Chester pupils celebrate student-led book award: what residents need to know

By Hiyastar local news desk

More than 400 pupils gathered at Storyhouse Chester as the Cheshire Schools’ Book Award marked its 20th anniversary during the National Year of Reading.

The celebration brought together 29 schools from Cheshire West and Chester, Cheshire East, Halton and Warrington for a day built around books chosen by young readers themselves.

Authors joined pupils at Storyhouse Chester

The event included author workshops, talks, book-themed activities and tours before an awards ceremony in the Storyhouse main theatre.

Shortlisted authors Ravena Guron, Sophie Jo, Marisa Linton, Louisa Reid and Jenny Pearson attended, running sessions with pupils and meeting students during the day. Pupils were also able to have books signed and speak directly with the writers before the winners were announced.

Schools described the day as a chance for pupils to spend time with other readers and talk about books beyond the classroom. Helsby High School said students “loved it”, while Queens Park High School thanked organisers for inspiring “the next generation of readers”. Bishop Heber High School said pupils had already asked to return next year.

Record school participation in a student vote

The 2026 award year saw 36 secondary schools take part, a record for the Cheshire Schools’ Book Award.

The award is student-led, with pupils nominating and voting for the books they want to champion. That format gives the shortlist a local school voice, reflecting titles pupils are sharing, discussing and recommending to one another.

The Younger category winner was The Vulpine by Polly Crosby, with Shrapnel Boys by Jenny Pearson named runner-up. In the Older category, Traumaland by Josh Silver won, while Mondays Are Murder by Ravena Guron was runner-up.

Reading support across Cheshire schools

Cheshire Education Library Service, which runs the award, supports subscribing schools across the region with reading for pleasure and literacy development.

The service thanked Storyhouse for hosting the anniversary event and Nantwich Bookshop for helping students buy books on the day. Residents can also access shortlisted titles by joining their local library through Cheshire West and Chester Council.

Source: Cheshire West and Chester Council