Waterstones Children's Book Prize for Older Readers

The aim of the prize is to reward and champion new and emerging children’s writers, voted for by booksellers. For the 2023 prize, books must be new during 2022. There are three categories: Illustrated Books, Books for Younger Readers and Books for Older Readers.

WINNER 2024

Thieves' Gambit

Lewis, Kayvion ISBN: 9781398522121
Paperback / softback

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Challenge: Join the Thieves’ Gambit, a cut-throat competition to crown the world’s greatest thief Rule 1: Never fall in love with your opponent Rule 2: The only thief you can trust is yourself Endgame: Win the heist to save your family - and yourself . . . Seventeen-year-old Rosalyn Quest was raised by a legendary family of thieves with one rule: trust no one. When her mother is kidnapped, her only chance to save her is to win the Thieves’ Gambit – a deadly competition for the world’s best thieves, where the victor is granted one wish. To win, she must outwit all of her backstabbing competitors, including her childhood archnemesis. But can she take victory from the handsome, charming boy who makes a play for her heart and might be hiding the most dangerous secret of all?

- Browns Books Synopsis

No more than one previously published title of any fiction genre worldwide (educational titles are exempt). The title must make sense as a standalone novel. If the title is illustrated, and the illustrator matches submission criteria for Illustrated Books, then the illustrator will be considered eligible for this category. Narrative non-fiction is also eligible for submission.