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Cumbrian school pupils will vote on their favourite book at the seventh annual Spellbinding Award Day, at the Penrith campus of the University of Cumbria on Wednesday, June 24th.

Pupils aged 11-14 from 36 secondary schools across the county have taken part in the project, which culminates in voting for their top three books. It helps dispel the myth that children these days aren't interested in books and are too busy playing computer games or listening to their iPods.

The finalists are: The Declaration by Gemma Malley; Blood Ties by Sophie McKenzie; and Ways To Live Forever by Sally Nicholls.

Topics featured in the books range from an Orwellian vision of the future and human cloning to the story of the final months in the life of a boy with leukaemia.

Around 80 pupils will attend the awards day to read and discuss the books. There is also a picture board competition depicting scenes from the books.

The event, which is organised by Cumbria County Council’s Library Services for Schools, is sponsored by the University of Cumbria. It will be compered by Niall de Burca, one of Ireland’s finest traditional storytellers. 

The focus of the project is to create enthusiasm for books, raise the profile of reading in schools and give pupils the chance to develop confidence in discussing and expressing their views.

Amanda Deaville, Senior School Services Officer at Cumbria County Council, said:

"The book award aims to get pupils exposed to the breadth of wonderful quality fiction which is out there. Young people love their computers, but at the end of the day they also love to curl up with a good book. It absorbs them and transports them into another world and it’s a great way to chill out."

Books must have been published in paperback in the previous year and be suitable for 11-14 year old readers to qualify. Pupils from participating schools will form the final judging panel.

ENDS

Media enquiries to Gareth Cosslett, News Manager on 01228 226332