the book categories 3 to 11 years and 12 to 16 years were announced at a wine reception at the UKLA International Conference at the University of Chester on Friday 15th July 2011.
The winning book for the 3-11 years category was Birdsong by Ellie Sandall, published by Egmont.
At the award ceremony teacher judge Sally Whitehead said the panel loved the tongue twisting bird noises and the way the picture book strikes a perfect balance between words and pictures. The panel felt it is a book young readers will return to again and again. Author /illustrator Ellie Sandall said: “I'm absolutely thrilled that my first book, Birdsong, has won the UKLA Book Award- I have seen first hand how picture books can support a child in the early stages of learning to read and I'm so pleased that Birdsong has been enjoyed by the teachers involved this year”.
The winning book in the 12 to 16 years category was Out of Shadows by Jason Wallace, published by Andersen Press.
Wendy Spencer, teacher judge commented: ‘This is a powerful , devastating read for older teens. It captures the moment perfectly, the characterisation is brilliant.’ The panel were impressed by the sense of menace in the background and by the powerful, honest writing. One judge’s comment summed up many opinions: ‘Whoever reads it will be transformed in some way. One inevitably knows more about the world and about yourself as a result of reading it.’ Jason Wallace said he was delighted to accept the award: “It is a tremendous honour to be awarded any prize; the UKLA Book Award is particularly special as it acknowledges not just that I have produced an enjoyable story, but one that is deemed important by teachers. This will shape how I write in future”.
Schools Involved in the Book Awards 2011
Teachers in Cheshire and Flintshire selected the UKLA Book Awards 2011. Thank you to Jaki Brien (University of Chester) and the following schools:
(schools in Cheshire) Bishop Heber High School, Malpas; Blacon High School, Chester; Broomfield Junior School, Warrington; Neston High School, Neston; Overleigh St Mary Primary School, Chester; Tarporley High School, Tarporley; The King’s School, Chester; The Cobbs Infant School, Warrington;The Oaks Primary School, Ellesmere Port;University Academy, Ellesmere Port;Whitby Heath Primary School, Ellesmere Port;Wimboldsley Primary, Wimboldsley (schools in Flintshire) Bryn Deva Primary School, Deeside; Castell Alun High School, Hope; St Anthony’s Primary School, Saltney; St David’s High School, Saltney; Taliesin Primary School, Shotton; Wood Memorial Primary School, Saltney. Final teacher panel: Jaki Brien, Helen Hughes, Barbara Lloyd, Jeremy Lonsdale, Rachel Randles, Wendy Spencer, Sally Whitehead and Lynda Graham (chair)
Longlisting panel: Marilyn Brocklehurst, Joy Court, Nikki Gamble, Prue Goodwin, Lynda Graham (chair), Tamara Macfarlane, Sally Wilkinson.
