Royal Society Young People's Book Prize

The Young People's Book Prize aims to promote literacy in young people and to inspire them to read about science. It also supports the writing of excellent, accessible STEM books for under-14s. We are delighted to announce this year’s shortlist, from inspiring inventors in past and present history and the incredible world of plants, to the wonders of the night sky, discover the full list below.

The Royal Society Young People’s Book Prize is awarded for the previous year, for example, in 2023 the 2022 Award will be voted for, and announced.

WINNER 2024

Can You Get Rainbows in Space?

Kanani, Dr Sheila ISBN: 9780241519738
Paperback / softback

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Why is blood red? Why are carrots orange? Who invented the lightbulb? Why is the world 'going green'? Is the sky really blue? And what is ultraviolet light?

You'll discover the answers to these questions - and many more - in this incredible collection of scientific facts about colour. We'll talk about light (the most important thing) and waves (not the kind you see at the beach - though you will learn why the sea looks blue!). You'll find out how some animals are able to glow in the dark and how others change their colours to hide from predators. Keep reading to discover why leaves change colour in the autumn, why your veins look blue but your blood is red, and how the language we use shapes the colours we see . . . And you'll even be taught by a real astronomer, Dr Sheila Kanani, exactly how to make a rainbow - in space.

Take an extraordinary trip over the rainbow in this fascinating book packed with amazing facts and engaging illustrations.

- Browns Books Synopsis

An expert adult judging panel meet in April each year to choose a shortlist of their favourite science books written in the previous year. Once the six best books have been selected we hand over the task of picking a winner to those who know best – groups of young people aged up to 14 across the UK.