County students to debate children's book prize

4:39pm Monday 23rd June 2008

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PUPILS from across Herefordshire will be making their own judgements on the books which have been shortlisted for a prestigious children's literature award.

The secondary school students will descend on Whitecross High School tomorrow where they will debate which book they think should win the annual Carnegie Medal.

Organised by Herefordshire Council's Schools Library Service, the day will open with a light-hearted quiz on the seven shortlisted books, followed by inter-school debates.

Pupils will then give presentations on one book and say why others should or should not vote for it.

A secret ballot will be held at the end of the day when all pupils will vote for the book they think should win, before the Herefordshire Carnegie winner is announced.

The day is part of a national shadowing scheme aimed at encouraging pupils to read, discuss and review the books shortlisted for the award.

The seven books shortlisted for the Carnegie Medal are; Gatty's Tale by Kevin Crossley Holland; Ruby Red by Linzi Glass; Crusade by Elizabeth Laird; Apache by Tanya Landman; Here Lies Arthur by Philip Reeve; What I Was by Meg Rosoff; and Finding Violet Park by Jenny Valentine.