Salford Children's Book Award 2003

The Shortlist

Philip Ardagh: Fall of Fergal
Malorie Blackman: Dead Gorgeous
Kevin Brooks: Martyn Pig
Georgia Byng: Molly Moon’s Incredible Book of Hypnotism
Alan Gibbons: The Edge
Anthony Horowitz: Skeleton Key
Nicky Singer: Feather Boy

The Winner - Georgia Byng: Molly Moon’s Incredible Book of Hypnotism

The Ceremony

This was the first Salford Children’s Book Award, with fifteen Salford high schools taking part. Reading groups were formed and they organised a number of activities including book competitions, designing book marks and creating powerpoint presentations about their groups, as well as reading all the books on the shortlist.

The ceremony was held at The Lowry on 22 January 2004.
Four of the shortlisted authors, Kevin Brooks, Alan Gibbons, Malorie Blackman and Georgia Byng attended and spoke about their books and listened as pupils reviewed their favourite titles. They also stayed for a while after the ceremony to sign copies of their books. Martin Chatterton, who designed the Salford Children's Book Award logo also attended and was presented with a gift in thanks. Towards the end of the ceremony the winner was announced and Georgia Byng was presented with a pen and ink drawing of L.S. Lowry by local artist Harold Riley.
Accepting the award from Councillor Barry Warner Georgia said, “I’m completely shocked and surprised. Thanks to everyone, especially the young people that have taken the time to read all the books and vote for their favourite. Reading is a wonderful thing. It takes you out of yourself and makes you feel better when you get back. Keep reading and keep your imagination bubbling”.

This page was last updated on 7 October 2009