Young readers from across Warwickshire came together at the Bridge Theatre to celebrate a shared love of reading at the Warwickshire Junior Book Award 2026, a joyful event that highlighted the power of books to inspire imagination, creativity and confidence.

Organised by Warwickshire Schools Library Service and supported by Warwickshire Libraries, the annual award brought together pupils from 23 schools who have spent the past few months reading, reviewing and discussing a shortlist of contemporary children's fiction. Nineteen schools attended the final celebration, where pupils eagerly gathered to discover which book would be voted this year's winner.

The Junior Book Award encourages children aged 9 to 11 to explore new authors, share their opinions and develop a lifelong enjoyment of reading. This year's shortlisted titles were:

• Hidden Treasure by Jessie Burton
• Nate Yu's Blast From The Past by Maisie Chan
• A Sequence of Cosmic Accidents by S.A. Reyhani
• My Dog by Olivia Wakeford

Throughout the programme, pupils engaged enthusiastically with the books, discussing themes, characters and storylines while championing the titles that captured their imaginations.

One of the highlights of the celebration was the opportunity for pupils to meet two of the shortlisted authors, Maisie Chan and Olivia Wakeford. During the event, the authors shared insights into their writing journeys, creative inspirations and the process of bringing stories to life. Pupils also had the chance to ask questions, meet the authors in person and have their books signed, creating memorable experiences that inspired many young readers and aspiring writers. We were also treated to a lovely video from author S.A. Reyhani who travelled through a wormhole to answer pupils' questions!

Alongside reading the shortlisted books, pupils took part in a range of creative competitions designed to encourage writing and drawing for pleasure. These activities provided opportunities for children to express their ideas, build confidence and develop their creativity through storytelling and illustration.

The event was filled with laughter, thoughtful discussion and inspiring moments, reflecting the enthusiasm and commitment shown by pupils throughout the programme.

The biggest cheer of the day came when My Dog by Olivia Wakeford was announced as the winner of the Warwickshire Junior Book Award 2026. Voted for by the children themselves, the moving and powerful story clearly resonated with readers across the county to secure the coveted title.

Teachers and librarians praised the dedication shown by pupils during the programme and highlighted the value of opportunities for children to engage directly with authors. For many attendees, meeting a published writer was a memorable experience that brought books and storytelling to life in a new and exciting way.

As the event drew to a close, pupils left with signed books, fresh reading recommendations and lasting memories of a morning filled with fun, inspiration and a shared passion for reading.

The success of this year's Junior Book Award once again demonstrated how stories can connect communities, encourage creativity and nurture the next generation of readers. For families looking for book recommendations for children aged 9 to 12, this year's shortlist offers an excellent place to start, showcasing four outstanding stories that captured the hearts and imaginations of young readers across Warwickshire.

For more information or to take part next year, email schoolslibraryservice@warwickshire.gov.uk