The Young People's Book Prize aims to promote literacy in young people and inspire them to read about science. It also supports the writing of excellent, accessible STEM books for under-14s, and celebrates the books that spark curiosity, inspire discovery and bring science to life for young readers. As the UK's leading science book prize judged by young readers, it aims to strengthen science engagement, and encourage young people to read for pleasure. The Prize gives young people a voice and opportunity to vote for their favourite book.
Each year, a shortlist of six books is selected by an adult panel of experts. Copies of the six shortlisted books are purchased and distributed nationally to hundreds of schools and reading groups. In 2025, over 600 judging panels made up of more than 11,000 young people had the chance to read, discuss, and vote for their favourite to be crowned the winner.
Schools and youth groups can apply to be a judging panel to receive a set of the shortlisted books, along with judging guidance and resources to help them select their winner. Applications for judging panels will be open from 21 September until 2 November. Find out more about applying to be a school or youth group judging panel.
Young People's Book Prize 2026
The books shortlisted for the Young People's Book Prize 2026 have been unveiled. Selected by our expert panel of scientists, authors and teachers, the shortlist covers astrophysics, natural history, plant biology, space travel and chemistry. Find out more about the shortlisted books and the judging panel.
Successful judging panels in schools and youth groups across the UK will receive a set of the shortlisted books and will get to vote for their winner, which will be announced in June 2027.
The call for entries for the Young People's Book Prize 2026 was open from Monday 25 May 2026 until Monday 6 July 2026.
For 2026, prizes of up to a total of £22,500 will be awarded. A total of £10,000 will be awarded to the author(s) of the winning book, and £2,500 per book will be awarded to the author(s) of up to five shortlisted books.
Find out more about the Prize timeline.
2025 winner
The Wild Life of Dinosaurs and Other Prehistoric Animals by award-winning author Mike Barfield, illustrated by Paula Bossio, has been revealed as the winner of 蘑菇视频 Young People’s Book Prize 2025.
Panels of young judges, drawn from hundreds of schools, science centres, and community groups from across the UK, read the shortlisted books and declared their champion. The 2025 winner was announced at an where students from local schools and judging panels gathered to meet the shortlisted authors and crown their winner.
The Centre for Industry Education Collaboration has created a set of six school resources to use alongside the books that were shortlisted for 蘑菇视频’s Young People’s Book Prize 2025. Read more and download these free resources for teachers and students.
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