2017 CILIP Carnegie Medal Shortlisted Books

2017 shortlist for the CILIP Carnegie Medal 2017 – recommended for children aged 10-14+

This list of shortlisted books for the CILIP Carnegie medal 2017 is ideal for children’s and teen summer reading choices and class readers for years 6-10.

Carnegie Medal shortlisted books:

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Sputnik’s Guide to Life on Earth by Frank Cottrell Boyce

Sputnik, an Alien disguised as a dog, arrives at Prez’s foster home and causes instant chaos with toys and household appliances. Seemingly only Prez can understand him and the two embark on an epic quest. Funny, imaginative, and ideal for pupils in years 5 and 6 at primary school.

Sputnik's Guide to Life on Earth by Frank Cottrell Boyce


The Bone Sparrow by Zana Fraillon

Subhi has lived his entire life in a refugee camp, with no experience of the outside world. When he strikes up a relationship with Jimmie on the other side of the fence, his hopes and aspirations change in a heartrending story about survival and friendship. Ideal for children aged 11-13.

The Bone Sparrow by Zana Fraillon


The Smell of Other People’s Houses by Bonnie-Sue Hitchcock

A unique collection of interconnecting viewpoints. The lives of four children and their experiences growing up in Alaska are revealed to the reader in this clever mesh of love-hate relationships and bittersweet experiences. Ideal for pupils aged 13-16 in secondary school.

The Smell of Other People's Houses by Bonnie-Sue Hitchcock


The Stars at Oktober Bend by Glenda Millard

A beautifully written and unlikely love story about fifteen year old Alice, the victim of a traumatic brain injury; and Manny, an orphaned victim of war.

The Stars at Oktober Bend by Glenda Millard


Beck by Mal Peet with Meg Rossoff

When Beck’s mother dies, he is transported from Liverpool to rural Canada and placed in a home run by the Catholic Brothers. His life is now one of forced labour, but he escapes and embarks on an inspiring road trip across 20th century America.

Beck by Mal Peet with Meg Rossoff


Railhead by Philip Reeve

Zen lives in a spectacular world where always on time super trains zip between stars and planets. Suddenly his shoplifting and burglary skills might be what’s needed to save the world. A great science fiction / fantasy novel for those who liked Mortal Engines.

Railhead by Philip Reeve


Salt to the Sea by Ruta Sepetys

An epic WW2 story of hope, escape and survival. Told from the perspectives of characters united by nothing but fear and a quest for freedom, this book is an excellent addition to young adult libraries. Based on a true story.

alt to the Sea by Ruta Sepetys


Wolf Hollow by Lauren Wolk

When a girl in a quiet, close-knit community disappears, Toby – an unassuming boy who doesn’t fit in – is instantly and unfairly suspected. There’s no smoke without fire, the townsfolk say – and all manner of nasty prejudices and rumours spread. A great counterpoint for pupils studying ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’.

Wolf Hollow by Lauren Wolk


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About Tom Tolkien

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Tom Tolkien is a highly qualified (BA Hons, PGCE, QTS) children's literature expert and teacher with over 25 years of experience. He has led inset courses, developed curriculum materials, spoken at conferences, advised on longlisting for several international children's literature literature awards and written for educational publishers including contributing to a BETT award-nominated app. Social profiles: X | Linkedin