Biblio-Buzz 2026
For Schools & Colleges only
Biblio-Buzz 2026 – the Alexandra Palace Children’s Book Award!
Biblio-Buzz is run by our Creative Learning team in partnership with the Muswell Hill Children’s Bookshop, Haringey Library Services, and local schools and is aimed at young people aged nine to 12 years old.
Participants are challenged to read six shortlisted texts – see the shortlist below! – before taking on a range of literary challenges and voting for their favourite book.
The young bookworms at participating schools will be invited to attend the awards ceremony at the Alexandra Palace Theatre on Friday 24 April, 2026. The ceremony will enable our young Biblio-Buzz readers to meet the authors, get their books signed, take part in workshops and Q&As, and discover which book they voted as their winner.
(Please note: the award ceremony at Alexandra Palace is only open to young people from schools registered in the programme through the Creative Learning team).
If you would like more information about Biblio-Buzz 2026 email us at learning@alexandrapalace.com
Biblio-Buzz receives generous support from the Tottenham Grammar School Foundation.
SHORTLIST
Chronicles of Whetherwhy, The Age of Enchantment by Anna James
In Whetherwhy, everyone has magic inside them – grown from the changing seasons of spring, summer, autumn and winter. But a rare few are Enchanters: people born with magic in their bones, who can wield all four seasons of magic.
When Juniper discovers she is an Enchanter, she must leave behind everything she knows to begin studying at the Thistledown Academy of Enchantment. Unwilling to be left behind, her twin brother, Rafferty, decides to follow her to the capital city of Stormgrove and takes up an apprenticeship at a nearby bookbinder.
As Juniper makes new friends and learns how to wield enchantment, Rafferty becomes involved with a mysterious secret society that meet after dark. Monsters are creeping out of the shadows and dangers lurk in unexpected places. Amid night markets and magic lessons, they both realise there is more to enchantment – and life in Whetherwhy – than they could ever have imagined.
Birdie by J.P. Rose
When Birdie is sent to live with her great-aunt in 1950s Yorkshire, she befriends the village’s last remaining pit pony. A story of hope and courage, exploring themes of family, racism and identity.
Having grown up in a children’s home for mixed race children in 1950s Leeds, now she has come to live with her great-aunt in the Yorkshire Dales. From her arrival, Birdie is treated like an outsider by the local children. When their bullying drives Birdie to hide in the nearby coal mine, she finds an unexpected rescuer in the form of Mr Duke, the last remaining pit pony in the village. As the weeks pass, Birdie forms a special bond with the spirited little pony. But his future is in danger, and Birdie comes up with a daring plan to save his life in return . . .
Fallout by Lesley Parr
Is Marcus’s fate decided by his family? Or can he stand up for himself to become the person he really wants to be?
Marcus has one brother in a youth offender centre and the other is working with their dad on plans for their next theft. Everyone assumes Marcus will follow in their footsteps, but he has other ideas, different hopes. When a mysterious accident lands a man in hospital, it confirms what everyone in their community expects and Marcus gets the blame. He feels trapped. Only new girl Emma – with her peace protest banners and political badges – questions this story. Can they work together to clear his name – and help Marcus become the person he really wants to be?
People Like Stars by Patrice Lawrence
Three 13-year-old strangers are connected by one big secret. Nervous Ayrton was stolen away from his mum as a baby. He was returned safely, but now Mum won’t let him out of her sight. Curious Stanley has a Forbidden Grandmother. His mum won’t even talk about her. Homeless Sen has finally found a place to live, but she’ll be out on the street if she upsets her secretive landlady. What happens when their paths cross…?
The Beck by Anthony McGowan
Kyle is less than happy about getting dumped at his eccentric old grandad’s on a Saturday afternoon.
Embarrassed by his grandad’s ratty old Elvis wig and his weird three-legged dog, Kyle thinks the day is going to be a nightmare until his grandad introduces him to the marvels in the beck at the bottom of his garden. Once filthy and full of rubbish, the stream has been cleaned up and is now home to some amazing creatures. But this magical world is under threat from a new development. Kyle’s grandad is determined to stop the builders and has an audacious plan to save the beck, but when he falls ill, will Kyle find the courage to carry it out by himself?
The Wrong Shoes by Tom Percival
There’s a bunch of kids in there and suddenly they’re all looking at me like someone who can actually do something, not just some weirdo with the wrong shoes and a rubbish coat . . .
Will has the wrong shoes – he’s always known it but doesn’t know how to change it. Navigating the difficulties of home and school when you feel you stick out is tough, but finding confidence with the help and empathy of friends can be all you need to see the way.
