The 2010 Award for Educational Writing shortlist highlights humour, scholarship and lateral thinking for 12-18 year olds.
The shortlist comprises four outstanding titles:
- A Really Short History of Nearly Everything by Bill Bryson, abridged and edited by Felicia Law (Diverta Ltd) (Doubleday)
- Shakespeare on Toast by Ben Crystal (Icon Books)
- Do You Think You’re Clever? by John Farndon (Icon Books)
- A Slice of Pi by Liz Strachan, illustrated by Steven Appleby (Constable)
"This award shines the spotlight on the hugely important area of educational non-fiction publishing," says Paula Johnson of the Society of Authors. “The four titles shortlisted are fine examples of the very real creativity to be found amongst those who write to inspire young learners aged 12 – 18 years.”
ALCS and the Society of Authors created this award in 2008 to ‘celebrate educational writing that inspires creativity and encourages students to read widely and build up their understanding of a subject beyond the requirements of exam specifications.’ It is the only UK Award that focuses on educational non-fiction. It is made annually for an outstanding example of traditionally published single volume work, with or without illustration, for the specified age group. The age group alternates each year; this year’s focus is on works for 12 – 18 year olds and in 2011 the focus returns to works for 5-11 year olds.
“This is the third year of the Educational Writers Award and we are delighted to be continuing our support,” says ALCS deputy CEO, Barbara Hayes. “We hope that by highlighting the importance of quality in educational non-fiction we will inspire creative choices by both publishers as well as writers in this field. At ALCS our membership consists of writers from every genre however educational writers remain the largest sector of that community.”
The winner of the 2010 award will be announced on 7th December at the All Party Writers Group (APWG) Christmas Reception at the House of Commons when Lord Hill, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Schools , will present a cheque for £2,000 to the winner.
The 2010 judging panel includes three educational experts: school librarian Maggie Campbell, teacher Louise Gerrard and writer Stewart Ross.
The deadline for submission for the 2011 award for the 5 – 11 year age group is 1st June 2011.