Warwickshire Schools Library Service Supporting reading and learning in schools
2025/26

Warwickshire Teen Book Award 2026 longlist revealed!

The Warwickshire Teen Book Award 2026 offers an exciting opportunity to inspire a love of reading among your students in Years 9 and above. Taking place during the autumn term, the award engages young people with a carefully curated longlist of eight outstanding, contemporary titles—selected by the team at Warwickshire Schools Library Service in partnership with a network of secondary school librarians from across the county. This ensures a high-quality and diverse range of books that will appeal to teenage readers and encourage them to explore different genres and voices.
The Longlist
  • Gone For Good by Sarah Crossan
  • Dead Straight Line by Malcolm Duffy
  • Ghost by Finbar Hawkins
  • Everything Amplified by Sarah Lippett and Ziggy Hanaor
  • A Million Tiny Missiles All At Once by Lucas Maxwell
  • Better Off Dead by Tess James-Mackey
  • Best Of All Worlds by Kenneth Oppel
  • The Seeker And The Shade by Ellen Osborne
How the Award Works

  1. Speed Shortlisting Sessions in September
    Schools receive comprehensive resources to run lively “Speed Shortlisting” sessions, helping students debate and select the final shortlist of four books.

  2. Shortlist announced early October
    Students read as many of the four shortlisted books as they can, individually or as part of reading groups, building engagement and encouraging reading for pleasure.

  3. Cast Your Vote (Early December)
    Once the reading period is complete, students vote for their favourite book from the shortlist.

  4. Celebrate the Winner
    The winning title is announced at a special online ceremony, where students can hear from the shortlisted authors and celebrate their reading achievements.

Warwickshire Schools Library Service provides ongoing support, including resources, advice via phone or email, and the option of engaging in-school book talks to enrich the experience

Why sign up?
  • Inspires reading for pleasure among KS3/KS4 students (Year 9+)
  • Introduces students to a diverse range of high-quality, librarian-selected books
  • Ready-made resources make delivery easy for staff
  • Engaging “Speed Shortlisting” events encourage discussion and debate
  • Ongoing support from WSLS, including phone/email advice and in-school book talks
  • Develops critical thinking and student voice through voting
  • Opportunity to engage with authors at the online awards ceremony
  • Builds a shared, whole-school reading culture in an enjoyable way

Email: schoolslibraryservice@warwickshire.gov.uk