Inspiring Young Minds: Children's Book Awards Comes to Plymouth High School

Today, Plymouth High School was honoured to welcome Libby Allman, representative of the prestigious Children’s Book Award 2025, as she spoke to 7L about the power of reading and the importance of young voices in literature. English teacher, Miss Readey, has selected 7L to be this year's judges and they are already excited to start reading and voting.

Libby shared the history and impact of the award - the only national book prize in the UK judged entirely by children - and encouraged students to embrace their role as literary critics.

As part of their involvement, 7L will be reading a selection of shortlisted titles and casting their votes between now and May, before the final award ceremony in June. Libby’s visit today marked the beginning of this exciting journey, sparking lively discussion and genuine excitement amongst the students. Her message was clear: stories matter, and so do the young people who read them.

Plymouth High already boasts a rich library provision - run by our wonderful librarian, Mrs Heard - and we are proud to be a part of this empowering initiative, giving our students not only access to new and diverse books, but providing the literary world with another meaningful voice from Plymouth High.

Children’s Book Award 2025 – The Federation of Children's Book Groups