Bolton School is delighted to announce that the winner of the Bolton Children’s Fiction Award 2024 is ‘When I see Blue’ by Lily Bailey.
Bolton School’s Library staff thought this description of ‘When I See Blue’, written by Bolton School Girls’ Division student Isla, was an excellent summary as to why the book was chosen as this year’s winner:
‘Not only did this book really show me what it’s like to have OCD and completely change my understanding of it, it was also a well written story with fun, twists and excitement. This book was one of the most realistic step-inside-your-mind type books I have ever read. At one point I think I might have convinced myself I was Ben! It really showed me his life and experiences and made me understand OCD far better. But it wasn’t just about that, it also had some great plot points and a very exciting ending!’
Winner Lily Bailey said in her virtual acceptance speech: ‘This has been such a wonderful Awards to be a part of, and when I came to speak to you, you all just made me feel so welcome and just asked the most brilliant questions and were so open with sharing your experiences.
‘I just want to say a big thank you again for all of the love you’ve shown for ‘Blue’ and for being so engaged and brilliant. Thank you to both your fantastic librarians, Mrs Caller and Mrs Howarth, and Ebb & Flo Bookshop, and all the members of staff who came together to just foster a love of reading and make this event the wonderful event that it has been.
‘Also, I know I said this when I visited, but just being shorlisted with Phil Earle and SF Said is a big deal for me, because they’re authors I really look up to. So congratulations to them again for being on your wonderful list! Big, big thank you from the bottom of my heart, thank you.’
Following consultation with local participating schools, the Bolton Children’s Fiction Award (BCFA) had a different format this year with a shortlist of three books and a celebration day held in March, where students met and engaged with the authors both virtually and in person. Read more about the Celebration Day.
The book shortlisted for 2024 were: ‘When I See Blue’ by Lily Bailey, ‘While the Storm Rages’ by Phil Earle and ‘Tyger’ by SF Said. Read about the launch of BCFA 2024 and find out more about the shortlisted books.
The shortlist was selected by Bolton School Library staff to stretch pupils’ reading experiences and to introduce them to new authors and genres. While all quite distinct titles, they also have common themes running through them: developing a sense of identity, of friendship and overcoming adversity. They were picked as being some of the best contemporary Middle Grade novels.
Library staff are currently compiling a longlist of six books for interested staff and students to read over the summer holidays. The longlist will be revealed in due course: should you wish to join in, please keep an eye on the @BSchLibrary account on X or get in touch with Bolton School Library. The shortlist for 2025 will be selected from this longlist. Look out for the launch of next year’s award in October!
Pupils with Lily Bailey on the Celebration Day in March:
More photos from the Celebration Day in March:
