History

As we sit here today it's hard to think back to a time when young people had little opportunity to voice their opinions on the kind of books published for them. This award was established back in 1986 to offer a forum for young people to draw attention to the sorts of books they rave about and would most like to recommend, to books that perhaps in some sense or other miss the score and books for a leisurely read to wile away lengthy bus journeys, wet dinner hours or torch lit, under-the-cover sleepless nights!

The award was first presented in 1987. Young judges selected Philip Pullman’s The Ruby In the Smoke as the first winner for the award. The level of discernment involved is evident when it is considered that Philip Pullman was the first children’s author to win the overall Whitbread Book of the Year award and was voted third in the BBC’s recent BIG READ.

In total 22 books have been awarded the Lancashire Children’s Book of the Year. These form an excellent starting point for young people bewildered by the overwhelming choice available in libraries and bookshops, teachers wanting to recommend the sorts of books that their pupils really will enjoy or indeed anyone just wanting a thoroughly good read!

We’re confident that on the list below there is something to suit all reading tastes and would be pleased to hear your opinions on any of the books.

1987	Philip Pullman	The Ruby in the Smoke
1988	Brian Jacques	Redwall
1989	Anthony Horowitz	Groosham Grange
1990	Jean Ure	Plague 99
1991	Brian Jacques	Mattimeo
1992	Robin Jarvis	Whitby Witches
1993	Brian Jacques	Salamandastron
Joint Winners	Robert Westall	Gulf
1994	Ian Strachan	The Boy in the Bubble
1995	Garry Kilworth	The Electric Kid
1996	Frances Mary Hendry	Chandra
1997	Elizabeth Hawkins	Sea of Peril
1998	Elizabeth Laird	Jay
1999	Nigel Hinton	Out of the Darkness
2000	Tim Bowler	Shadows
2001	Melvin Burgess	Bloodtide
Joint Winners	Malcolm Rose	Plague
2002	Malorie Blackman	Noughts & Crosses
2003	Julie Bertagna	Exodus
2004	Chris Wooding	Poison
2005	Jonathan Stroud	The Amulet of Samarkand
2006	Anthony Horowitz	Raven's Gate
2007	Robert Muchamore	Divine Madness

"The University of Central Lancashire is delighted to sponsor the Lancashire Children's Book Award. Reading is not only a lifelong pleasure: it unlocks our capacity for imagination and understanding. As a university dedicated to lifelong learning, we are pleased to be associated with an Award that encourages enthusiasm for reading and critical judgement in equal measure."

Malcolm McVicar, Vice Chancellor.