Sainsbury’s Children’s Book Awards
An exciting children’s book prize is being announced soon on the 4th October and all the books on the shortlist sound fantastic!
Ranging from time travel to a policeman turning up with a toilet brush, check out these books nominated for the Fiction 9+ prize for something to read until the October half-term…
Time Travelling with a Hamster by Ross Welford
“My dad died twice. Once when he was thirty nine and again four years later when he was twelve.
The first time had nothing to do with me. The second time definitely did, but I would never even have been there if it hadn’t been for his ‘time machine’…”
On Al Chaudhury’s twelfth birthday his beloved Grandpa Byron gives him a letter from Al’s late father. In it Al receives a mission: travel back to 1984 in a secret time machine and save his father’s life.
Al soon discovers that time travel requires daring and imagination. It also requires lies, theft, setting his school on fire and ignoring philosophical advice from Grandpa Byron. All without losing his pet hamster, Alan Shearer.
Marshal Virgil Waltzer said:Very funny and rather emotional at the same time. A great read and creates a very good mood. Funny + Emotional = Ross Welford
The Crooked Sixpence by Jennifer Bell
When their grandmother Sylvie is rushed to hospital, Ivy Sparrow and her annoying big brother Seb cannot imagine what adventure lies in store. Returning to Sylvie’s house, they find it has been ransacked by unknown intruders – before a mysterious feather scratches an ominous message onto the kitchen wall.
A very strange policeman turns up on the scene, determined to apprehend them… with a toilet brush. Ivy and Seb make their escape – only to find themselves in a completely uncommon world, where ordinary objects have amazing powers.
The forces of evil are closing in fast, and Ivy and Seb must get to the bottom of a family secret… before it’s too late.
Nurse Amazonia Turkey said: At first, I thought that this book got off to a slow start, but by the end I really really enjoyed this book, and the first thing I said to my Mum was, ‘I really want to read the next one if there is a next one!!’
The Bubble Boy by Stewart Foster
Eleven-year-old Joe can’t remember a life outside of his hospital room, with its beeping machines and view of London’s rooftops. His condition means he’s not allowed outside, not even for a moment, and his few visitors risk bringing life-threatening germs inside his ‘bubble’. But then someone new enters his world and changes it for ever.
Major Jet Washington said: This book is heart-warming:) it makes you realize how difficult it his for children who’s home is a hospital. Very emotional read but an amazing book
Have you read any of the books on the shortlist? Write a review and tell everyone what you thought!
Check out Part 2 to find out which books are nominated for the Fiction 5-9 prize