The Spark! School Book Awards are a book award and reading for pleasure project designed to help schools create a buzz around reading. The awards provide teachers and pupils with the opportunity to read, discuss and vote for their favourite book from a shortlist selected by a panel of teachers, educators and librarians.

There are five award categories to ensure that all young readers from Early Years to secondary can get involved:

• Picture fiction for early readers
• Fiction for 7+
• Fiction for 9+
• Fiction for 11+
• Guest category: Non-fiction/Information Books for 6-12 year-olds

The award is open to all UK primary and secondary schools and schools can sign up to participate in as many of the award categories as they like. Participating schools will receive:

• A free set of the shortlisted titles for the relevant category or categories, along with access to assorted classroom resources.
• Access to at least one online author event per shortlisted book, plus a bespoke introductory video.
• The opportunity for pupils to enter a range of competitions.
• An invitation to the online Award Ceremony.

Timetable:

• Sign up for a free introduction to the Spark! School Book Awards on 19th November.
• Register to be involved by 20th December.
• The shortlists will be announced on 16th January 2025.
• Voting runs from mid May to mid June.
• The winners will be announced at an online ceremony on 26th June 2025.

See our shortlist announcement for the Spark! School Book Awards 2024-2025.

Cost: £65 for each award category that schools participate in. (Schools that register for at least one category can apply to be entered into an additional category for free. Priority will be given to schools with higher pupil premium numbers and the deadline for applications is 22nd November.

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.