Pupils from across East Sussex pick winning book

Hercules: The Diary of a (Sort Of) Hero by Tom Vaughan was revealed as this year’s winner at a special awards ceremony held earlier this week at the De La Warr Pavilion in Bexhill.

Written as a series of diary entries, the book is the first in the author’s acclaimed Hercules series.

Telling the tale of Hercules Braver’s challenge to survive his new secondary school and live up to his name, the book is a poignant yet hilarious story full of mythical magic and real-world mayhem.

Winning author Tom Vaughan said: “It is an absolute total honour to win the award, especially as I grew up in Sussex.

“Winning this award is super, super special because it’s voted for by the children.

“There is no greater honour than when I see kids picking up Hercules and enjoying his exploits and adventures. It touches my heart that children are reading it.”

Since December children aged 8 to 11 from across the county have been reading six shortlisted books before voting for their favourite last month.

300 pupils from 14 primary schools attended the awards event on Tuesday, June 10 to see which of the shortlisted titles would be crowned the eventual winner.

Children from Stafford Junior School in Eastbourne were among those who took part this year, reading all six shortlisted books and performing at the event.

One year 6 pupil from the school said: “I really enjoyed the Book Award as I never thought I’d pick up some of the books that we got to read and I actually quite enjoyed them.”

Another also enjoyed reading different books: “The Book Award has made me read books I might not like and encouraged me to read on. I’ve read different books from what I usually might read.”

Discussing the books after they had read them also appealed to the children.

One child commented: “I liked that we got to discuss the books after we read them so we don’t just get our own thoughts, we get other people’s as well.”

A fellow pupil agreed: “I liked being able to read lots of books, hear other people’s opinions and it’s really improved my vocabulary.”

As part of the award, over 1400 children attended author events at local schools where they had the opportunity to meet this year’s shortlisted authors and hear them read excerpts from their books.

The award ceremony also included the presentation of prizes to children who entered competitions to write the best book review and creative writing piece and design a book cover or draw their favourite literary scene.

Councillor Claire Dowling, from East Sussex County Council, said: “Every year the Children’s Book Award promotes a love of reading and encourages our local school children to read by highlighting six fabulous books.

“I am delighted that so many pupils have been involved in this year’s award, from reading the books and casting their votes to attending author talks and creating their own alternative book covers.

“Congratulations to Tom. This year’s shortlist has been one of the most exciting ever and shows the wonderful and varied stories being written for children today.”

All the shortlisted books are available to borrow for free from East Sussex libraries.

The East Sussex Children’s Book Award is an annual competition run by East Sussex Libraries that aims to introduce children to new children’s authors and encourage a ‘county wide conversation’ about books.

For more information on the Award and the shortlisted books visit www.eastsussex.gov.uk/escba