The Young People's Book Prize aims to promote literacy in young people and inspire them to read about science. It also supports the writing of excellent, accessible STEM books for under-14s. Each year, the winner is selected by judging panels made up of thousands of young people at schools across the UK from a shortlist selected by an adult panel.

The call for entries for the 2025 Prize is now open. Find out how to enter your book here.

A shortlisting panel made up of scientists, authors and a teacher whittles down dozens of titles to six of the year’s most fascinating books. Read more about the 2024 shortlisting panel here.

Panels of young judges, drawn from hundreds of schools, science centres, and community groups from across the UK, then read the shortlisted books and declare their champion. Read more about the 2024 shortlisted books here.

Schools and youth groups will be able to apply to be a judging panel later this year. Successful judging panels will receive a set of the shortlisted books, along with STEM resources and judging guidance to help them select their winner. Find out more about applying to be a school or youth group judging panel.

2024 winner

Can You Get Rainbows in Space?’ by Dr Sheila Kanani MBE has been revealed as the winner of the Royal Society Young People’s Book Prize 2024.

The announcement was made at a ceremony at the Glasgow Science Centre, where over 150 students from local schools and judging panels gathered to meet the shortlisted authors and crown their winner.

If you have any questions, please contact us.

Shortlist