YOUNG bookworms buried their heads in a good read during lockdown.
Fourteen schools from across Warwickshire took part in the annual Junior Book Awards, which this year was organised completely digitally by Warwickshire Schools Library Service (WSLS).
Pupils read four shortlisted books selected by WSLS and including some of the best books published in the past year.
The shortlist comprised ‘Swimming Against the Storm’ by Jess Butterworth, ‘Runaway Robot’ by Frank Cottrell-Boyce, ‘Wildspark’ by Vashti Hardy and ‘D-Day Dog’ by Tom Palmer.
Warwickshire Schools Library Service worked with the publishers, authors and Warwickshire Libraries to ensure the books were as accessible as possible for pupils during the pandemic, which included increasing the number of e-book copies available for loan.
The Warwickshire Junior Book Awards usually culminate in a final award ceremony at the Bridgehouse Theatre in Warwick, where pupils and authors come together for a celebration of reading.
But due to Covid-19 it was not possible this year. WSLS is however sharing their Digital Book Award ceremony. It includes exclusive videos from all the shortlisted authors answering some of the pupils’ questions, including what has been the nicest and maddest thing they have done during lockdown.
Visit sls.warwickshire.gov.uk/june-2020/book-awards/warwickshire-junior-book-awards-2020-1 for further details.
