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This year was a special year for the Awards. It was 20 years since the first award involved a few schools in the city. This year well over 5,000 young people were involved in the field testing of the 18 short-listed books. All the hard work had been doneand the celebration could start.

60 students from Hinde House were part of the 1,500 strong crowd. Which title would win? Which authors would be there? Eventually the noise inside the hall hushed as the awards began. As each winner was announced the winners were greated with wild applause and much stamping of feet.

The overall winner was 'Beware Killer Tomatoes' by Jeremy Strong. The longer novels winner was 'Before I Die' by Jenny Downham.Both authors were there to collect their prizes. We were also lucky to be entertained by Children's Laurete Michael Rosen. After the ceremony students could get books signed by their favourite authors. 

In the afternoon the Primary Phase were invited to a session by Michael Rosen whilst the Secondary Phase went to Firth Park Library to meet author Alice Kuipers. Alice had written the Community Award winner 'Life on the Refrigerator Door', had flown in from Canada especially for the occasion. Alice read from her book and answered students questions. As usual Hinde House students asked some really good questions.