Top author collecting award
An internationally acclaimed bestselling author is to get a literary award chosen by Staffordshire pupils. An internationally acclaimed bestselling author is to get a literary award chosen by Staffordshire pupils. More than 200 pupils from 24 county schools will see Malorie Blackman, author of the teenage title 'Checkmate', get the Staffordshire Young Teenage Fiction Award (YTF) tomorrow. The book, part of the 'Noughts and Crosses' trilogy about teenagers Callum and Sephy, was voted by Staffordshire youngsters as their favourite read. They will be able to aks Malorie about her life and works at a question and answer session at the presentation ceremony at Yarnfield Park Training and Conference Centre, Stone. Read the full story in the Express & Star.
More than 200 pupils from 24 county schools will see Malorie Blackman, author of the teenage title 'Checkmate', get the Staffordshire Young Teenage Fiction Award (YTF) tomorrow.
The book, part of the 'Noughts and Crosses' trilogy about teenagers Callum and Sephy, was voted by Staffordshire youngsters as their favourite read. They will be able to aks Malorie about her life and works at a question and answer session at the presentation ceremony at Yarnfield Park Training and Conference Centre, Stone.
The Staffordshire County Council award goes annually to the author of the book young people vote their favourite.
Maureen Compton, county councillor and cabinet support member for culture and heritage, said: "Traditionally, it's not easy to get young people reading, but this initiative has given them the opportunity and enthusiasm to do just that, and decide on their favourite book without any adult influence – something that isn't common to other book awards."
The 2007 award is underway with 11 to 14- year-olds nominating books they want on the shortlist. Information and voting forms are available online at: www.sln.org.uk/bookaward Schools at Thursday's event include: Alleynes High School, Stone; Blessed William Howard Catholic High and Sir Graham Balfour High, both Stafford.
Walton Priory School, Stone; Weston Road High School, Stafford; St Dominic's Priory School, Stone; Kingsmead Technology College, Cannock; Oldfields Hall Middle School, Uttoxeter; The Friary School, Lichfield; Brewood Middle School, Brewood; De Ferrers College, Burton; Ryecroft Middle, Thomas Alleyne's High, and Windsor Park Middle, all Uttoxeter.
Tamworth and Rawlett Community Sports College, Tamworth.
