The Little Rebels Children’s Book Award, now in its 10th year, recognises children’s fiction (for readers aged 0-12) which promotes social justice or social equality, challenges stereotypes or is informed by anti-discriminatory concerns. The award is given by the Alliance of Radical Booksellers and was established in conjunction with Letterbox Library. The award is now administered by Letterbox Library and Housmans Bookshop.
| Winner: Proud of Me by Sarah Hagger-Holt (Usborne) ISBN: 978-1474966245 A coming-of-age narrative in which siblings Josh and Becky, who are parented by two mums, start to explore their family’s and their own identities.
The award organisers said: “Middle grade readers are at that exact age where they are often experiencing first attractions, crushes and desires. So this is the moment where we need to validate and ‘normalise’ their feelings. In the case of young LGBTQ+ people this need is pressing and urgent. Sarah’s novel is such an important and glowing presence in this space and we hope it will help grow even more fabulous LGBTQ+ MG fiction”.
Judge Emily Haworth Booth highlighted the book’s place in the classroom: “It’s a powerful tool of change; it needs to be in school libraries”. |  |
