Alexandra Palace is joining forces with local libraries, schools and bookshops to inspire a new generation of young bookworms, by this week launching Biblio-Buzz 2024 – the Alexandra Palace Children’s Book Award.
Biblio-Buzz is aimed at young people in north London aged nine to 12 years old, and challenges them to read the novels of six shortlisted authors, whilst taking on a series of literary challenges, including activities and roadshows in local schools and libraries.
Participants will then vote for their favourite book before attending an awards ceremony at the Alexandra Palace Theatre, plus a ceremony for the Haringey Library Service Award, where they will meet the authors, get their books signed and take part in workshops. Over 1,500 young people took part in this year’s campaign.
Biblio-Buzz 2024, runs from January until March next year, but with the shortlist announced today, those taking part are encouraged to get reading!
The 2024 shortlist is selected by a team of local school librarians, who are the founders of the Book Award:
- The Song Walker by Zillah Bethell
- Finn Jones Was Here by Simon James Green
- The Stories Grandma Forgot by Nadine Aisha Jassat
- Midwinter Burning by Tanya Landman
- City of Stolen Magic by Nazneen Ahmed Pathak
- Bite Risk by S.J. Wills
Emma Dagnes, Alexandra Park and Palace Charitable Trust CEO says: “As a charity, our Creative Learning programme is at the heart of our commitment to our community and Biblio-Buzz helps thousands of local young people immerse themselves in the world of books. It is fantastic to be announcing such a great shortlist of authors, they are sure to inspire the imaginations of all those taking part. We are really looking forward to working with the authors, local libraries, schools and book shops to take our young readers on a journey. Alongside workshops and challenges, we are particularly looking forward to welcoming everyone to our beautiful Theatre for the finale in March. We can’t wait to get started.”
Cllr Emily Arkell, Haringey Council Cabinet Member for Culture, Communities and Leisure, said: “I’m delighted to see Biblio-Buzz return for yet another year. Biblio-Buzz has become an essential part of the annual calendar here in Haringey and plays such a vital role in helping children develop a lifelong love of reading. It’s a great example of how our schools, libraries and voluntary sector can work together to help children learn and thrive.”
This year the official suppliers of Biblio-Buzz 2024 are Muswell Hill Children’s Bookshop and Pickled Pepper Books who are offering discounted packs of the shortlisted books to schools or individuals who take part in Biblio-Buzz.
If you are a young reader or a school looking to find out more about taking part in our literary challenge please email the team at learning@alexandrapalace.com
