A group of twelve children in Year 5 made up a judging panel as part of this national  event. They met weekly to read and discuss a shortlist of six science titles. The aim was to find the best science book published for young people. The list had been chosen by a panel of five adult experts. There are over  1,000 participants in this annual event, from all over the United Kingdom. The award is voted on, and decided by the young people taking part. The result was announced live from Belfast, and our group watched by video link, in the library. We heard the chair of judges, Professor Mahli (Fellow of the Royal Society), praising the  video which we made about the books. It was so exciting, and funny, to see some of what we had filmed  being broadcast from the event. The national winner of the prize was 'Optical Illusions' by Gianni A. Sarcone and Marie-Jo Waeber.
​We also presented the books and our video at a whole school assembly. We worked really hard on this project, and it was very enjoyable. Please watch our video to find out which book we liked best...although it was a very close vote!

The Year 6 Tower Hamlets Book Award Group attended the finale, which was hosted by the Canary Wharf Group at the East Winter Garden. This annual event is organised by the Tower Hamlets Schools Library Service, and is a highlight of our school year. The group gave a marvellous performance of their take on Sally and Sylvain Chomet's 'Caleb's Cab', one of the shortlisted titles. We had everything: a cab (naturally), parallel universes, a collapsing cash machine,  moustaches, and ... a pantomime horse! The judges, particularly the author Andrew Donkin, were truly impressed by our acting and props, (especially THAT horse). 
'Mega Robo Rumble', a graphic novel, won the children's vote, in this borough-wide poll. The author of that series, Neill Cameron, was in attendance, and was obviously very pleased with the result. The book is set in East London, and features an alien invasion! All of the books on the shortlist are available in the library.

​The THBA Group reprised their performance at an  amazing  whole school assembly. Watch the video!