The whole of Norwich School Upper 4 pupils met on Friday 15th June to talk about this year's Carnegie Award shortlisted books.

All pupils had read a minimum of two books and got together to discuss them  in groups with others who had read the same titles.

Every year Upper 4 shadow the judging process and meet for the whole year group discussion just a few days ahead of the official winner being announced. It's always interesting to see if Norwich School pupils agree with the winner chosen by the panel.

This year we voted The hate U give by Angie Thomas as our favourite; a book inspired by the Black Lives Matter movement in the United States, and one that deals with some serious issues such as police brutality and systemic racism.

The winner was announced on Monday 18 June and neither the Norwich School favourite nor runner up was in fact the winner, but Where the World Ends, by Geraldine McCaughrean, a title that had won only 13 votes from Upper 4 pupils. This book is based on the true story from 1727 and tells a haunting tale of hardship in a remote community based on St Kilda in the Outer Hebrides.  

 

Our votes were cast as follows:

The hate U give: 36

After the fire: 20

Where the world ends: 13

Saint Death: 11

Wed Wabbit: 8

Rook: 8

Beyond the bright sea: 3

 

Pictured below are Upper 4 pupils and teachers discussing the shortlisted books.