Berkshire Book Award

The Berkshire Children’s Book Award was launched in 2004 for the best, recently published book written for young people.  This Award is the first of its kind in Berkshire and differs from similar Award schemes by enabling young people to both nominate the titles and select the winner. Thousands of young people from over 90 Berkshire schools and public libraries have taken part.

Participation in the award is open to all young teens living or studying in Berkshire through secondary schools and public libraries.  

WINNER 2025

Running Away for Beginners

Illis, Mark ISBN: 9780702329937
Paperback / softback

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You can't run from bad news. Or can you?

Jasper was just diagnosed with cancer. His treatment starts in a week, and in the meantime his parents want him to carry on as normal. Jasper knows that's impossible. His friends help to organize a weekend trip to get away from everything that's happened and clear his mind. It'll be like running away for beginners, they joke. On the journey, they come to understand each other better as everyone's secrets come out. Except Jasper doesn't tell his friends his own secret: that when the return journey begins, he won't be going with them. A funny, heartfelt journey of a book, with vivid friendship dynamics and an unforgettable protagonist and narrator facing devastating news This story was inspired by Mark Illis's own experiences from when he was a teen diagnosed with cancer.

- Browns Books Synopsis