UKLA Book Awards 2014

The School of Education was delighted to be involved in this year’s UK Literacy Association (UKLA) Book Awards , the only book awards judged entirely by teachers.

School of Education Senior Lecturers Pamela Lewis and Hilary Westlake, and Professor of Literacy in Primary Education, Henrietta Dombey, were honoured to have been made group leaders. Each worked with a group of six to eight teachers from our partnership schools to read more than 20 of the long listed titles.

Starting in October they met regularly as a reading group to share their thoughts and views on the books. Hilary and Henrietta read those long listed in the age 3-6 category and Pamela the 7-11 titles.

This was the first the year the School of Education had been involved in the awards. The 2014 awards took place in Sussex and the UKLA invite teachers local to the venue to become the judges.

Pamela said of being involved in the 2014 awards: “For me, the pleasure was twofold.  The opportunity to read some amazing stories from top calibre writers, and to work with talented classroom teachers passionate about children’s books and promoting reading for pleasure.”

Hilary echoed: “To have the opportunity to step off the treadmill to spend time reading fabulous books by talented authors, reminded all of those involved of the importance of reading!  It was an absolute joy to be part of this sharing!”

The awards were made on Friday 4^th July with most of the short listed authors in attendance. Find out who won.