Staffordshire Young Teen Fiction Awards Celebrate 20 Years of Reading Enthusiasm

Young readers across Staffordshire are gearing up for the annual Young teen Fiction Awards, celebrating its 20th anniversary this year.The awards ceremony will take place on Tuesday, July 1st, at the Royal Air Force Museum in Cosford, with acclaimed authors Teri Terry and Christopher Edge joining the festivities.

A Milestone Festivity of Teen Literature

The Young Teen Fiction Awards have become a cornerstone in Staffordshire’s literary calendar, fostering a love for reading among young people.The initiative encourages teens to engage with books, share their literary passions, and connect with a wider reading community. This year’s event promises to be a grand celebration of teen fiction, highlighting the importance of reading for pleasure and personal growth.

Did You Know? Reading for pleasure is linked to increased cognitive skills and improved mental well-being in adolescents.

Engaging Young Minds Through Literature

Pupils from various schools have participated in the voting process, selecting their favorite book from a curated shortlist of eight titles. The winner will be revealed during the awards ceremony, adding an element of anticipation and excitement to the event. The awards not only celebrate the authors and their works but also empower young readers by giving them a voice in the literary landscape.

Guest Authors and Special Appearances

Teri Terry and Christopher Edge,both renowned authors in the young adult fiction genre,will grace the event,offering inspiration and insights to aspiring readers and writers. Staffordshire’s Young Poet Laureate, Harry Fletcher, will also be present, sharing poetry inspired by teen fiction, further enriching the literary experience for attendees.

pro Tip: Meeting authors can be a powerful motivator for young readers, encouraging them to continue exploring the world of books.

Shortlisted Books for 2025

The diverse shortlist for this year’s award includes a range of captivating titles:

• Lie or Die by A. J. Clack
• A Mind Full of Murder by Derek Landy
• Northern Soul by Phil Earle
• The Things We Leave Behind by Clare Furniss
• On Silver Tides by Sylvia Bishop
• Snowglobe by Soyoung Park
• Taylor Blake is a Legend by Laura Jane Williams
• Running Away for Beginners by mark Illis

The Enduring Impact of Reading

Hayley Coles, Cabinet Member for Communities and Culture at Staffordshire County Council, emphasized the significance of the awards, stating, “This is a really popular and long-running initiative that thousands of young readers and our library staff look forward to each year.” She further highlighted the benefits of reading for fun, including building confidence, sparking imagination, and expanding horizons.

According to a 2023 report by the National Endowment for the arts, young people who read for pleasure demonstrate higher levels of creativity and critical thinking.

Key Details of the 2025 Young teen Fiction Awards

What are your favorite young adult fiction books? How do you think events like this impact young readers?

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