This, the tenth year of the North East Book Awards, didn’t get off to a promising start when most of our Y7 participants discovered that the ceremony clashed with their trips to Belgium or Austria.

When it became clear that only two of the five shortlisted authors would be coming, we were very downcast.

However, this pair – joined by the charismatic and popular local author, Dan Smith – more than made up for the absences with their engaging personalities and lively talks. If the intense heat took its toll of the adults, it didn’t seem to dampen the enthusiasm of our young judges.

In its anniversary year, a staggering 48 children from our schools undertook to shadow the Award, nearly half of them veterans of previous NEBAs.

Indeed, many of our Y8 readers are already planning to join our teenage award (NETBA) shadowing group when they start KEVI next term!

What’s involved? We have to read the 5 shortlisted books in just over 8 weeks, discuss them at weekly meetings and write reviews for uploading to the NEBA website. We also find out as much as we can about the authors – in case we’re asked to present one at the ceremony…

This award is unique in rewarding the student judges rather than the authors! Children are rewarded with a book token and a chance to talk to the authors and have their books signed. They may see their reviews displayed and even get a copy of one of the books we’ve been sharing.

We’re often asked to present an author at the last minute and this year was no exception. As you’ll see from the pictures, with most of KS3 off site, Y6 stepped up to the mark magnificently and teamed up with older years to give spirited and professional performances that made us all proud. Well done everyone!

Katy Halliford and Zoë Jones from Newminster and Robbie Scott and Frankie Lane, Chantry had voted Ross MacKenzie’s book their favourite so were delighted to be asked to present him.

Phil Earle’s greatest fans were in Belgium but Megan Bell and Jasmine Haigh of Chantry and Jake Hewitt and Ben Walker, Newminster did an excellent job.

Our parents enjoyed themselves too:

“This is the 3rd award ceremony I have attended and I love hearing what has inspired the authors.”

“It was excellent. The authors were inspiring for both adults and children and the pupils’ questions and introductions made it a ‘2-way’ ceremony.”

And think it’s very worthwhile:

“It has also improved her vocabulary and reading skills greatly!”

“It has been a positive and encouraging experience.”

 

Authors are keen to take the banners featuring the judges’ comments home with them. If you’d like to see some that came home with us, they’re outside our respective libraries!