About the judging panels
The task of picking the winner belongs to those who know best: young people.
Young people aged up to 14 can take part in judging panels in schools, libraries, science centres and youth groups around the UK.
Each judging panel mirrors the shortlisting panel, electing their own Chair, holding judging meetings, discussing the merits of each book and submitting their vote and comments. The results from all the groups are then collated by the Royal Society to determine the winner.
All participating groups have an equal say in deciding the winner. Each receives a judging pack and participation certificates for each of the judges taking part.
We ask that each judging panel is overseen by a responsible adult, who will be responsible for ensuring the judges provide their decision, and supporting comments and information to us.
Information to help you organise your judging panel, and details of the shortlist and judging process can be found in this handy Judging Pack.