Carnegie Medal 2021 shortlist – recommended for children aged 9-16+
Carnegie Medal 2021 – reading the CILIP Carnegie Medal 2021 and Kate Greenaway shortlists of books is great for exploring new children’s and YA literature, expanding reading at home and helping develop a school library. It’s an adventurous, escapist and imaginative list this year.
Clap When You Land by Elizabeth Acevedo
A tour-de-force told through two very different and absorbing characters: Yahaira, who lives in New York, and Camino who spends summers in the Dominican Republic with her father. After a tragic plane crash, they not only have to deal with loss but the realization that they shared the same father and that their lives will never be the same. A great novel for summer term book clubs in KS4.
The Girl Who Speaks Bear by Sophie Anderson
This enchanting and inspiring tale will take upper KS2 readers on a fantastic journey through mysterious villages and mountains, with dangerous treks and extraordinary friendships. Yanka the Bear’s quest to find out about herself is both memorable and captivating. This is a great class reader for children looking at myths, legends or descriptive writing.
The Girl Who Became A Tree by Joseph Coelho
Teen Daphne’s acute sense of loss after her father’s death pervades this story, told in a distinctive narrative verse style. However, she finds solace in reading, finding out about, and pondering her existence. Based on the Greek myth, this is a seminal young adult lockdown era read.
On Midnight Beach by Marie-Louise Fitzpatrick
During the long hot summer of 1976, Emer and her friend Fee fall in love with Carrig Cove in Donegal. But as the dolphin they discover and swim up to becomes more and more well-known, tensions build in the village. A spellbinding and memorable young adult novel. The perfect summer holiday read for teens in KS3 and KS4.
Run, Rebel by Manjeet Mann
This series of poignant poems interweave to form a harrowing and compelling account of Amber’s broken, unhappy and dysfunctional home life; and how she fights back. An ideal book to discuss in KS3 and KS4 book clubs.
Look Both Ways by Jason Reynolds
This series of short stories – all about characters from the same school and how they perceive and experience life – will resonate with UKS2 and KS3 readers. Accessible and involving, this is a book with sufficient bite to elicit valuable discussion in PSHE lessons.
The Fountains Of Silence by Ruta Sepetys
This dark love story set in post-war Franco-era Spain follows Daniel, a young photographer, and Ana, a nurse. Caught in love and danger, the lovers discover secrets best kept silent. A cracking historical novel that older teens will relate to and enjoy.
Echo Mountain by Lauren Wolk
Mystery, fantasy, history and hope combine in this bewitching and atmospheric novel suitable for children aged 9-12. Can Ellie overcome a family tragedy and cope with living in a new and unfamiliar place? Full of rich and evocative language, this would be a great book to study in years 5 or 6.
2021 shortlist for the Kate Greenaway Medal – pictures books recommended for children aged 3-12
Starbird by Sharon King-Chai
The Bird Within Me by Sara Lundberg
It’s A No-Money Day by Kate Milner
How The Stars Came To Be by Poonam Mistry
Hike by Pete Oswald
I Go Quiet by David Ouimet
Arlo The Lion Who Couldn’t Sleep by Catherine Rayner
Small In The City by Sydney SmithPrevious Carnegie and Kate Greenaway shortlists: Carnegie 2020 shortlist, Carnegie 2019 shortlist, Carnegie 2018 shortlist, Carnegie 2017 shortlist, Carnegie 2016 shortlist.
Further details about the Carnegie Medal 2021 shortlist and the Kate Greenaway 2021 award shortlist from the CILIP website.
Read about more Children’s Literature Awards
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