We are delighted to announce the winners of the Cheshire Schools' Book Award 2020. The winning author in the younger age category is Catherine Bruton with her beautifully written novel No Ballet Shoes in Syria. The runner-up in this category is Tom Palmer and his moving book D-Day Dog. Both authors were noted for their skill in creating realistic characters who readers could empathise with, and the compassionate and thought-provoking ways they explored difficult issues.
Holly Jackson scooped first place in the older age category with her impeccably plotted detective novel A Good Girl's Guide to Murder. Bex Hogan came a close second with her thrilling debut Viper. With twist upon twist, Jackson and Hogan kept readers on the edge of their seats until the very last page.
We would like to thank all the students, school librarians and teachers who participated in the award. It has been an unusual year — to say the least — but we hope that reading has continued to provide distraction, relaxation and enjoyment. Books allow us to escape into other worlds, inhabiting characters who are completely unlike ourselves. Through the winning books, we became pirates, detectives, dancers and historians. We travelled to distant shores, solved crimes, grieved for lost characters, and cheered others on.
Congratulations to all the authors who were nominated for the Cheshire Schools' Book Award 2020. We cannot wait to see what books will make the shortlist next year.
For more information on how your school can take part in the award, please email educationlibraryservice@cheshiresharedservices.gov.uk or ring us on 01606 275801.