I was thrilled to discover that 'A Monster Calls' by Patrick Ness has been awarded both the CILIP Carnegie Medal and the Kate Greenaway medal! It's the second year running that Ness has won the Carnegie and I would say it is well deserved. His 'Chaos Walking Trilogy' and 'A Monster Calls' have been some of the best books of read in years.

It's the first time in history that the same book has won both awards, yet I'm not surprised that 'A Monster Calls' did so. The Kate Greenaway medal was awarded for Jim Kay's illustration, which most definitely added something special to the book.

My excitement for this win is amplified for me as the new paperback edition will have a review quote from me on the inside cover! I reviewed the book for the Ultimate Book Guide when it first came out and this will be the first time I've had a review quote published on an actual book cover. I don't think I could have chosen a better book to be quoted on! You can read my review here.

I am currently reading my way through the Carnegie short list and will post some brief reviews of the entries soon.

Read the Guardian article on the Carnegie win here
There is also an interview about the making of 'A Monster Calls' here.
Listen to Patrick Ness' and Jim Kay's acceptance speeches for the medals, they do a wonderful job singing the praises of libraries and teenagers.
You might also like to find out more about Patrick Ness and Jim Kay