ALCS Educational Writers’ Award 2024 shortlist
The shortlist for the UK’s only award for creative educational writing features five outstanding books for readers aged 11-18.
We are delighted to announce the shortlist for the 2024 ALCS Educational Writers’ Award, the UK’s only award for educational writing that inspires creativity, encourages students to read widely and builds up their understanding of a subject beyond the requirements of exam specifications.
The winners of the 2024 ALCS Educational Writers’ Award will be announced at a ceremony at the Goldsmiths’ Centre in London on 20 February 2025, with the winning author and designer/illustrator sharing a £2,000 prize.
This year’s judges are School Library Services’ librarian Cassie Hands, primary school teacher Kevin Cobane, and novelist and short story writer Ardashir Vakil.
THE SHORTLIST
How To Love
Author: Alex Norris
Publisher: Walker Books
Isn’t it wonderful when love strikes? When you encounter someone beautiful and interesting and suddenly: feelings. But what do you do when that first crush squashes you flat? How to Love is a funny, wise and very different guide to relationships of all shapes and sizes, covering topics from singlehood to jealousy to happily ever after – all delivered in Alex Norris’s clever, accessible and bright graphic style.
Lads: A Guide to Respect and Consent for Teenage Boys
Author: Alan Bissett
Publisher: Hachette Children’s
In a world full of negative influences, LADS is a toolkit for teenage boys on respect and consent, helping them call out bad behaviour and giving them the confidence to be their best selves.
Lessons From our Ancestors
Author: Raksha Dave
Illustrator: Kimberlie Clinthorne-Wong
Publisher: Magic Cat Publishing
Join archaeologist and broadcaster Raksha Dave on an unforgettable journey back through time as she casts a spotlight on forgotten histories and misrepresented stories. Told through 50 objects, this groundbreaking book offers a fresh perspective on our past to inspire you to build a better future.
Queer Up: An Uplifting Guide to LGBTQ+ Love, Life and Mental Health
Author: Alexis Caught
Publisher: Walker Books
In this empowering and uplifting book, award-winning podcaster Alexis Caught sets out to help queer and curious teenagers explore their LGBTQ+ identity and understanding. Alongside the author’s personal experiences are first-hand stories from notable LGBTQ+ figures. With chapters on questioning, coming out, friends and family, love, sex, shame, pride and allyship, this insightful, thoughtful and reassuring book is essential reading for any questioning teen and their allies looking to support them.
Stolen History
Author: Sathnam Sanghera
Publisher: Penguin Random House
An accessible, engaging and essential introduction to the British empire for readers aged 9+, by bestselling author of Empireland, Sathnam Sanghera. This book will answer all the important questions about Britain’s imperial history. It will explore how Britain’s empire once made it the most powerful nation on earth, and how it still affects our lives in many ways today – from the words we use, to the food we eat, the sports we play and even to every grown-up’s fixation with a good cup of tea.
You can learn more about the Educational Writers’ Award here.
