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, and celebrates the books that spark curiosity, inspire discovery and bring science to life for young readers. As the UK's leading science book prize judged by young readers, it aims to strengthen science engagement, and encourage young people to read for pleasure. The Prize gives young people a voice and opportunity to vote for their favourite book.
Each year, a shortlist of six books is selected by an adult panel of experts. Copies of the six shortlisted books are purchased and distributed nationally to hundreds of schools and reading groups. In 2025, over 600 judging panels made up of more than 11,000 young people had the chance to read, discuss, and vote for their favourite to be crowned the winner.
Schools and youth groups can apply to be a judging panel. Successful judging panels receive a set of the shortlisted books, along with judging guidance and resources to help them select their winner. Find out more about applying to be a school or youth group judging panel.
Young People's Book Prize 2026
The call for entries for the Young People's Book Prize 2026 will be open from Monday 25 May 2026 until Monday 6 July 2026. Find out more about how to enter your book.
We are looking for outstanding fiction and non-fiction books with a strong science focus, for readers aged 5 to 14, first published between 1 January and 31 December 2025.
For 2026, prizes of up to a total of £22,500 will be awarded. A total of £10,000 will be awarded to the author(s) of the winning book, and £2,500 per book will be awarded to the author(s) of up to five shortlisted books.
Applications for judging panels will open in September 2026. Read more about the timeline for judging.
2025 winner
The Wild Life of Dinosaurs and Other Prehistoric Animals by award-winning author Mike Barfield, illustrated by Paula Bossio, has been revealed as the winner of the Royal Society Young People’s Book Prize 2025.
Panels of young judges, drawn from hundreds of schools, science centres, and community groups from across the UK, read the shortlisted books and declared their champion. The 2025 winner was announced at an where students from local schools and judging panels gathered to meet the shortlisted authors and crown their winner.
The Centre for Industry Education Collaboration has created a set of six school resources to use alongside the books that were shortlisted for the Royal Society’s Young People’s Book Prize 2025. Read more and download these free resources for teachers and students.
If you have any questions, please contact us.
