CILIP Carnegie Medal 2020 shortlist – recommended for children aged 9-16+
Reading the CILIP Carnegie Medal 2020 shortlist of books is great for exploring new children’s and YA literature, expanding reading at home and helping develop a school library. It’s a diverse and interesting list this year.
The Black Flamingo by Dean Atta
A groundbreaking young adult novel about confidence, self-expression and identity. Written in verse, the story follows Michael from primary school through secondary school to university as he realises, navigates and then owns his personality as a young gay man – and the Black Flamingo of the Drag Society. A book that deserves to be in every secondary school library.
Nowhere on Earth by Nick Lake
Men are searching for two sibling survivors of a plane crash, but they don’t intend to rescue them. A gripping and surprising mystery delivered at an often breakneck pace. A surefire hit with KS3 and KS4.
Lark by Anthony McGowan
When Nick and Kenny get out for a walk on the moors away from family life, they find themselves caught in a freak and life-changing snowstorm. A short and accessible novel with bite, this is an ideal counterpoint to GCSE texts for pupils in years 10 and 11, either as a standalone novel, or studied as the final book in the ‘Truth of Things’ series.
Patron Saints of Nothing by Randy Ribay
The reasons given for Jun’s death don’t ring true for his cousin Jay – who is determined to find out what really happened and isn’t scared by what he might uncover. An emotionally charged and hard-hitting quest suitable for teens in years 8-11.
Lampie written by Annet Schaap, translated by Laura Watkinson
Pirates, mermaids and a mysterious monster feature in this atmospheric seafarer adventure set in the world of Lampie, a lighthouse keeper’s daughter. A modern fairytale with a fight for freedom, self and truth. Recommended for year 6-8.
Voyages in the Underworld of Orpheus Black by Marcus Sedgwick and Julian Sedgwick, illustrated by Alexis Deacon
An illustrated war time adventure told in pieces and layers – using time shifts, poetry, prose, accounts, pictures and atmosphere. When Harry thinks his brother Ellis might have been killed by a V2 bomb, he set out on a dangerous quest to find him. Ideal for book clubs in KS3.
On the Come Up by Angie Thomas
When Bri’s dreams of being a rap star come true and her first song goes viral, the media focus takes a sharp turn and her life pivots on the edge of a nightmare. Suddenly the success she craved becomes a necessity to save her life. A moving and intimate portrait.
Girl. Boy. Sea. by Chris Vick
Teenage Bill’s life is turned upside down when he is left adrift in the sea after his competition sailing yacht is lost in a storm. Aya is a Berber girl, fighting to stay hold of a floating barrel after falling from a migrant boat escaping to Europe. When Bill and Aya meet in the middle of the ocean an unlikely and captivating friendship forms. This book would make an excellent class reader for year 9 or 10.
2020 shortlist for the Kate Greenaway Medal – pictures books recommended for children aged 3-12
You’re Snug with Me by Poonam Mistry and Chitra Soundar
The Iron Man by Chris Mould and Ted Hughes
The Undefeated by Kadir Nelson and Kwame Alexander
The Suitcase by Chris Naylor Ballesteros
The Dam by Levi Pinfold and David Almond
Mary and Frankenstein by Júlia Sardà and Linda Bailey
Tales from the Inner City by Shaun Tan
Child of St Kilda by Beth WatersOrder all the books in this list
To order all the books in the Carnegie Medal 2020 and Kate Greenaway 2020 shortlists, or to bulk order class sets of books, click the button above.
Please respect copyright and don’t copy or reproduce our reviews. Thanks.
