Episode 29 - Carnegie Medal Chat
Every year, the Carnegie Medal for Writing provides highlights of some of the best of children’s and young adult fiction and 2025 is no exception. In Episode 29 of Mostly Book Talk, we explore the eight books on this year’s shortlist.
We were joined by two expert guests, Alison Jewitt, an English teacher in South London who’s been running shadowing groups for a number of years, and Sophia Bower, a school librarian in Durham — and this year, a Carnegie judge! (We were on best behaviour…)
What’s shadowing all about?For those unfamiliar, the Carnegie Medal for Writing is unique in that it is chosen by librarians. And there is also a parallel award involving schools across the UK run shadowing groups where students read and debate the shortlisted titles — and vote in their own Shadowers’ Choice Award. Shadowing is very flexible and can look very different in every school. Alison and Sophia explain how they make it work, from lunchtimes in the library to application-only judge panels.
Key takeaways about Shadowing
Shadowing isn’t one-size-fits-all. Whether it’s watching author videos, writing postcards to partner schools, or simply talking books with peers, shadowing is flexible and adaptable.
It is a really effective way to introduce students to a wider range of books, including books that they may not have picked up otherwise.
It is also about more than the books - the discussions encourage critical thinking and exposure to different perspectives. As Alison notes, students talk across year groups and discover common themes organically — and they take their judge roles seriously.
Overview of the shortlist
We all agreed that the 2025’s shortlist skews to an older reader. Many of this year’s books feature older protagonists, heavy themes (grief, toxic masculinity, care system failures), and serious content. As Sophia says, it’s a “content warning galore” kind of year — but these books are powerful, important, and deeply relevant.
Here is a quick summary of our discussion - do listen to the full chat - but
All That It Ever Meant by Blessing Musariri
A quiet, lyrical novel about grief, identity, and home, following Matti and her family as they return to Zimbabwe after a major loss. We loved its emotional depth, its use of magical realism (especially the enigmatic Meticai), and the way it sensitively explored cultural heritage and the disorientation of grief. There is a lot to absorb in this book and it was felt to be satisfyingly re-readable.
Glasgow Boys by Margaret McDonald
This debut novel set in Glasgow follows Banjo and Finlay, two young men with care experience, navigating big transitions. The group loved the depiction of male friendship, found family, and the quiet radicalism of its kindness. The story doesn’t shy away from anger, pain, or systemic injustice, but we found it hopeful.
King of Nothing by Nathaniel Lessore
Lively, sharp, and genuinely funny - we all enjoyed this. Anton, a boy who’s too cool for school, ends up on a life-changing camping trip — and the character of Matthew (a fellow camper) stole the show for many. It’s a smart exploration of grief, masculinity, and emotional growth, but with humour that’s rare in YA. We felt this book was particularly well pitched for the age group (Year 8/9) that most of the Shadowers would be.
Little Bang by Kelly McCaughrain
Set in Northern Ireland around the time of the abortion referendum in the Republic of Ireland, this novel explores teen pregnancy, religion, and personal choice. Told in dual perspectives, we felt it treats a complex, politically charged subject with nuance and sensitivity. We liked the contrasting yet sympathetic portrayals of Mel and Sid, and the way the story allowed for messy, realistic teenage emotions to coexist with bigger debates. Lucille, Sid’s mum, emerged as a firm favourite.
Play by Luke Palmer
A gritty story of male friendship, toxic masculinity, and diverging paths, told from multiple points of view. We discussed its emotional weight and complex structure, tracking four boys as they grow up and grow apart. Its use of “the game” as a motif was particularly effective, symbolising both teenagers finding things to do and risk. Though heavy with social issues, we felt its realism worked well and offered insight into adolescence and vulnerability.
The Final Year by Matt Goodfellow, illustrated by Joe Todd-Stanton
A novel in verse that captures the final year of primary school with tenderness and honesty. We thought this was the most accessible title for younger readers, yet still packed a punch emotionally, dealing with friendship shifts, a struggling home life, and anger. The verse form works well, giving space to explore complex feelings.
The Things We Leave Behind by Claire Furniss
This near-future dystopia, in which two sisters flee an authoritarian UK, made us think of The Handmaid’s Tale and we were struck as to how current events made it chillingly plausible. The storytelling — framed as a therapy transcript — explores unreliable narration, identity, and resistance.
Treacle Town by Brian Conaghan
The darkest and most mature of the shortlisted books, this novel follows Con as he grapples with grief, gang violence, and poverty in a post-industrial Scottish town. We all thought this was a really powerful book with themes of revenge, loyalty, and escape tackled head-on but with underlying hope. We particularly liked the relationship between Con and his father. Of all the books this one was most suited to older readers — potentially more sixth form and adult.
Winners
The winners were announced on the 19th of June with King of Nothing taking the shadowers’ award and Glasgow Boys winning the Medal. Both are not to be missed - if you haven’t read them yet, add them to your TBR pile!
Giveaway
We are pleased to have a giveaway of a full set of the Carnegie Medal for Writing books. This is for UK listeners only (sorry too much postage). Fill in this form and we will pick someone at random.
Listen now wherever you get your podcasts — or click here to stream it directly.
And let us know: which book was your favourite from the Carnegie Medal shortlist this year? What do your students think?