The Young People's Book Prize aims to promote literacy in young people and inspire them to read about science. It also supports the writing of excellent, accessible STEM books for under-14s, and celebrates the books that spark curiosity, inspire discovery and bring science to life for young readers. The Prize aims to strengthen science engagement, and encourage young people to read for pleasure.
The Prize is unique in that the winner is selected by judging panels made up of thousands of young people across the country in hundreds of judging panels.
Find out how to enter your science book.
Please get in touch if you have any questions.
How is the Prize judged?
Each year, a shortlist of six books is selected by an adult panel of experts. Copies of the six shortlisted books are purchased and distributed nationally to hundreds of schools and reading groups. Over 600 judging panels made up of more than 11,000 young people had the chance to vote for their favourite to be crowned the winner in 2025.
We are looking for outstanding fiction and non-fiction books with a strong science focus, for readers aged 5 to 14, first published between 1 January and 31 December 2025
Find out more information about the judging criteria.