Welcome to the page for the
Suffolk Children's Book Award. Why not take part in the award and
help us to find the best children's book of the last 10 years?
How the Award works
This is a new award for the county's favourite books of the last
ten years aimed at and voted for by children in Years 5 and 6.
- A longlist of 20 titles has been chosen by SLS with help from
schools.
- All Year 5 and 6 Children in participating schools have
voted for their favourite book - the shortlist of 5 was
announced in February 2009.
- Children will then vote once more for their overall
favourite.
- Suffolk Children's Book Award will then be presented at a
County Conference in July 2009, which a selection of pupils can
attend and have their work displayed.
Titles on the Shortlist
Find out more on the
Suffolk Children's Book Award Short List page.
Results from
Schools' votes
1242 children from 35 schools cast 3670 votes
This book is a favourite of June Bradbrook, Library Assistant at
SLS Ipswich,
"An up to date
enhancement on a traditional scary story, which will be both
frightening and enjoyable at the same time!"
Arabella from St
Edmund's, Bungay says: "My favourite character was
Baby Bear (He was sooo cute!)"
Dylan
from Langer says: "I like it because it is
funny and takes the mick out of Goldilocks and the Three
Bears. I would like this book to win."
This book is a favourite of Jean Martin, Advisory
Librarian at SLS Ipswich,
"How exciting would it be if a large
amount of money suddenly came your way? That is the problem that
confronts brothers Damian and Anthony in the book 'Millions' by
Frank Cottrell Boyce. This is a beautifully written story, which is
funny"
| 3. |
 |
The Ghost Behind the Wall
by Melvin
Burgess
Published by Puffin
|
This book is a favourite of Paul Cunningham, Advisory Librarian at
SLS Bury,
"This is one of the
scariest books I have read, and David, the main character, is a
great
anti-hero."
James from Lothingland says: "I like
this book because it's different to all of the other books I've
read."
Ella from Langer
says: "It doesn't give loads of information at the beginning
and it makes you want to read on."
This book is a favourite of Tina Self, Librarian at Fressingfield
Primary School,
"Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer has it all -
a great plot, brilliant characters (Mulch is my absolute
favourite!), and a cracking pace - unputdownable". Artemis still
retains a childlike belief in magic, whilst always having the guile
to stay 2 steps ahead of the adults. I think it's a great fantasy
story - loved by adults and children
alike."
Seth from
Nacton loved this book because... "the
characters are interesting and there are lots of adventurous things
going on. My favourite adventure is when Holly (a fiarly) defeats a
deadly troll."
Harry from
Lothingland used these three words to sum the book
up: "Exciting! Fantastic!
Heartstopping!"
This book is a favourite of Catherine Miller, Resource Centre
Manager at SLS Ipswich.
Lauren from St Edmund's, Bungay would
recommend this book because "this is a good book for all ages
and explains how the characters
feel."
Phoebe from
Nacton liked it because "it is very
interesting and when you read a page, you want to read the next
page and the next page."
This book is a favourite of Louise Shepherd, Resource Centre
Manager at SLS Bury.
"A very funny explanation as to why some adults just can not
avoid stepping into "...the best poo that money could buy"! Read on
to find out how The Gigglers make sure that adults are fair to
children, and watch your step!"
Chloe from
Langer liked that it is about
dog mess and that Mr Mack is always late for work.
Kirstey from
Lothingland didn't
like the fact that it had rude words.
Daisy-May from
Nacton says
"It was a funny book to just pick up and try. The author also
hooked you in very quickly and it made you want to read more and
mroe everyday."
This book is a favourite of Rebecca Salt, Library Assistant at
SLS Lowestoft,
"
Joey says he has a ‘head full of bees’. His
teachers say he’s ‘wired’. His classmates think he’s crazy.
Actually he has ADHD. Jack Gantos tells Joey’s story with a warmth
and humour that have you rooting for him from the word go. A great
book about a great kid, full of hope without ever shying away from
the realities of Joey’s situation, or suggesting that there are any
easy answers: sad, true and very, very
funny."
Deni from
Langer says: "it's humorous, funny, exciting
and extra gross."
Chloe from
Langer liked the part when Joey sharpened his
finger and swallowed his key.
This book is a favourite of Maggie Ross, Resource Centre Manager
at SLS Lowestoft.
"Experience a
roller-coaster of emotions as Morris Gleitzman winds fiction around
the gruesome facts of the Holocaust. Narrator Felix's escape from
an orphanage and dawning realisation of the horrors surrounding him
is well paced and engaging. As a reader, you are at once appalled
by the events, comforted by the repetetive chapter structure and,
alarmingly, amused by Felix's naivety as he grapples with sudden
unwanted comprehension, maturity and responsibility.
An epilogue to explain Gleitzman's drive behind the book "this
story is my imagination trying to grasp the unimaginable" secures
its place as a top read- a story that will haunt
you."
Daisy-May
from Lothingland says: "It was very sad, but I
still think it was a tremendous
book"
Chloe from
Langer's favourite character was
Felix.
This book is a favourite of Andy Parrish, Mobile Library Manager
at SLS Bury,
"This is a very popular book on my
library van, especially with the boys. The storyline features a
character Alex Rider, who is like a 14 year old young "James Bond".
It is a fast paced thrilling Spy Story."
"Just remember, Alex Rider, you're never too young to
die."
Samuel from Nacton says:
"I liked the book because it was action packed, it had dangers
in it, and there were lots of cool
gadgets."
James from
Lothingland says: "The person I like the
best is Alex Rider and the scene I like the best is the bit when
the helicopter flew off."
This book is a favourite of Tina Clayton, Teacher at Bacton
Middle School,
"Skulduggery is a
skeleton detective trying to solve the secret codes left by Gordon
Edgley after he dies unexpectedly, and is assisted by Gordon's
niece Stephanie. Along the way they meet a range of weird and
wonderful characters whose names reflect their varied
personalities.
It is packed full of fantastic creatures and witty one-liners.
Action and adventure aplenty with a fair bit of mystery and humour
thrown in for good measure. Voted the book they would most
recommend by my Year 5 English set. What more can I say other
than to offer some advice in the words of Skulduggery himself:
"Doors are for people with no
imagination!"
This book is a favourite of Sheila Herd, Library Assistant at
SLS Ipswich.
Rosie from
Lothingland says: "I loved the part when
Patrick went into the river to get the
puppies."
Tia from
Nacton says: “I would recommend it, it’s
great, it’s easy to read, all about dogs. It’s happy and you would
not get easily bored."
Harriet from
Lothingland says: "there is nothing I didn't
like about the book."
This book is a favourite of Sheila Hales, Teacher at Bungay
Middle School.
This book is a favourite of Jacky Offord, Advisory Librarian at
SLS Lowestoft,
"I Was A Rat. A compelling story based on the well known
fairytale of Cinderella. Wonderfully quirky characters and a
cleverly constructed plot. This can be read on many levels and is
truly a book for us all, whatever our age!"
Chloe from Langer says: "It
was kind of funny and a bit sad."
This book is a favourite of Ben Doran, Mobile Library Manager at
SLS Ipswich.
"Its Harry’s third year and things are so much darker than
before. Sirius Black has escaped from prison and is after him. Can
he evade Black and survive another year at Hogwarts? This is the
darkest of Rowling's and I think still the best; it's fast paced,
scary and full of all the bits that makes Potter books so
addictive."
Joshua from Langer
liked it when they rescued Sirius Black
This book is a favourite of Liz Rastrick, Advisory Librarian at
SLS Ipswich,
"If you are a cool
cat who respects other cool cats, but go your own way by trusting
your instincts and watching others carefully, then Varjak Paw is
the hero for you. Varjak, an aristocratic Mesopotamian Blue cat,
learns how to follow the way of the paw, with the help of Jalal, a
cat who only appears in dreams. He learns how to hunt carefully and
fight for what is right. The question is, can he overcome the
vicious Sally Bones, the terror of the city?
Varjak Paw is a mysterious, stealthy book which will creep into
your dreams and is one of the best cat stories -
ever"
Poppy
from Lothingland says: "I liked the book
because it has cats in the story."
16.
|
 |
Tins
by Alex Shearer
Published by Macmillan |
This book is a favourite of Maxine Barnes, Mobile Manager at SLS
Lowestoft,
"When you start this story, you could
never imagine where it will lead!
Fergal’s unusual
hobby of collecting tins leads to a friendship with Charlotte who
shares the same pastime and to an unforgettable adventure!
This book is a must read but, beware, it does contain body
parts!"
Carl from
Langer thinks this book is "really really
good."
This book is a favourite of Josie Harvey, Library Assistant at
SLS Lowestoft,
"It seems that
Horrid Henry has met his match with the meanest, nastiest
babysitter imaginable. He also does Halloween in his own tricky
way. Not just a giggle, but belly laughs!"
This book is a favourite of Alison Baker, Librarian of Stoke
High School,
"Three orphans, an
evil count and a "series of unfortunate events" provide the
plot for this amazing story which I guarantee you will be unable to
put down. Klaus, Violet and Sunny experience unbelievable hardships
as the plot twists and turns during this unforgettable read. Don't
worry if you finish quickly ..... there are another 12 in the
series to keep you entertained. A favourite with students at Stoke
High."
This book is a favourite of Sandra Johnson, Librarian of Chantry
High School,
"Twins Connor and Grace Tempest are
shipwrecked and rescued – one by pirates and one by a much more
frightening crew! But you mustn’t jump to conclusions about which
characters are good and which are bad in this story.
Vampirates: Demons of the Ocean is a thrilling and addictive
tale of friendship and betrayal on the high seas of the
26th century, with several equally good sequels to
devour already, entertaining and moving all at once, a book for
everyone to enjoy."
Jared from Nacton says: "It
is my type of book and the pictures are awesome."
When
asked what he didn't like about Vampirates,
Jake from Langer replied:
"nothing - I couldn't stop reading it."
This book is a favourite of Helen Boothroyd, Children and Young
People and Schools Library Service Manager,
"This book will
make you laugh, cry and think. Vicky, Jade's best friend since
forever is killed in a car accident. They did everything together
and Jade doesn't know how she is going to live without her. What's
worse, could Jade have saved
her...?"
Jade from Nacton says: "I
liked everything about Vicky Angel and I would read it
again."
Arabella from St
Edmunds, Bungay says: “What I liked about it was all
the characters had funny / different
characters."