The five-book shortlist “showcases and celebrates the very best of educational writing and illustration”
The spotlight is firmly on the 2024 ALCS Educational Writers’ Award as the shortlist for this prestigious accolade has been unveiled. Organized by the Authors’ Licensing & Collecting Society (ALCS) and the Society of Authors (SoA), this award is the only one in the UK that exclusively honors educational writing that inspires creativity, encourages curiosity, and goes beyond curriculum requirements to deepen understanding.
This year’s shortlist features five remarkable books aimed at readers aged 11–18, tackling some of the most relevant and thought-provoking issues of our time. Topics range from dating and relationships to forgotten histories, identity, and Britain’s imperial legacy. Each work embodies the transformative potential of educational writing to broaden young minds and foster empathy.
“This year’s shortlist highlights the very best in educational writing and illustration,” said Kevin Cobane, one of this year’s judges.
“These books explore identity, equality, inclusivity, and sustainability with a depth and creativity that inspires curiosity. They have the power to help us create a more compassionate and understanding world.”
The Shortlisted Titles
Lessons From Our Ancestors
Author: Raksha Dave
Illustrator: Kimberlie Clinthorne-Wong
Publisher: Magic Cat Publishing
Archaeologist and broadcaster Raksha Dave offers a unique journey into forgotten histories and misrepresented stories through 50 objects. This visually rich and engaging book invites readers to see the past through a fresh lens and empowers them to use history as a tool to shape a better future.
Lads: A Guide to Respect and Consent for Teenage Boys
Author: Alan Bissett
Publisher: Hachette Children’s
In a world full of negative role models, this essential guide equips teenage boys with practical advice about respect and consent. Alan Bissett provides tools to navigate relationships with confidence and integrity, emphasizing the importance of challenging harmful behaviors.
How to Love: A Guide to Feelings & Relationships for Everyone
Author: Alex Norris
Publisher: Walker Books
Delivered in Alex Norris’s accessible and humorous graphic style, this guide explores the complexities of love and relationships. From handling rejection to navigating singlehood and building lasting connections, the book offers insights into every stage of relationships with warmth and wisdom.
Queer Up: An Uplifting Guide to LGBTQ+ Love, Life and Mental Health
Author: Alexis Caught
Publisher: Walker Books
This empowering guide supports LGBTQ+ teens as they navigate identity, relationships, and mental health. Combining personal stories with insights from prominent LGBTQ+ figures, Alexis Caught provides an inclusive, uplifting resource for queer and questioning youth and their allies.
Stolen History
Author: Sathnam Sanghera
Publisher: Penguin Random House
Sathnam Sanghera’s accessible and engaging introduction to Britain’s imperial history explores its lasting impact on everyday life. From the words we use to the food we eat, this book challenges young readers to rethink their understanding of the British Empire and its legacy.
Judges Celebrate Excellence in Educational Writing
This year’s panel of judges brings a wealth of expertise and passion for education. Cassie Hands, a librarian with Schools Library Services, brings her extensive experience working with schools to promote literacy and engage young readers. She has contributed to various national literary awards and initiatives, making her an influential advocate for the role of libraries in education.
Kevin Cobane, an experienced primary school teacher and literacy advocate, has dedicated his career to promoting reading for pleasure. He has judged multiple book awards and created resources for educational organizations.
Ardashir Vakil, an award-winning novelist and creative writing lecturer at Goldsmiths, adds a rich literary perspective to the judging panel. His works have been widely recognized, and his contributions to pedagogy have shaped creative writing education.
“Judging this year’s submissions has been an inspiring and thought-provoking experience,” said Cassie Hands.
“The shortlisted books reflect the diversity and depth of educational writing today, offering young readers the tools to explore and understand the world around them.”
The ALCS Educational Writers’ Award is unique in its commitment to honoring educational writing that transcends standard curricula to inspire creativity and deeper thinking. Now in its 16th year, the award continues to spotlight authors and illustrators who challenge young readers to think critically and engage with complex issues.
The winners of the 2024 award will be announced during a special ceremony at Goldsmiths’ Centre, London, on 20 February 2025. The winning author and illustrator will share a £2,000 prize, recognizing their exceptional contribution to educational literature.
The Authors’ Licensing & Collecting Society is a not-for-profit organization representing over 125,000 writers across various disciplines. Since its inception in 1977, ALCS has paid over £700 million in royalties to its members, ensuring fair compensation for the secondary use of their works. The Society of Authors, the UK’s trade union for writers, illustrators, and literary translators, administers over 20 prizes, including the ALCS Educational Writers’ Award. In 2023 alone, the SoA distributed over £1 million in grants and prizes to support creative professionals.
