McCann and Nichols shortlisted for ALCS Educational Writers’ Award

The Authors’ Licensing & Collecting Society (ALCS) and the Society of Authors (SoA) have announced the five-strong shortlist for the 2023 ALCS Educational Writers’ Award, for educational writing aimed at readers aged five to 11. 

The award celebrates writing that "encourages students to read widely and builds up their understanding of a subject beyond the requirements of exam specifications".

De Nichols’ Art of Protest (Templar), which features illustrations by artists including Theo Dagadita, Olivia Twist and others, is featured on this year’s shortlist, alongside If The World Were 100 People, written by Jackie McCann and illustrated by Aaron Cushley (Red Shed). You are 25% Banana by Susie Brooks, illustrated by Josy Bloggs (Red Shed), is also on this year’s list, as is See Inside Why Plastic Is a Problem by Matthew Oldham and Lizzie Cope, with illustrations by Spencer Wilson (Usborne Publishing). The final book on the shortlist is Jordan Akpojaro’s Lift-the-flap Questions and Answers about Racism, illustrated by Ashley Evans (Usborne Publishing).

The five books featured on the shortlist cover everything from the role of art in social movements and racism to the problem of plastics. The winner will be announced at a reception at Goldsmiths’ Centre in London on 22nd February 2024, and the winning author and illustrator or designer will share a prize of £2,000.

Author Atinuke is on the panel for this year’s prize, judging alongside primary school teacher Imogen Thomas, and critic, author and children’s book consultant Jake Hope. She said: “What a joy it has been to judge this prize: to read, pore over and experience so many enlightening books. The books on the shortlist stood out as being original and beautiful and mind-expanding books I want to introduce to friends and family and even perfect strangers."