Doncaster Book Award

Doncaster: Discover the Spirit

Welcome to the fabulous fifth year of the Doncaster Book Award - the local award that puts you, the reader, in the driving seat.

And what a year it's going to be! Our official launch took place on Friday, 10th October at the Civic Theatre, Doncaster. In attendance was none other than the master of shock-horror, Darren Shan. Darren's books are hugely popular with Doncaster's readers and have made every single Doncaster Book Award shortlist so far. Will this year's offering, Demon Apocalypse, finally win him the prize? You decide! We have a report and photos from the launch. (Extra photos now added!)

Check out our long list, which as always really does have something for everyone. Other ghostly titles include The Icy Hand (Something Wickedly Weird) by Chris Mould, and Alan Gibbons' truly terrifying Scared to Death. Fantasy is as popular as ever too, with Ironhand by Charlie Fletcher and Eoin Colfer's Airman making the list. Another firm favourite, Robert Muchamore, is back too, with Mad Dogs from the CHERUB series, and the latest 'Young Bond' adventure, Hurricane Gold, will keep your pulses racing. We've got animals, Born to Run, fabulous illustrations, Ottoline Goes to School, an ego-maniac toilet Queen Victoria's Potty (Superloo), and we've even got Doctor Who! You are guaranteed to find something you'll like. Don't be shy - let us know what you think by posting a review.

As ever, lots of exciting events will be taking place. Last year's winning title was the incredibly popular Skulduggery Pleasant by Derek Landy, which then went on to also win the Red House Book Award. Derek will be visiting the Civic on the 21st November to talk about his work, especially his wonderful, wise-cracking skeleton hero. Drama workshops will be happening in lots of schools, a trip to Seven Stories in Newcastle is planned for 6th December, and Doncaster's answer to CSI, Lesley's 'Murder in the Library' will take place in January. Other author events are in the pipeline, so get involved and don't miss out.

Want to know if your school is involved? Then look at the list further below, and speak to your librarian or teacher. Not on there? Then don't despair, just go along to your local library, or to Waterstone's bookshop in the Frenchgate Centre. Voting slips will be available there from November. Remember, this is your award - NO ADULT GETS A SAY. So make your vote count, and get your favourite into the final six.

Montage of scenes from the 2008 Final Event

14th March 2008: The Final of the 2007-08 Doncaster Book Award was held at the Civic Theatre. The winner was announced as Derek Landy's Skulduggery Pleasant. See our full report and photo gallery.

Enjoy!

Lyn Hopson, Secretary, Doncaster Book Award

The following secondary schools are taking part in the 2007-2008 Doncaster Book Award:

Armthorpe School
Balby Carr Community Sports College
Danum School Technology College
Don Valley School and Performing Arts College
Hall Cross School
Hatfield High School Visual Arts College
Hayfield School
Hungerhill School
McAuley Catholic High School
Mexborough School
North Doncaster Technology College
Northcliffe School
Ridgewood School

The following primary/junior schools are taking part in 2007-2008. We hope that they enjoy reading the books, having their say on the website, and, of course, voting!

Adwick Park Junior School
Arksey Primary School
Auckley Primary School
Balby Street Primary School
Barnburgh Primary School
Bawtry Mayflower Primary School
Bentley High Street Primary School
Bentley New Village Primary School
Bessacarr Primary School
Branton St Wilfrid's Primary School
Canon Popham Primary School
Conisbrough Ivanhoe Primary School
Conisbrough Morley Place Junior School
Conisbrough Station Road Primary School
Crooksbroom Primary School
Denaby Main Primary School
Doncaster Road Junior School, Mexborough
Dunsville Primary School
Edenthorpe Hall Primary School
Edlington Victoria Primary School
Estfeld Primary
Finningley Primary School
Hatchell Wood Primary School
Hatfield Manor Junior School
Hatfield Sheep Dip Primary School
Hatfield Woodhouse Primary School
Hawthorne Primary School
Hayfield Lane Primary School
Hexthorpe Primary School
Holy Family Primary School
Intake Primary School
Kingfisher Primary School
Lakeside Primary School
Longtoft Primary School
Mallard Primary School
Mexborough St John’s Primary School
Montagu School, Mexborough
Norton Junior School
Owston Primary School
Plover Primary School
St Albans Primary School
Saltersgate Primary School
Sandringham Primary School
Southfield Primary
St Peter's Catholic Primary School
Stirling Primary School
Sunnyfields Primary School
Sycamore Primary School
Thorne Brooke Primary School
Thorne King Edward Primary School
Toll Bar Primary School
Town Field Primary School
Town Moor Primary
Tranmoor Primary School
Woodfield Primary

If any other schools are interested, they should contact Lyn Hopson via Don Valley School and Performing Arts College.

Skulduggery Pleasant by Derek Landy Last year (2007-2008), the Doncaster Book Award was won by Derek Landy's Skulduggery Pleasant. The winner was announced at the final award ceremony in March 2008. In a message, Derek Landy expressed his delight that Skulduggery Pleasant had won.

Our official book suppliers are Hopkins Book Service, Westbrook House, Wreakes Lane, Dronfield, Sheffield S18 1LY (Tel. & Fax 01246 417787). Hopkins offer 20% discount on DBA longlist books to all schools, and will deliver to schools in the Doncaster area. They will supply whole or part orders from the long list.

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