Judges of an award for children’s literature succeeded in dividing opinions amongst critics at Manchester High School for Girls.

The Carnegie Medal is a prestigious annual award for an outstanding book published for children or young people. It was established in 1936 by the Library Association (now CILIP), and a total of 27 MHSG pupils from Years 7, 8 and 9, have been involved in its shadowing scheme. They have met on a weekly basis, despite their examination revision, to share their opinions on the six shortlisted books. 

Schools from across the United Kingdom participate in the shadowing scheme, with pupils able to post their own reviews on the Carnegie website.

MHSG Librarian Miss Zoe Hawker explained: “For several years now they have been running a shadowing scheme for schools and libraries to be involved in.  Groups of children and young people from all over the country read the shortlisted books, judge them according to the same criteria that the judges use, and decide which one they think should win. 

“At MHSG we run reading groups, where groups of girls all read the same book and then meet weekly to discuss it.  Discussions focus on the judging criteria and at the end each girl awards marks for different aspects of the books.  After lots of complicated maths, an average score for each book is arrived at from all the groups and the final MHSG vote is placed with CILIP. 

“This is now the 3^rd year we’ve been involved in the shadowing scheme, and it has proved to be increasingly popular with the girls,” Miss Hawker added.

This year’s Carnegie shortlist consisted of:

• The Road of Bones by Anne Fine
• My Swordhand is Singing by Marcus Sedgwick
• Beast by Ally Kennen
• A Swift Pure Cry by Siobhan Dowd
• The Road Of The Dead by Kevin Brooks
• Just In Case by Meg Rosoff

In keeping with tradition, the name of the winning book was contained in an envelope that arrived from London on Thursday 21 June, and was opened at a lunchtime reception for the MHSG pupils.   

However, the decision to award the prize to Meg Rosoff’s Just In Case split opinions in the group.

Catherine Mizrahi (9G) said: “I think that the best book won. The story asks the reader questions about identity, and features a central character that has an imaginary dog!”

Caroline White (9H) added: “This is the first time that the judges have selected the book that I engaged with the most. It was a very enjoyable read and I would recommend it.”

Other girls disagreed with these viewpoints.

Hannah Burke-Tomlinson (8G) said: “I think the judges made the wrong decision. They have picked a book that appeals most to an adult reader and perhaps they should have considered the audience more deeply.”

Zeinab Drabu (7S): “I was also surprised by the judges’ decision. Within our School's reading groups, those books given the highest scores were aimed at the younger age ranges.”

Carnegie Medal Judge Emily Stock praised the MHSG students involved in the shadowing scheme.

“I loved hearing about the enthusiasm and dedication which the girls have shown, and I was delighted to hear of their strong opinions about which booked deserved to win. All were able to back their decisions up with some very intelligent and articulate arguments.

“I feel I must also mention the essential role which Miss Hawker played in leading the discussion. Her calm direction was invaluable during the debates between the girls and allowed every voice an equal hearing.

“I am delighted to learn of such strong, continued interest in the Carnegie Medal at Manchester High School for Girls,” she concluded.

• The Carnegie Medal’s judging panel comprises 12 children’s librarians.  Books are judged on a strict set of criteria whereby the plot, characterisation and writing style must all be of excellent quality and carefully targeted at a suitable age range.  The winning author receives a gold medal, £500 of books to donate to a place of their choice and the right to use the title of Carnegie Winning Author on all past and future novels

www.carnegiegreenaway.org.uk