The shortlist for the Royal Society Young People’s Book Prize 2023 has been announced. The Young People’s Book Prize celebrates the best science books for under-14s, highlighting books that communicate science to young people in creative and accessible ways.

Exploring subjects as diverse as the wonders of the universe, the life of our prehistoric ancestors and the microscopic world of germs, this year’s shortlist was chosen by a panel of scientists, teachers and authors, including paediatrician and TV presenter Dr Ranj Singh, and best-selling author MG Leonard.

The adult judging panel now hands over responsibility for choosing the overall winner to the 15,000 young judges drawn from schools, youth groups and reading clubs across the country who will be reading, discussing and debating the merits of each of the six titles before casting their votes.

Commenting on this year’s shortlist, Chair of Judges Professor Usha Goswami said: “Children have an immense curiosity about the world around them and reading a good science book satisfies this curiosity. I was impressed to see so many books that didn’t shy away from complex topics, and explained the science in such a comprehensible, imaginative way that will appeal to children of all ages. The young judges have a difficult decision ahead of them, I know I would struggle to pick a winner.”

Congratulations to all this year’s shortlisted authors and illustrators!

 

The 2023 Royal Society Young People’s Book Prize Shortlist:

A Bug’s World by Dr Erica McAlister, illustrated by Stephanie Fizer Coleman (Wren and Rook)

Am I made of Stardust? by Dr Maggie Aderin-Pocock, illustrated by Chelen Écija (Buster Books)

Bodies, Brains and Bogies by Dr Paul Ian Cross, illustrated by Steve Brown (Welbeck Children’s Books)

Ben Rothery’s Deadly and Dangerous Animals by Ben Rothery (Ladybird)

Live Like a Hunter Gatherer by Naomi Walmsley, illustrated by Mia Underwood (Button Books)

Step Inside Science: Germs by Sarah Hull, illustrated by Teresa Bellón (Usborne Publishing Ltd)

The winners of this year’s Royal Society Young People’s Book Prize will be announced at an online awards ceremony in March 2024. Find out more about the award and how your school could get involved here.