Biblio-Buzz is a reading challenge, this year delivered in partnership with Muswell Hill Children’s Bookshop and local libraries. From January to April 2026, young participants will read six shortlisted novels, take part in literary challenges and vote for their favourite book.
More than 1,500 young people took part last year, and 2026 is set to be even bigger, culminating in a celebratory Awards Ceremony at Alexandra Palace Theatre in April 2026, where bookworms will enjoy author meet-and-greets, book signings and hands-on workshops before finding out which book will be crowned the winner!
The longlist was chosen and curated by Muswell Hill Children’s Bookshop and the 2026 shortlist by educationalists, school librarians, authors and volunteers.
SHORTLIST
Emma Dagnes OBE, Chief Executive of Alexandra Park and Palace Charitable Trust, says:
We are proud to launch this year’s Biblio-Buzz at a moment when it matters more than ever. A recent report by the National Literacy Trust shows a significant decline in young people owning books and reading for pleasure, and programmes like ours play a vital role in reversing that trend.
Our Book Award sits at the heart of our Creative Learning Programme, inspiring curiosity, creativity and well-being.
We’re excited to collaborate with authors, libraries, schools and bookshops, sparking imaginations through reading challenges and workshops, ahead of the finale in our beautiful Theatre in April.
Haringey Council’s Cabinet Member for Culture and Leisure, Cllr Emily Arkell, adds:
I’m delighted that our libraries are once again supporting this fantastic award, which I know will capture the imagination and enthusiasm of nine-to-12-year-olds from across the borough.
Biblio-Buzz is a wonderful opportunity for children to experience the joy of reading, as well as getting involved in workshops and other activities at their local library.
I’m excited to see which book children choose as their favourite.
Official book suppliers for Biblio-Buzz 2026 are Muswell Hill Children’s Bookshop and Pickled Pepper Books, offering discounted sets of the shortlisted titles to schools and individuals taking part.
With the shortlist now announced, young readers are encouraged to pick up a book and join the challenge. Biblio-Buzz receives generous support from the Tottenham Grammar School Foundation.
Full Biblio-Buzz 2026 information is here.
*Please note, the awards ceremony at Alexandra Palace is only open to young people registered in the programme through the Creative Learning team.
