Royal Society Young People's Book Prize - call for judges

Do you work with a group of young people who would love the chance to help decide the 2011 winner of The Royal Society Young People’s Book Prize? This prize is awarded to the best science book written for young people aged up to 14 years old, and the winner is selected by groups of young people around the country in judging panels.

From the entries submitted, a shortlisting panel of five adult judges will choose the six best books – the shortlist. The task of picking the winner is then handed over to the people who should know best – young people aged up to 14 in judging panels in schools, libraries, science centres and youth groups around the UK.

Each judging panel discusses the merits of each book and chooses their favourite. 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. Thanks to the generosity of the shortlisted publishers, 75 groups receive a set of the shortlisted books. The Royal Society allows any other group to participate if they are able to source their own set of books and complete the judging process.

The Royal Society asks 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 by 31 October 2011.

If you have a group of young people who would like to take part please complete the online form by 18:00BST on Wednesday 1 June 2011.

The selected groups will be announced by 21 June, when copies of the books and judging packs will be sent out to those selected.

Your group’s results will need to be submitted to the Royal Society by Monday 31 October.

If you require any further information please contact sciencebooks@royalsociety.org.