BOOKS OF THE YEAR -FICTION


OVERVIEW Another brand new category this year (previously part of  Non-Fiction) features three well-established names including two doctors and a footballer, and several débuts. The topics explored include  mental health, how to talk about racism and neurodivergency. Many campaigns partnered with charitable organisations to help spread the word.


YOU ARE A CHAMPION With this book, Marcus Rashford transcended the celebrity label and continued the work he began in the pandemic—championing the rights of vulnerable children. Written with Carl Anka, You Are a Champion is an empowering read centred on building self-confidence. More than 150,000 copies have been donated to vulnerable and disadvantaged children.


KAY’S MARVELLOUS MEDICINE Adam Kay’s follow-up to the record-breaking success of his children’s début is a hilarious history of the human body, illustrated by Henry Paker. Aligning the book with the Key Stage 2 curriculum, Kay combined humour and anec- dotes to champion learning in a fun way. Sales of Kay’s children’s titles in the UK have topped 130,000 units.


WHAT IS RACISM? Produced in collaboration with charity Show Racism the Red Card, Katie Daynes and Jordan Akpojaro’s book, illustrated by Sandhya Prabhat, creates opportunities for caregivers to talk to children about a complicated topic. It is a guide to prompt conversations about injustice, prejudice and comm- unity. The book was Usborne’s bestselling new non-fiction title of 2021 in the UK.


PUBLISHERS


1 MACMILLAN CHILDRENS BOOKS


2 PUFFIN 3 WREN & ROOK 4 USBORNE 5 PUFFIN


6 BLOOMSBURY CHILDRENS BOOKS


A DIFFERENT SORT OF NORMAL Abigail Balfe’s warm voice created a non-fiction title deal- ing with neurodivergency that works to dispel myths around autism. Uniting Balfe’s illustra- tions and writing enabled the pages to capture her sensory experiences and create a multi- layered window to her tale. Puffin US and Canada have already offered an advance to publish the book overseas.


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GROWN Seeking to redress representa- tional imbalances and provide a mirror in which teenage Black girls can see themselves, Melissa Cummings-Quarry and Natalie A Carter’s Grown is a memoir, guidebook and journal, illustrated by Dorcas Magbadelo. The unique book had an innovative marketing campaign, including events with Dark Matter and links with Girls Talk London.


HOW TO GROW UP AND FEEL AMAZING Drawing on his personal and professional experience as a GP, Ranj Singh’s guide on puberty—illustrated by David O’Connell—provides a holistic approach to mental and physical health, sexuality, bodies and relationships. The marketing campaign expanded his presence beyond those who are familiar with his CBeebies show.


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© Suki Dhanda


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