At the Laurus Trust, reading is a key priority.

We value the huge impact that regular reading can make to students’ progress in all subjects across the curriculum and to their health, well-being and personal development.

Our goal is to immerse students in a reading culture that creates and develops impassioned young readers.

As such, the Trust Librarians are delighted to announce the return of the Laurus Trust Libraries Book Award (LTLBA).

The LTLBA is awarded annually to the author of an outstanding book written for young people within the last two years.

The five fantastic books on this year’s shortlist have been nominated by Trust Librarians in consultation with students and cater to a wide range of interests and reading abilities.

The LTLBAs aim to excite and inspire students, create conversations around reading, and introduce our young readers to a fantastic range of recently published books.

All KS3 students across the Trust will be afforded the opportunity to participate in the Award through library lessons.

For students who would like to explore the books in greater depth, a Book Award elective will be offered in the Spring Term.

At Didsbury High School, we are excited to introduce our students to these brilliant titles!

 

The Shortlisted Books

The five books in the running this year are:

Stitched Up by Steve Cole (Realistic, Short Read)

Stitched Up by Steve Cole Genre: Realistic Themes: Fast Fashion, Poverty, Survival, Environmentalism Why this book?: A fast paced, thrilling book that highlights the horrors of the fast fashion industry. Set in Vietnam, twelve-year-old Hanh is unknowingly sold into slavery by her parents. Join her and her fellow workers on their dangerous and heroic fight for freedom! -Mrs Pope

 

Unraveller by Frances Hardinge (Fantasy)

Unraveller by Frances Hardinge Genre: Fantasy Themes: Grief, Anger, Guilt, Friendship, Forgiveness Why this book?: Set in the strange and savage land of Raddith, Unraveller is a beautiful exploration of grief, anger and forgiveness. Inspired by traditional folklore and fairytales, you'll meet questionable characters and curious creatures. Dare you step inside? - Miss McMillan

 

When Our Worlds Collided by Danielle Jawando (Realistic, Older Readers)

When Our Worlds Collided by Danielle Jawando Genre: Realistic Themes: Racism, Prejudice, Courage, Friendship, Injustice Why this book?: One of the most powerful texts I've ever read. This book deals with the theme of racial prejudice in a raw, unflinching way. It is moving and impactful. The characters seem extremely real as they are dealt blows that no-one should have to overcome. Yet they stick together and embody the true meaning of what it is to have friends that stick by your side, no matter what. - Miss Hughes

 

The Girl from the Sea by Molly Ostertag (Fantasy Romance, Graphic Novel)

The Girl from the Sea by Molly Ostertag Genre: Graphic Novel, Fantasy Romance Themes: LGBT+, Love, Acceptance, Identity, Community Why this book? Perfect for lovers of Alice Oseman's Heartstopper (and recently adapted Netflix series), this Graphic Novel explores first love, 'coming out' and friendship. When Morgan and her new friend Keltie start to fall in love, all of their secrets threaten to be uncovered… -Miss Hampson

 

The Haunting of Tyrese Walker by J.P Rose (Horror)

The Haunting of Tyrese Walker by J.P Rose Genre: Horror Themes: Grief, Family, Culture, Folklore, Terror Why this book?: Drawing on Jamaican folklore and the history of rural Jamaica, the dark horror of the Shadow Man will haunt you long after you finish reading this spooky and exciting book. Perfect for lovers of ghost stories, horror fiction and things that go 'bump' in the night. -Mrs Pope

 

All shortlisted books are now available for students to borrow from the library.

Keep up to date with the Laurus Trust Libraries Book Awards and everything going on in our library by following the DHS Library Twitter account!

Happy reading!