McCann and Cushley win £10k Royal Society Young People’s Book Prize

Writer Jackie McCann and illustrator Aaron Cushley have won the £10,000 Royal Society Young People’s Book Prize 2022 for their book If the World Were 100 People (Red Shed). According to the Royal Society, the book “offers a unique way to understand complex topics from genetics to medicine and technology”.

Young judges from 500 UK schools, science clubs and groups declared their winner from a shortlist of six, which included Fantastically Great Women Scientists and Their Stories by Kate Pankhurst (Bloomsbury Children’s Books) and Beetles For Breakfast...and Other Weird and Wonderful Ways to Save The Planet by Madeleine Finlay, illustrated by Jisu Choi (Flying Eye Books).

The outcome was decided by a panel of adult judges, including "Benidorm" star and author Nathan Bryon and veterinary researcher Professor Alan Wilson. The winning book was announced at an online award ceremony hosted by BAFTA-winning TV presenter Lindsey Russell, and streamed live on the Royal Society’s YouTube channel.

If the World Were 100 People explores the differences, similarities, challenges and privileges experienced by people across the world. According to the Royal Society: “For budding scientists, sociologists and even economists, this book is a thought-provoking read, and gives insight into the people we share our planet with.”

McCann said: “It was great to be shortlisted with authors and illustrators I really admire, and lovely for Aaron and I to win this prestigious prize. Especially as the award was chosen by children from all around the country.”

Chair Professor Alan Wilson commented: “The power of this book lies in its simple yet relatable numbers and powerful imagery, which conveys how much we all have in common, but also how many people still do not have things many of us may take for granted, from clean water to the internet. I hope the data and ideas in this book will help the younger generation think about how we can work together to tackle these issues.”

Bryon added: “The illustrations are so diverse, and you can really get a glimpse into everyone on our planet.”