The School Library Association has announced the shortlist for the Information Book Award 2024. Set up to highlight the importance of non-fiction as a genre and to celebrate the high standard of children’s information books, the award is now in its 14th year.

This year, there are four shortlisted books for each of the three age categories – Ages 0-7, Ages 8-12, Ages 13-16. The 12 titles were whittled down from a longlist of over 30 titles by a panel of educators.

Commenting on the shortlist, Chair of Judges Margaret Pemberton said: “It is exciting to see an expanding range of diverse themes and to have books which reinterpret the way we look at subjects such as nature and history.”

An important part of the Information Book Award is the Children’s Choice shadowing scheme, where pupils across the country have the opportunity to vote for their favourite title in each category, as well as choosing an overall winner. To support the Children’s Choice, there are free worksheets to download and a 20% discount on packs of the shortlisted titles available from specialist school book supplier Peters. Voting for the Children’s Choice Award takes place online and will close on Friday 18th October.

Congratulations to all the shortlisted authors and illustrators!

Ages 0-7 Shortlist

Darwin’s Super-Pooping Worm Spectacular by Polly Owen, illustrated by Gwen Millward (Wide-Eyed Editions)

Salat in Secret by Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow, illustrated by Hatem Aly (Andersen Press)

That’s Mathematics by Chris Smith (based on lyrics by Tom Lehrer), illustrated by Elīna Brasliņa (Mama Makes Books)

Welcome to Our Table: A Celebration of What Children Eat Everywhere by Laura Mucha and Ed Smith, illustrated bye Harriet Lynas (Nosy Crow)

 

Ages 8-12 Shortlist

Hear Our Voices by Radhika Natarajan and Chao Tayiana, illustrated by Alexander Mostov (Wide Eyed Editions)

Human 2.0: A Celebration of Human Bionics by Patrick Kane, illustrated by Samuel Rodriguez (Big Picture Press)

Lessons from Our Ancestors by Raksha Dave, illustrated by Kimberlie Clinthorne-Wong (Magic Cat Publishing)

Unspoken by Kwame Alexander, illustrated by Dare Coulter (Andersen Press)

 

Ages 13-16 Shortlist

How to Love: A Guide to Feelings and Relationships for Everyone by Alex Norris (Walker Books)

Lads: A Guide to Respect and Consent by Alan Bissett (Wren & Rook)

Story of Now: Why We Need to Talk About the British Empire by Shelina Janmohamed, illustrated by Laura Greenan (Welbeck Children’s Books)

Welcome to the Arts: Dance by Sir Alistair Spalding,  illustrated by Jason Raish (Big Picture Press)

The winners of the Information Book Award and the Children’s Choice Award 2024 will be announced at a ceremony during National Non-Fiction November. Look out for our winner announcement!

Find more children’s book awards here.