Books to broaden young minds: Shortlist announced for only UK award for educational writing

What better than a shortlist of books up for a children’s non-fiction award this stormy #NNFN evening?

The five titles on the shortlist for the 2015 Educational Writers’ Award, announced today, are outstanding examples of non-fiction books which broaden the horizons of readers aged 5-11years, as they illuminate young minds about animal food chains, the intricacies of maths, the First World War, the vastness of space and our own wide world. They are:

Who Eats Who? Author: Teresa Heapy, Illustrator: Rebecca Elliott (Publisher: Oxford University Press)

Marvellous Maths Author: Jonathan Litton, Illustrator: Thomas Flintham (Publisher: Templar)

Dear Jelly: Family Letters from the First World War Author: Sarah Ridley (Publisher: Franklin Watts)

Space Record Breakers Author: Anne Rooney (Publisher: Carlton Kids)

Atlas of Adventures Author: Rachel Williams, Illustrator: Lucy Letherland (Publisher: Wide Eyed Editions, Aurum Press)

The Educational Writers’ Award was established in 2008 by the Authors’ Licensing & Collecting Society and the Society of Authors ‘to celebrate educational writing that inspires creativity and encourages students to read widely’.

This year’s judges are school librarian Caroline Gosden; headteacher Michael Schumm; and author Cath Senker.

The winner of the 2015 Educational Writers’ Award will be announced at the All Party Writers Group Winter Reception at the House of Commons on Tuesday 1st December. The winning author will receive a cheque for £2,000.