New Children's Booker Prize Set to Inspire Young Readers

Introducing the Children’s Booker Prize

The Booker Prize Foundation is excited to announce the launch of a groundbreaking literary award dedicated to young readers: the Children’s Booker Prize. With a substantial prize of £50,000 for the best fiction aimed at children aged eight to twelve, this initiative aims to celebrate and promote quality children's literature.

A New Chapter in Literary Awards

Set to commence in 2026, the inaugural Children’s Booker Prize will unveil its first winner in early 2027. What sets this award apart is its unique judging panel, which will feature both adults and children—a first for any Booker award. The esteemed children’s author and current Children’s Laureate, Frank Cottrell-Boyce, will chair the judging panel. He will be supported by two additional adult judges, who will collaborate to create a shortlist of eight remarkable books.

A Collaborative Judging Process

To enhance the excitement and relevance of the judging process, three child judges will join the panel to help determine the ultimate winner. This inclusive approach aims to ensure that the selected stories resonate with their intended audience. Cottrell-Boyce expressed his enthusiasm for the initiative, stating, “Every child deserves the chance to experience the happiness that diving into a great book can bring.” He believes that by involving children in the judging process and gifting copies of the nominated titles, the award will inspire thousands more to explore the joy of reading.

Supporting Young Readers

In addition to recognizing outstanding literature, the Children’s Booker Prize will also contribute to the community by donating 30,000 copies of shortlisted and winning books to children each year. This effort will be carried out in partnership with organizations like the National Literacy Trust, The Reading Agency, Bookbanks, and the Children’s Book Project. The initiative arrives at a crucial time when reports indicate that children's engagement with reading for pleasure has reached its lowest point in two decades.

Focus on Contemporary Literature

The Children’s Booker Prize will celebrate contemporary fiction that is either originally written in English or translated into English, provided it is published in the UK or Ireland. Aligning with the prestigious adult Booker and International Booker prizes, authors shortlisted for the Children’s Booker Prize will each receive £2,500, while the winner will take home the main prize of £50,000.

Timeline and Submission Details

The submission process for the inaugural Children’s Booker Prize will open in spring 2026, with the shortlist and the child judges being revealed in November 2026. The winner will be announced at a special event dedicated to young readers in February 2027. The eligibility period for submissions will include books published from 1 November 2025 to 31 October 2026.

Welcoming the Prize

The announcement of the Children’s Booker Prize has garnered enthusiastic support from many prominent figures in children’s literature. Former Children’s Laureates such as Malorie Blackman, Jacqueline Wilson, Michael Morpurgo, Cressida Cowell, Anne Fine, and Joseph Coelho have all expressed their excitement about the new award. Blackman described it as “a timely and very welcome addition,” while Wilson noted that it would provide a “huge boost” to children’s literature and create a “level playing ground” for both established and emerging authors. Morpurgo referred to the initiative as “great news for children and books,” and Coelho praised it as a significant recognition of children’s literature, on par with adult literary awards.

A Partnership for Progress

The Children’s Booker Prize will be conducted in collaboration with the AKO Foundation, a charity dedicated to enhancing education, supporting the arts, and addressing the climate crisis. Gaby Wood, the chief executive of the Booker Prize Foundation, described the Children’s Booker Prize as “the most ambitious expansion of the Booker Prize brand since its inception.”

Conclusion: A Bright Future for Young Readers

As the Children’s Booker Prize gears up for its debut, it promises to be a transformative force in the literary landscape for young readers. By prioritizing contemporary stories and engaging children in the process, this award aims to rekindle a love for reading among the youth. With a robust prize structure and a commitment to sharing the joy of literature, the Children’s Booker Prize is set to inspire countless young minds to embark on their own literary adventures.