From 2026, the Carnegies will be piloting a new age-inclusive longlist shadowing offer, designed to open up Carnegie shadowing to groups of all ages, from early readers through to young adults.
This pilot responds directly to feedback from teachers, librarians and group leaders who told us that the current shadowing model can be difficult to run with younger readers, mixed-age groups, or whole-school settings. By focusing engagement at longlist level, and by providing clear age guidance, we are aiming to make shadowing more flexible, accessible and inclusive than ever before.
The age-inclusive longlist shadowing offer sits alongside our established shortlist shadowing scheme. It does not replace it. Instead, it gives group leaders more choice about how – and with whom – they take part.
Age-inclusive longlist shadowing allows shadowing groups to engage with the Carnegie longlists using age-appropriate selections rather than a fixed set of titles. Group leaders can:
This means shadowing is no longer limited by age, and groups who previously felt excluded can now meaningfully participate.
As part of this soft-launch pilot, the following will be introduced for the longlists from 11th March 2026:
This offer is designed for all shadowing group leaders, including:
If you have ever felt that the Carnegies were difficult to shadow with your readers because of age or content, this pilot is for you.
Yes. That is the core purpose of this pilot. The age-inclusive longlist shadowing offer allows groups of any age to engage with Carnegie books in a way that is appropriate, safe and meaningful for them.
No. This is an additional option, not a replacement. Groups can:
Absolutely. Longlist shadowing is designed to support the same core activities as shortlist shadowing: reading, discussion, reviewing and developing critical responses to books. The key element that will be limited to shortlist shadowing only is the official vote.
In 2026, voting will remain limited to the shortlist as part of the soft-launch pilot.
Yes. Shadowing resources will be created for all longlisted titles, supporting a wide range of ages and abilities.
No. All longlisted titles continue to be selected by the independent, librarian-led judging panels. Shadowing activity does not influence judging outcomes.
The age-inclusive longlist shadowing pilot will launch when regular shortlist shadowing launches on 11th March 2026 following the shortlist announcement on 10th March.
This pilot is about ensuring that the Carnegies remain inclusive, accessible, and relevant to children and young people of all ages, and to the educators and librarians who support them. By opening up shadowing in this way, we hope to welcome new audiences while strengthening meaningful engagement with outstanding books.