Book of the Year - Children's Fiction
Book of the Year - Children’s Fiction Winner and Shortlist
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From stories boasting dragons, malicious unicorns and school bullies, this shortlist features everything from tween reads to YA dystopia and fantasy. There is something for every young reader, with each title supported by boundary-pushing campaigns and impressive retailer support.
The Winner
Sunrise on the Reaping
Suzanne Collins
Scholastic
The odds were in Suzanne Collins’ favour as the blockbuster Sunrise on the Reaping took the crown in this category, testament to an “author at the height of her powers”. The novel, which focuses on fan-favourite Haymitch Abernathy, was called a “powerful” and tremendous” read. The judges agreed that the story was very much “of the moment”, with its sharp commentary on propaganda and totalitarianism.
Scholastic truly pulled out all the stops to make Sunrise on the Reaping a knockout. Nominated as both Waterstones’ and Foyles’ Book of the Year, the novel also enjoyed an “epic commercial performance” as the bestselling YA and children’s book of 2025. Scholastic supported more than 100 midnight bookshop openings, created a beautiful hardback edition and seamlessly took the book’s colourway through all its marketing, making this striking combination of purple and gold unmissable. Sunrise on the Reaping made a “spectacular” impact last year, the panel concluded.
The Shortlist
A Language of Dragons
SF Williamson
HarperCollins Children's Books
SF Williamson’s YA debut, A Language of Dragons, was treated to three exclusive editions and became HarperFire’s bestselling special edition to date. The paperback was selected as Waterstones’ YA Book of the Month and became the retailer's bestselling title in that slot. HarperFire actioned a fiery strategy that included an exclusive in-world event, Williamson’s first YALC appearance and critical support from the supermarkets and The Works.
Fearless
Lauren Roberts
Simon & Schuster Children's Books
Lauren Roberts returns to this year’s shortlist with the conclusion to her romantasy series, Fearless. Attention to detail was at the heart of Simon & Schuster’s campaign. A tiara designer created the crown on the book’s cover and enticing social media content, leveraged by Roberts’ online following, was posted around Galentines. Fearless racked up S&S’ biggest pre-order numbers ever and earned the biggest week-one sales in the publisher’s history.
Lottie Brooks vs the Ultra Mean Girls
Katie Kirby
Penguin Random House Children's
Katie Kirby delivered 15 events across 2025 to more than 3,000 fans of Lottie Brooks vs the Ultra Mean Girls, the eighth book in the tween series. PRH’s co-ordinated campaign delivered a 39% uplift in sales on Kirby’s previous outing. They supported Waterstones and indies with standout POS and 16 tailored videos from Kirby. Innovative partnerships with Millie’s Cookies and bubble tea shop Chatime made this campaign a bit different.
Skandar and the Spirit War
AF Steadman
Simon & Schuster Children's Books
Skandar and the Spirit War, the final instalment in AF Steadman’s fantastical unicorn series, concluded with a bang. Simon & Schuster built “always on Skandar” activity with the Summer of Skandar campaign and early social media teaser content. It worked. They clinched the highest pre-orders yet for the series. Steadman took part in school, bookshop and festival events and led the largest ever Skandar superfan event with 800 attendees.
Sunrise on the Reaping
Suzanne Collins
Scholastic
The odds were in Suzanne Collins’ favour as Sunrise on the Reaping closed 2025 as the bestselling children’s book of the year. Scholastic ran a multi-faceted campaign and operated with maximum secrecy to avoid spoilers. The team orchestrated midnight and sunrise launch parties in the UK and US, including a midnight lock-in at Waterstones Piccadilly. A record-breaking book that was shortlisted for both Waterstones and Foyles Book of the Year.
The Adventures of Rap Kid
MC Grammar
Gallery Kids
Gallery Kids went all in for MC Grammar’s The Adventures of Rap Kid, which is printed in dyslexia-friendly font and with a glossary of slang terms for befuddled parents. Gallery Kids secured extensive retailer support and partnerships with family restaurants to distribute 20,000 activity sheets. The message was simple: reading is the GOAT. Grammar took this message to bookshops, schools and and across the radio waves.
