Educational writers' award
ALCS is the proud sponsor of the Educational writers' award. The award, of £2,000, was set up in 2008 and is administered by the Society of Authors. It is given to 'an oustanding example of traditionally published non-fiction that enhances teaching and learning'.
ALCS and the Society of Authors have created this award to celebrate educational writing that encourages students to read widely and build up their understanding of a subject beyond the requirements of exam specifications.
The 2011 award
Stewart Ross was awarded with a cheque for £2,000 for his shortlisted book Moon: Apollo 11 and Beyond…The Ultimate Guide to Our Nearest Neighbour.
This year’s judges - children’s writer Nicola Davies; teacher Chris Freudenberg and librarian Fiona Kirk - were unanimous in their support for the winning title:
"A fascinating mix of science, history, literature and religion, with a strong and engaging authorial voice, that will appeal to a wide audience. The illustrations perfectly complement the text. We liked the variety of visual material and the way it was presented with understated, elegant design, and no shouting graphics or overloaded spreads."
See the full story here.
Previous Winners
The 2010 award was won by Bill Bryson for 'A Really Short History of Nearly Everything' (Doubleday), abridged and edited by Felicia Law.
A presentation was made by Lord HIll to Bryson and Law at the All Party Writers Group winter reception at the House of Commons on 7th December.
The 2009 winners were Nick Sharratt, Sally Symes and Steve Alton for the The Gooey, Chewy, Rumble, Plop Book (Bodley Head). The judges praised the book for "it’s intelligent use of high production values, and its clear and accessible language which entertains and informs" - for more information on the 2009 winners please see Caroline Sanderson's article on the winners in page 12 of our spring edition of ALCS News.
The 2008 winner was Ian Gilbert for 'The Little Book of Thunks: 260 Questions to Make Your Brain Go Ouch! For an interview with Ian Gilbert about the book, please see our Spring 2009 ALCS News.
For any further information about the award please contact Paula Johnson at the Society of Authors