Angus Book Award 2012
And the winner is....
Winning author Kevin Brooks with his trophy
Kevin Brooks, for his novel iBoy published by Penguin Books. Kevin was presented with his trophy, a replica of the Aberlemno Serpent Stone and £500, on the 22nd May at Carnoustie High School. The ceremony was attended by all shortlisted authors and participating pupils.
After several months of debate, decision making and a secret ballot in the eight Angus secondary schools, the four shortlisted authors arrived from all over the UK to visit schools and speak to the participating pupils.
On his visits to Montrose Academy and Arbroath High, Kevin Brooks spoke of his spontaneous idea for writing iBoy; a 21st century British superhero in a 21st century real world and how the novel is ultimately a love story. Ian Beck spoke to pupils of Brechin High and Webster’s High of how The Time Machine by H.G. Wells inspired his novel Pastworld, he went on to say if he had a time machine he would want to visit Victorian London in it’s heyday, walking the foggy streets in the time of Jack the Ripper. Visiting Forfar Academy and Arbroath Academy Martyn Bedford spoke about how it was an inspirational teacher he had as a young adult that led to him becoming a writer, he also spoke of the importance of practice and persistence if you want to succeed in writing. Phil Earle shared with pupils of Monifieth High and Carnoustie High how he wasn’t a reader initially and that a combination of recommended young adult books, his job in a children’s home and inspiration from Kevin Brooks books led to him writing Being Billy.
Competitions were run for the best designed alternative book jacket and the best review of the shortlisted novels. This year’s lucky participants Ethnya McDonald of Carnoustie High School for her version of Pastworld and for the winning book review of Flip by Megan Merino of Montrose Academy
With both authors and pupils waiting to hear the result of the secret ballot, the atmosphere was one of nervous anticipation at the evening event, hosted this year by pupils from Carnoustie High. Pupils from all schools introduced the short film presentations that were created by each school on each of the books and why they deserved to win. The authors then spoke of their appreciation on being shortlisted for the Award. Finally the waiting was over and Christopher Blackburn and Natasha Lee of Carnoustie High School opened the golden envelope and announced the winner.
Accepting the award, Kevin Brooks said: “This is the best day of my life … more sunshine, wonderful people, inspiration and energy.”
Huge thanks not only to Carnoustie High for all the excellent support and great effort made in being hosts at this year’s ceremony, but also to everyone who contributed to what was another successful Angus Book Award.
Winner Kevin Brooks with MCs Natasha Lee and Christopher Blackburn
Shortlisted authors L- R: Phil Earle, Martyn Bedford, Ian Beck and Winner Kevin Brooks