2018 Scottish Teenage Book Prize shortlist revealed

Scottish Book Trust opens voting for the 2018 Scottish Teenage Book Prize as shortlist is announced.

Scottish teenagers posed with a ballot box at the Scottish Parliament yesterday to launch the poll to find Scotland’s favourite teen book of the year.

The shortlisted authors for the prize, now in its second year, have been revealed as Elizabeth Laird for Welcome to Nowhere with illustrations by Lucy Eldridge, Caighlan Smith for Children of Icarus, and Danny Weston for The Haunting of Jessop Rise.

The Scottish Teenage Book Prize was set up to celebrate the most popular teen books by authors in Scotland. It is run by Scottish Book Trust with support from Creative Scotland. Shortlisted authors receive £500 and the winner £3,000.

While most teenagers across Scotland can’t vote yet in elections, teenagers of all ages can vote for their favourite book from the shortlist and take part in picking the winner. They can engage with the prize by voting as part of their class or book group by 8 February 2018.

The winning book will be announced in an exclusive video available to classes who have registered to vote on 28 February 2018.

Teens are invited to create their own book trailer or graphic novel of the shortlisted books, with the chance to win Waterstones gift cards. Scottish Book Trust provides extensive learning resources for teachers on how to create book trailers and graphic novels.

Marc Lambert, CEO of Scottish Book Trust, said: “Each of the three books is a compelling read and a strong contender for winner. Teenage readers are among the most passionate and this prize is a great opportunity for them to get involved, be inspired to create their own piece of fiction, and vote for their favourite to win. We are looking forward to finding out which book comes out on top.”

Jenny Niven, Head of Literature, Languages and Publishing at Creative Scotland said: “The Scottish Teenage Book Prize provides an excellent opportunity for young people to discover, discuss and vote for their favourite books. This year’s shortlist includes a fantastic selection of some of Scotland’s most exciting talent in the young adult genre. It is very encouraging to see the Scottish Teenage Book Prize, alongside the What’s Your Story? Development Programme, continuing to nurture Scotland’s teenage writers and readers.”

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davepickering

Edinburgh reporter and photographer