05/03/2026
Happy World Book Day, Everyone!
More than 1,230 Year 5 & 6 pupils across Shropshire are having fun reading the 6 brilliant books shortlisted for our Big Book Award 2026.
Here are a few of the fantastic comments they’ve been posting on our website:
THE BOY WITH BIG DECISIONS by Helen Rutter
Henry at Packwood:
I really recommend The Boy With Big Decisions. Personally, I am not a great reader, but Helen Rutter’s books are always a page turner. 10/10.
Franna at Castlefields Primary:
I really like this book. Making the decisions makes you want to read the book over and over again. There’s so many different pathways you can go.
THE FIRST YEAR by Matt Goodfellow
Aria at Prestfelde:
I recommend this to people struggling with finding themselves. The characters were also brilliant and funny and Muna was written perfectly in a way that makes her relatable and unapproachable at the same time.
Ivy & Jess at West Felton Primary:
We loved how you broke the book up into parts and the lovely flow of the sentences and layout. There has been lots of wonderful reviews about the book; many saying that they nearly cried at the end. Overall amazing book. 5/5 stars!
GRIMSTINK by Daniel Peak
Billy at Prestfelde:
10/10 🙂 This is the best book I have read in my LIFE!!! Soooooo funny and exciting.
Pupils at Hinstock Primary:
“Grimstink is up and down, the story is always changing. It is really good!”
INKBOUND: METICULOUS JONES AND THE SKULL TATTOO by Philippa Leathley
Wren at Longnor Primary:
Now this book is the absolute best book in the whole entire universe! I love it because of all of the twists and all of the magical elements. Five stars!
Anaiya at West Felton Primary:
Absolutely amazing. I couldn’t put the book down! Magic, mystery, adventure all rolled up into the pages. The idea is genius!
RELIC HAMILTON: GENIE HUNTER by Joseph Coelho
Max at Castlefields Primary:
Full of excitement and joy. I loved all of the going back in time with fab characters. Me and my friends all loved this book.
Bran at Longnor Primary:
I’d really call this one a “page turner”; I went on and on reading before bedtime and could not stop myself. I thought the plot of the story was very exciting. There was also a lot of amusing bits of the story as well.
WILDLANDS by Brogen Murphy
James at Prestfelde:
I really enjoyed this book. It felt like I was living and breathing the adventure just like Astrid and Indie. My favourite adventure book I have read this year. 10/10!
Toby & James at West Felton Primary:
I really liked the way that the author described the Wildlands in the full detail from a crack in the road to the smallest leaf.
