Young Readers Crown Anthony McGowan’s The Beck as Consilium Book of the Year 2026

More than 100 students from Consilium Academies took part in this year's cross-trust reading initiative, which aims to inspire a lifelong love of reading while developing critical thinking, discussion and literacy skills through contemporary fiction.

The Consilium Book Awards, led by Director of English and Literacy Laura Chivers, celebrate outstanding writing for young people. The awards are unique in placing students firmly at the heart of the judging process, giving them the opportunity to explore, evaluate and ultimately choose their favourite book from a carefully selected shortlist.

This year's shortlist was chosen by Consilium Academies' school librarians and literacy leads from more than 30 titles submitted by publishers across the UK. The final eight books represented an exceptional range of contemporary voices and storytelling:

• Where the Heart Should Be – Sarah Crossan
• Stealing Happy – Brian Conaghan
• Livia in Rome – Bruna De Luca
• How to Survive a Horror Movie – Scarlett Dunmore
• This Feast of a Life – Cynthia So
• Flash of Neon – Sophie Cameron
• The Beck – Anthony McGowan
• The Deadsoul Project – Dan Smith

Following the shortlist announcement in November, students across the Trust formed Consilium Awards Reading Groups, embarking on a six-month journey of reading, discussion and critical evaluation before casting their votes for an overall winner.

Author Anthony McGowan said:

"Winning the Consilium Book of the Year 2026 is an incredible honour, and I couldn't be more delighted. And the greatest thing about it is that it was voted for by young readers in the North of England, where I'm from, and where the book is set. Thank you so much for voting for The Beck, and, through your enthusiasm, for helping to keep books alive, just as Kyle and Granddad help keep the crayfish and other animals alive in their little patch of Yorkshire."

Laura Chivers, Director of English and Literacy at Consilium Academies, said:

"The Consilium Book Awards are about so much more than choosing a winning book. They are about creating a community of readers, encouraging meaningful conversations about literature and giving young people a genuine voice in celebrating exceptional writing. It has been fantastic to see more than 100 students from across our academies engaging so passionately with the shortlisted books, sharing ideas, challenging perspectives and discovering new authors."

The Consilium Book Awards continue to grow each year, bringing together students from across the Trust through a shared passion for reading and demonstrating the power of literature to connect, inspire and spark discussion.

With another successful year complete, Consilium Academies is already looking ahead to the 2027 awards, with even more young readers set to take part in celebrating the very best in contemporary fiction for young people.