The Spark! School Book Awards are awarded to books that make reading an exciting and enjoyable experience for primary-aged pupils. There are four award categories:

• Picture fiction for early readers
• Fiction for 7+
• Fiction for 9+
• Guest category – this category will change every year

A shortlist for each category is selected by a panel of teachers, educationalists and librarians but the winners in each category are chosen by pupils from participating schools.

The awards are open to any school with primary-aged pupils and schools can help choose the winning books for as many of the award categories as they like. Participating schools will receive:

• A free set of the shortlisted titles for the relevant category along with access to assorted classroom resources.
• Access to at least one online author event per shortlisted book, plus a bespoke introductory video.
• Access to the online author events from previous years.
• The opportunity for pupils to enter a range of Spark! School Book Award competitions.
• Access to the online Award Ceremony in July.

Timetable:

• To participate in the 2022-23 awards, schools must register by 30th November 2022.
• The shortlist is announced in early January.
• Voting opens in mid May and will close in early June 2023.
• The winners will be announced at an online Book Awards Ceremony in mid June.

See the shortlists for 2022-2023 here.

Cost: £70 for each award category that schools participate in (early bird discount of £55 for previous participants available until October 21st).

About Spark! School Book Awards: The Spark! School Book Awards is a registered charity, working in partnership with The Open University to inspire young readers everywhere.