Shadowing registration for the 2026 Awards is now open.
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Engaging, inspiring and free to join!
Every spring, CILIP invites reading groups from schools, libraries, and homes to join the exciting process of shadowing the Carnegie Medals – a unique opportunity for children and young people to engage with outstanding books and experience a national book award from the inside.
From 11th March 2026, shadowing invites young readers to read, discuss, and review books selected by the independent, librarian-led judging panel, helping them to develop reading for pleasure, critical thinking, and confidence in sharing their opinions.
In 2026, shadowing includes two ways to take part, making it easier than ever for groups of all ages to participate.
We want to help you decide which type of shadowing will work best for your group. Some groups may choose one option; others may engage with both.
| Age-Inclusive Longlist Shadowing | Shortlist Shadowing | |
|---|---|---|
| Who it’s for | Groups of all ages | Groups able to engage with the shortlisted titles (announced 10th March 2026) |
| Book selection | You choose age-appropriate books from the longlist | You shadow books from the Writing and/or Illustration shortlists |
| Pre-order availability | Full longlist book packs can be pre-ordered from Scholastic. The build-your-own longlist packs will be available to order from Scholastic from 11th March. | Shortlist book packs can be pre-ordered from Scholastic to arrive on announcemnt day |
| Age guidance provided | Yes | Yes |
| Book pages for shadowers to write reviews | Yes | Yes |
| Shadowers’ Vote | No | Yes – vote in the Shadowers’ Choice Awards |
| Resources | Longlist-level shadowing resources for each book | Full suite of resources, videos and publicity pack materials |
| Timeframe | 11th March – 23rd June 2026 | 11th March – 23rd June 2026 |
| How to sign up | Here | Here |
Group leaders aren’t asked to indicate which option they are shadowing, so you can sign up your group and decide later.
Our new age-inclusive longlist shadowing offer allows groups of any age – from early readers to young adults – to take part.
Group leaders can select longlisted books that are appropriate for their readers, using clear age guidance, and create a shadowing experience that works for their setting.
👉 Find out more about age-inclusive longlist shadowing
From mid-March, shadowing groups can also take part in our established shortlist shadowing scheme.
Shadowers read, discuss, and review books from:
Groups can choose to shadow one or both shortlists.
Shadowers share their thoughts online and take part in the Shadowers’ Choice Awards in May, voting for their favourites. The winners are revealed alongside the judges’ medals at a livestreamed ceremony in mid-June.
With thousands of groups taking part each year in the UK and internationally, shadowing engages tens of thousands of young readers.
The shadowing process begins in mid-March, following the shortlist announcement.
The shortlisted books can be easily pre-ordered from our official book supplier, Scholastic.
Participating shortlist shadowing groups receive free access to:
*Free materials can be ordered when registering for shadowing before February 2026.