The Carnegies Shadowing programme is a beacon of hope for children's literacy with its unique, empowering approach, writes Mackenzie Warner, Carnegie Awards Manager.

The joy of reading is not universal among children and young people in the UK today.

According to a 2024 report from the National Literacy Trust, only one in three children and young people aged eight to 18 enjoy reading in their free time, the lowest level recorded since 2005.

The numbers for teen boys is particularly alarming, with just 17.5% reading daily with a widening gender gap in reading enjoyment.

As one of the last standing awards for children’s books, the Carnegies not only celebrates authors and illustrators, but provides a unique Shadowing programme that gets thousands of children and teenagers reading for pleasure every year, and in 2024, 40,000 children participated in Shadowing.

As ‘Shadowers’, children and teenagers take on the role of judges and award one author and illustrator from the Carnegies shortlist the ‘Shadowers choice medal’.

The Shadowing programme’s structured yet flexible approach to reading has proven transformative for boys especially, in a process that last three months, and is led by teachers and librarians,

“I have initiated the shadowing process with a bunch of Year 7 boys, who have surprised me by reading various titles, on average one to one and a half books a week. They have found being part of the judging panel very exciting and empowering,” said Ilona, Shadowing leader from Kent.

Shadowing allows children to become active decision-makers in the literary world and fosters a sense of ownership and agency that is often missing from traditional approaches to encouraging reading.

Shadowers are invited to attend the Carnegie’s awards ceremony, which last year took place at the Cambridge Theatre in Covent Garden, with 600 school children in the audience in person, and thousands more watching the livestream.

The Right Books for the Right Readers

The rich choice of books and reading options in the Carnegies’ shortlists supports engagement and enthusiasm from Shadowers.

In 2024, titles such as Crossing the Line, The Boy Lost in the Maze, and Steady for This resonated strongly with boys, offering relatable protagonists, compelling narratives, and inclusive themes.

“We all appreciated the books with poetry; these were seen positively as a choice, especially by the boys in the group,” said Julia, Shadowing leader.

This emphasis on diversity ensures that all readers can find something that speaks to their experiences or broadens their horizons.

2025’s Carnegie Medal for Writing longlist further reinforces the programme’s relevance by tackling themes of masculinity and self-identity.

Several longlisted books explore the complexities of what it means to be a young man today.

The Power of Peer Engagement

In its report, the National Literacy Trust asserts that: “Encouraging a child to enjoy reading will also encourage them to read more frequently and vice versa.”

Shadowing centers enjoyment while incorporating elements of challenge and collaboration.

Boys who participate in shadowing not only read but also discuss, debate, and review the shortlisted books as part of the Shadowing programme, which dismantles the stereotype of reading as a solitary activity.

“The debating element is an excellent opportunity to make bonds and learn from each other and about each other,” said Ilona.

Boys who might otherwise struggle to find joy in reading discover a social, interactive dimension that enhances their experience.

Addressing the Broader Reading Crisis

In a recent piece for the Bookseller that asks ‘Has publishing abandoned teen boys?’, author, JJ Arcanjo writes “Boy readers will go where they are welcome—and right now, by not marketing and promoting the few authors who are writing for them, publishing is showing boys they are unwelcome.”

The Carnegies shadowing programme underscores that there is hope for change and trend reversal.

With the right books and the right approach, boys can be brought back to reading, by making reading a welcoming activity for them.

Looking Ahead

As the Carnegies prepare for 2025 shadowing to begin in March, there is still much to build on.

“Books were more inclusive for boys this year, which meant we had five boys shadowing and engaged from mid-March to mid-June, which was terrific,” said Suzanne, a 2024 shadowing leader from Herfordshire.

With continued emphasis on inclusivity and engagement, Shadowing can play a pivotal role in reversing the decline in boys’ reading enjoyment.

By empowering boys to see themselves as judges and participants in the literary world, the Carnegies shadowing programme is proving that reading for pleasure is not only possible but also transformative.

Shadowing offers a model of hope and success for educators, publishers, and families alike.

View the 2025 Carnegies Longlist.

Read the National Literacy Trust report Children and young people's reading in 2024.

Read the Bookseller article 'Has publishing abandoned teen boys?'.