The Carnegies 2025

The Carnegies are the UK’s longest running and best-loved children’s book awards, recognising outstanding reading experiences created through writing and illustration in books for children and young people.

The Carnegie Medal for Writing is awarded by children’s librarians for an outstanding book written in English for children and young people. (Formerly known as the Carnegie Medal)

The Carnegie Medal for Illustration is awarded by children’s librarians for an outstanding book in terms of illustration for children and young people. (Formerly known as the Kate Greenaway Medal)

12th February 2025

Longlist Announced

11th March 2025

Shortlist Announced

19th June 2025

Winners Announced

WINNER 2025

Glasgow Boys

McDonald, Margaret ISBN: 9780571382972
Paperback / softback

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Two boys can't remember the last time they had a hug.

Meet Finlay. He's studying for his nursing degree at Glasgow University, against all the odds. But coming straight from care means he has no support network. How can he write essays, find paid work and NOT fall for the beautiful boy at uni, when he's struggling to even feed himself?

Meet Banjo. He's trying to settle in with his new foster family and finish high school. But he can't forget all that has happened, and his anger and fear keep boiling over. How can he hold on to the one good person in his life, when his outbursts keep threatening his already uncertain future? Can Finlay and Banjo let go of the past before it drags them under?

A beautifully written and moving book with unforgettable characters and a strong story. A must-read.

- Browns Books Synopsis

WINNER 2025

Clever Crow

Butterworth, Chris ISBN: 9781529504262
Paperback / softback

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For young bird-watchers and enthusiasts of the natural world comes a unique, surprising and beautifully illustrated non-fiction picture book about these fascinating birds. Whatever the changing seasons and evolving world presents to the crow, they use their adaptability, discerning memory and crafty problem-solving techniques to overcome every possible hurdle. Young readers will be bowled over by these unassuming creatures they come across every day, and will find a new-found respect for the birds that are smart, clever, crafty and playful, just like them. This original and accessible Nature Storybook will astonish children and grown-ups alike and will be a book to remember and share with friends.

With beautiful illustrations this is a fascinating book that will be loved by both children and adults, one to treasure.

- Browns Books Synopsis

Shadower’s Choice Winners

Parish, Theo ISBN: 9781035017621
Paperback / softback

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Lessore, Nathanael ISBN: 9781471413247
Paperback / softback

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Illustration Medal Shadower’s Choice Winner - Homebody

What's the T? Hello! I’m Theo. I like cats, Dungeons & Dragons . . . and I’m trans and non-binary. Ever since I was young, I’ve been on a journey to explore who I am. To discover the things that make me . . . me. Sometimes it can feel like the world is trying to fit you into a box, to label you one way or another, but there is nothing more wonderful than finding your true authentic self, whoever you are. Whether you are transgender or cisgender, we are all searching for ways to make our houses feel like homes . . . In Homebody, Theo tells the heartwarming story of discovering how to live life on their own terms through beautiful illustrations and lyrical text.

An affecting and inspiring book with the moving text brought to life by fantastic illustrations.

 

Writing Medal Shadower’s Choice Winner - King of Nothing

ANTON AND HIS FRIENDS ARE THE KINGS OF YEAR 9. They're used to ruling the school and Anton wears the crown. The other kids run away when he's about but that's the way he wants it - he's got a reputation to live up to after all. So when he gets into serious trouble at school, he doesn't really care, but his mum most definitely does. She decides it's time for Anton to make some new friends and join the Happy Campers, a local activity group. Anton would quite literally rather do anything else, especially when he finds out Matthew, the biggest loser in school, is also a member. But after Matthew unexpectedly saves Anton's life, Anton figures maybe this kid is worth a shot. Teaching him some game is the least Anton can do to repay the debt. As the boys strike up an unlikely friendship, Anton finds himself questioning everything he thought was important. Does he want ruling the school to be his crowning glory or should he set his sights on better things?

An hilarious and moving book from a hugely talented author and the perfect teen read.

- Browns Books Synopsis

Nominations, Longlists, Shortlists and Winners for the 2024 Carnegie Medals for Writing and Illustration, and Shadower’s Choice Awards can be found here