Victorian history helped inspire debut novel

Liz Hyder blogs about how a visit to a disused mine inspired her novel, Bearmouth, which draws on research into the working conditions of children in Victorian mines, and which has parallels with the exploitation of child workers in today's world.

I Am Thunder wins Branford Boase Award

Muhammad Khan and his editor Lucy Pearse of Macmillan Children's Books (pictured) have been announced as the winners of the 2019 Branford Boase Award, which celebrates debut authors and their editors. The award is now in its 20th year.

readingzone.com/index.php?zone=sz&page=interview&authorid=df7af2a2255a87ff360de10f7b6e1c96

Winner of Reigate & Banstead Writes

We're delighted to share the winning entry for the Reigate Writes competition among schools in Surrey, which was won by 12 year old Katy Adanaya from Warwick School.

New 'Skulduggery' adventure to give away!

We've three copies of Derek Landy's Bedlam to give away - in exchange for a review! Bedlam will be published by HarperCollins this month and is the 12th book in the Skulduggery Pleasant series.

Make a Picture Book Competition

We are inviting those aged four to 18 years to create their own picture book, with author and illustrator Steven Lenton (illus of Dinosaurs Don't Draw and The Nothing to See Here Hotel) choosing the winners!

readingzone.com/index.php?zone=sz&page=picture_book

Design a Book Token Competition

Win hundreds of pounds worth of book tokens for yourself and your school by designing a book token!

www.worldbookday.com/competitions/make-your-mark-design-a-national-book-token-competition-2019/

YA Book Prize shortlist announced

Louise O'Neill, who won the first YA Book Prize in 2015 with Only Ever Yours (Quercus), is once again shortlisted this year alongside authors Juno Dawson, Laura Dockrill, Muhammad Khan, Sara Barnard, Katherine Webber, Tom Pollock, Alice Oseman and Fiona Shaw.

Help choose the best books for children

Help find the best books of the year by voting for your favourites for the 2019 Children's Book Award. This is the only award in the UK where the winners are chosen by the readers - you!

www.childrensbookaward.org.uk/