St Kaths

King of Nothing
Although I did not particularly enjoy Steady For This last year, I surprised myself by really enjoying this book. I found it much easier to read and rich in language than the 2024 nominee, and I loved the way it dealt with very heavy themes in an understandable yet sophisticated way. I also preferred the main character, as he was more aware of the issues he was experiencing by the end of the book, although this awareness did increase hugely throughout. The thoughtful way that Anton is portrayed also wills the reader to want happiness and safety, gripping me from start to finish, though the storyline was relatively predictable. Overall, I would definitely recommend as I really enjoyed.

Eve

Treacle Town
A really good, hard-hitting book showing the troubles many children face and highlighting how we should not take any support for granted.

Finn

All That It Ever Meant
A moderately good book that showed the interaction between characters very well however needed to have a quicker pace. I also did not particularly enjoy the plot so that may have clouded my judgement.

Finn

Play
An amazing book on masculinity told through multiple perspectives entirely different to each other, and an unexpected ending entirely. Thoroughly enjoyed.

Elsie

Glasgow Boys
The storyline was very good and made you want to read on however occasionally the switches between characters confuse and I had to re read it a few times to understand.

Finn

The Things We Leave Behind
This was a really beautiful and important book that illustrates a far-right dystopian England and Wales in such a raw and impactful way. It arguably has much higher significance due to the rise of Nigel Farage and Donald Trump's presidency, and invokes a huge amount of empathy for refugees and those living in authoritarian countries, by bringing it closer to home. It also explores grief in a really sensitive and unique style, and has one of the most beautiful endings I have ever read. Overall, I would definitely recommend this book, as one that I couldn't put down.

Eve

Little Bang
I loved this book! The small science extracts and references to real problems made it an engaging read that I really enjoyed. From the mixed emotions to the contrasting opinions, this book was cleverly put together. Would definitely recommend!

Livie

Glasgow Boys
I think that this book was based a really good concept, but it often felt quite jolting due to being a dual narrative in third person, and the emotions may have been better conveyed in the first person. However, once the reader was introduced to the style, it became more readable as the plot progressed and I began to enjoy it around halfway through, possibly because more context was given. A multitude of sensitive themes are covered too, really detailing the complexities of the care system and how many are left feeling abandoned. Overall, I quite enjoyed this book, but thought that it got better as it went on.

Eve

Treacle Town
This book was pretty good. It started well, then slowed in the middle but I really enjoyed the end. It really made you feel for Con when he finally broke through the 'treacle'!

Wilf

The Things We Leave Behind
This book was a great read. It tells the tale of Clem's journey to Scotland to escape the civil unrest in London and I personally loved it.

Plum

King of Nothing
This book was a good read to see life from different angles. From the charactors to the emotions I thought this book was well put together. However, I think the ending could have been a bit slower paced. It was quite confusing.

Livie

King of Nothing
I didn't end up finishing this book. I personally didn't enjoy the way it was written. Not a bad book at all, I just personally didn't enjoy the story.

Ria

Little Bang
This was an amazing book, and the best one I have read of the Carnegies so far. The dual narrative explores the different perspectives on abortion (as a result of teenage pregnancy) and the misogynistic double standards present, although even more opinions and reasons could be viewed through more perspectives being described. However, this would likely make the book confusing and take away from the characters' experiences. The perfectly balanced pace allowed there to be moments of internal monologue and reflection, but ensured that the story always flowed, making it really hard to put down. Considering the right to abortion has now been taken from many women in the US on a high profile scale, the novel is also very relevant politically, and it astonished me that abortion was only legalised in Northern Ireland in 2019. Overall, I really enjoyed this book and would definitely recommend.

Eve

The Things We Leave Behind
This is my favourite of the Carnegies so far! It was a bit confusing as there were 3-4 different story lines being told at one point. However, I thought it was beautifully written and would definitely recommend to lots of people!

Livie

Glasgow Boys
I loved this book. It was so moving, so heart-breaking, but so, so, so, good

Wilf

The Final Year
This was a really beautiful and varied book. The easy, flowing style that is vital in a verse novel was enhanced by the use of dialect that made the reader empathise with the characters. It also included some beautiful sections of the poems that the main character writes. Overall, I think this is a really good read for all ages, and I am glad to have had the opportunity to read this book that is able to be read by slightly younger readers.

Eve

The Final Year
I honestly thought that I wouldn't like this book, as I don't like poetry. But it surprised me at how good it was. Would definitely read again!

Ria

All That It Ever Meant
A bit confusing at times but overall a great read.

Plum

King of Nothing
I loved this book. It shows how people that seem big and tough on the outside actually share the same emotions as you and can be just as scared or anxious or caring as the next person. The book also shows that anyone can change no matter their past actions or deeds and how unlikely relationships can stike about this change.

Wilf

The Final Year
I think that this book was excellent. You really bond with the characters, feel the raw emotions, and get a feel of what it is like to be in Nate's shoes. The story line is also really realistic and life-like and I love the way the author describes things from a 10-year-old's point of view e.g. 'The Beast'. An all- round success.

Wilf

King of Nothing
A really good book showing the struggle of how to stand up against your friends and how to overcome misogyny.

Finn

Play
A really good book exploring how devastating drugs are for children. Great read that made you always want to read on.

Finn

The Final Year
This was an interesting read that started a bit slow. However, near the end, it became engaging yet also quite sad. The style suited it beaautifully.

Livie

The Things We Leave Behind
It was a good book that showed how families are affected when things pull them apart. The characters were easy to get attached to, which made me really enjoy the book. The only con of this book is the ending, which there was a twist that I feel as though it was dropped on you without explanation. Overall, I'd give this book an 8 or 9 out of 10 :)

Ria

Treacle Town
It was an interesting read but some of the Irish dialect was a bit confusing. The scene changes were sometimes quite abrupt but altogether I thought it was alright, but not as good as some of the other books I've read recently. However it got better as it progressed.

Livie

The Final Year
A poetic book about change, friendship and navigating the "final year" of primary school.

Plum

King of Nothing
A beautiful story about friendship, growth and finding ones personal compass.

Plum

Treacle Town
This was a tragically heartbreaking yet beautiful book, written in the unique style of slang language. The present tense, as well as the style used, gave the book a very raw and real feel, encouraging empathy in the reader and expressing a perspective on gang violence and disadvantaged areas that is too rare in literature. The world of slam poetry as an escape echoes previous winner The Poet X, as the book shows how it allows young people to convey their emotions in a world where they are constantly told not to. The examination of father-son relationships also deepens the novel, as well as discussions of suicide and the breaking down of toxic masculinity. There are a lot of swear words used, but they are not generally used in a way offensive to the reader.

Eve