Salford Children’s Book Awards encourages children to get excited by reading

The power of storytelling and reading was celebrated for young people in the city at the 22nd annual Salford Children’s Book Awards. 

The awards were held on Tuesday 24 June, and gave children from Salford schools the opportunity to vote for their favourite book from six exceptional shortlisted authors.

Founded in 2003 and organised by Salford Schools’ Library Service, a part of Salford Community Leisure, the awards were arranged to inspire young readers across the city by offering a diverse and exciting range of book.

And for the 22nd annual awards were brought together over 150 students from local high schools at the the University of Salford’s New Adelphi Theatre.

For the Salford Children’s Book Awards, children were given the opportunity to do presentations about their favourite books and ask the authors questions about their creative writing processes, inspirations and journeys as writers.

Salford school children had the chance to choose from The Boy Who Fell from the Sky by Benjamin Dean, Quiet Storm, written by Kimberly Whittam, and Code Name Kingfisher, by Liz Kessler.

As well as Just Like Everyone Else, by Sarah Hagger-Holt, Dead Lock by Simon Fox, and Steady for This, written by Nathanael Lessore.

Following the votes from the Salford pupils, the 2025 award winner was Kimberly Whittam for her inspiring book, Quiet Storm.

Kimberly said, “I have always been shy, and I wanted to write this book to encourage people to be brave and pursue their dreams—you can achieve anything you set your mind to.”

She added, “It’s been wonderful to hear the children speak so warmly about my book.”

And children were able to celebrate reading and the books themselves, as they were offered the chance to meet the authors in person and get their books signed.

Hannah Quinlan, Head of Salford Libraries, reflected on the significance of the Award: “Since it began the Children’s Book Award has provided over 4500 books to Salford Schools.

“It is so rewarding to hear the children get excited about the books they have read. This award always means so much the authors as it is the children themselves who choose the winner.”

The awards shows Salford Libraries commitment to inspiring and engaging all young people across the city and get them excited about reading and writing.

More information can be found here.