YA Book Prize 2020 judges revealed

Body positivity campaigner and influencer Megan Crabbe and the inaugural Children’s Laureate Wales, Eloise Williams, are among the judges for the 2020 YA Book Prize, which reveals its shortlist later today (Thursday 26th March).

Author Williams, who took on the new post in September, said: “I'm delighted to have the opportunity to join in with celebrating the wealth and quality of today's YA fiction. The shortlist is so varied and interesting. It's going to be a real treat. I can't wait to delve into those pages!” Crabbe (pictured), who in addition to her social media and campaigning work has also published the book Body Positive Power with Vermilion in 2017, added: “It's such an exciting time in YA fiction, there are more diverse voices and narratives being represented than ever and I'm so grateful to be part of something that shines a light on the great stories out there.”

The pair will be joined by the School Library Association’s 2017 School Librarian of the Year, Lucas Maxwell of Glenthorne High School in Sutton, and Stacey Croft, books blogger and brand and digital marketing manager at National Book Tokens. Also joining the judging panel again will be teenage judges from schools across the country and Julia Eccleshare, children’s director of Hay Festival. The panel will be chaired by The Bookseller’s deputy features editor, Caroline Carpenter.

Croft said: “It has been a dream of mine to be a YA Book Prize judge ever since it launched in 2014, so I am extremely happy to be approached this year! This year’s shortlist is a fantastic mix of genres and I cannot wait to get stuck in, and see what the other judges think of the books.” Maxwell also said he was “very excited” to be on the panel, adding: “My mission is to put great books into the hands of students and to be a part of an award that celebrates amazing novels is a real honour.”

This year’s YA10 shortlist will be revealed today (Thursday 26th March) from 12pm GMT on the YA Book Prize Twitter account. The YA Book Prize was launched by The Bookseller in 2014 to celebrate the best Young Adult fiction from the UK and Ireland and since 2016, Hay Festival has partnered on the prize. Last year’s award went to Sara Barnard for her novel about the impact of a teacher-student relationship, Goodbye, Perfect (Macmillan Children's Books). Details of plans for the 2020 YA Book Prize winner announcement will be revealed shortly.

Find out more about the judging panel on the YA Book Prize website.