About the Carnegie Medal
Every year the search begins for the writer who will be awarded this most treasured prize for children's books. The Carnegie Medal is awarded to the writer of book for children of outstanding literary quality. It is awarded by the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals (CILIP) who set up the award in 1935 in memory of the Scottish philanthropist, Andrew Carnegie. Books are nominated by children's librarians. They are read and assessed and the longlist of about 30 books was announced at the beginning of the year.
The Shadowing Scheme
Carnegie shadowersShadowing the Carnegie has become an annual event in Abingdon School Library's calendar. The shadowing scheme involves a group of Lower School boys who:
- read the shortlisted titles during the same period as the national judges
- meet regularly to discuss and assess them by the same criteria
- write reviews and post them on CILIP's website
In doing so, they take part in a national scheme which this year involved over 30,000 school children. Locally, they have the opportunity to be involved in the 'Abingdon Forum' with five other Abingdon schools who meet to discuss the shortlist and finally to vote for their winner.
Abingdon School's reviews can be found on the Carnegie Greeaway web site.
The Art department through the 4th year (year10) graphics set is also shadowing the Kate Greenaway medal, given for the best illustrated children's book. Details can be found on the Abingdon Study site.
Benefits of the Scheme
- It gives the boys an opportunity to try new authors and genres
- They can read the new titles before they are available to others in the school.
- It broadens their experience of what makes a 'good read', refining reviewing skills.
- They have the chance to meet with members of other schools involved (Fitzharry's, John Mason, Larkmead, Our Lady's Convent, and St Helens), which serves to widen the discussions.
Above all it achieves the main aim TO ENCOURAGE READING FOR PLEASURE.