The Blue Book of Nebo WINNER OF THE YOTO CARNEGIE 2023 MEDAL FOR WRITING

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A spare and intimate story of a family surviving a near-future global apocalypse .. In a time rife with and ripe for stories of the end, this one stands out.’ Publishers Weekly The winners of the medals were announced at a London ceremony on Wednesday hosted by Lauren Child, who won the illustration award in 2000 for her first Charlie and Lola book. We eat the rabbit with walnuts. It’s wonderful. We keep half for tomorrow, because you wouldn’t believe how much meat you can get off a rabbit.

set in 2026 in a post apocalyptic welsh countryside. Beautifully told, dark in places but gentle and hopeful. Read pretty much in one sitting. Loved the uniquely welsh perspective. She was awarded a CBE for Services to Literature in 2020; and was the 10 th Waterstones’ Children’s Laureate from 2017-2019. Each year thousands of reading groups in schools and libraries in the UK and around the world get involved in the Awards, with children and young people ‘shadowing’ the judging process, debating and choosing their own winners. They have voted for their favourites from this year’s shortlist and have chosen I Must Betray You by Ruta Sepetysfor the Yoto Carnegie Shadowers’ Choice Medal for Writing, and The Comet by Joe Todd-Stanton for the Yoto Carnegie Shadowers’ Choice Medal for Illustration.The novel is a reflection on parenthood, consumerism, faith, language, and class, seen through the cynical eyes of the mother and the more hopeful outlook of her son. Both are careful to preserve their own truths and protect each other from hurt.” —Megan Farr, World Kid Lit While they become more skilled and stronger, the relationship between mother and son changes in subtle ways, as Dylan must take on adult responsibilities, especially once his baby sister arrives. Despite their close understanding, mother and son have their own secrets, which emerge as in turn they jot down their thoughts and memories in a found notebook. As each reflects on their old life and the events since the disaster which has brought normal, twenty-first century life to an end, The Blue Book of Nebo becomes a collective confidante, representing the future of their people and a new history to live by. I lost my mam when I was young, and when I was pregnant with my first child, I hated the thought that my children would only know her as a still, unmoving, silent image in a picture frame on the wall of their home. I wanted them to feel like they knew her. So I wrote a novel for children- Trwy’r Darlun– and featured my mam as a main character. Siân in Trwy’r Darlun is funny and strong and loving and loyal and she’s my mother. It was the best way I could think of to bring her to life for my children. That was my first novel, some 15 years ago.

In The Blue Book of Nebo, the world building and distinct voices of the two main characters, the son and his mother, areexpertly realised and the reader is compelled to questiontheir own relationship with the modern world. Saving Sorya: Chang and the Sun Bear is a beautiful story, elegantly told, which brings together a global view ofconservation and an empowering true story of an inspiring female environmentalist, told through dazzling manga art and watercolours. Jeet has craftedevery illustration toimmersethe reader, just as Manon drawsthe reader in completely with her vivid, deliberate prose.

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As well as her books for adults, Ros has found great acclaim in her children’s writing. She has won the prestigious Tir Na N-Og prize for Welsh children’s literature four times, with her novels Trwy’r Tonnau (2010), Prism (2012), Pluen (2017) and most recently Fi a Joe Allen (2019). A thoroughly thought-provoking and enjoyable read, the folklore elements combine to provide a rich tale that’s perfect for both YA and adult readers.’ Buzz Magazine I Must Betray You tells the story of Cristian, a 17-year-old who has lived his entire life in a country governed by fear. Ruled by a despotic dictator, Cristian and his fellow citizens live every day with ever-present suspicion, hardship and repression. One day he is faced with the toughest choice of all; will he betray his family or will he risk everything – even the lives of people he loves – to resist? Gripping, intoxicating and uniquely involving, Cristian’s story will have readers asking themselves just what they would have done under the constant watchful eyes of the secret police, what they would have sacrificed to be free. Set in a knife-edge moment of modern history, the courage, hope, and violence of the Romanian Revolution powerfully frame this evocative thriller.

CILIP is the leading voice for the information, knowledge management and library profession. Our goal is to put information and library skills and professional values at the heart of a democratic, equal and prosperous society.It’s easy to slip into negativity about this, but children and young people do read a lot, just that it tends to be online. Adults should learn to respect that, I think, and not demonise the written word just because it’s on a screen. We can’t afford to pitch books against ipads! Also, not to think too much about the categorisation of books – many young people would enjoy books marketed at adults, and many children who are expected to enjoy chapter books would still enjoy picture books. Much of the book is how Rowenna and Dylan survive. They both change, becoming more resilient and make do in a world without electricity, mobile phones, medical facilities and so on. They see no-one and are not sure whether everyone is dead (some are, as they find bodies in the houses they steal from). They also seem generally satisfied. Rowenna is happy at how her son has become a man, resourceful, competent and able to do whatever is necessary, though she is worried that he might leave to see if there is life elsewhere. They do have some problems, of course, but are able to survive. Indeed, Rowenna makes comparisons with life before the End and the current life generally appears to be more favourable.