The Extensive Reading Foundation

Announcing the Finalists for the 2010 LLL Award

Every year, the Extensive Reading Foundation recognizes the best new works of language learner literature in English. From books published in 2009, the ERF judges have selected fifiteen titles of particular merit—the finalists. From these fifteen, the ERF will select one winner in each of five categories taking into account the votes and comments of students and teachers of English worldwide.

All finalist books can be ordered online from the independent Cambridge International Book Centre. If you or your students read any of the books and feel that they are worthy of the LLL Award, vote for them via the "2010 LLL Finalist Feedback" link on the ERF main page. Voting closes on June 30, 2010.

The winning books will be announced on this site on August 15, 2010. The judges' comments are presented with the listing of each finalist book below, in alphabetical order within each category.

Young Learners

		The Magic Brocade by Sue Arengo. Illustrated by Nancy Lane (Oxford University Press), ISBN: 978-0-1942-2561-8 It is a fine, interesting, usefully cultural specific variation on familiar fairy-tale themes. The plain fluency of the storytelling and the clear structural patterning would likely be very helpful for most young readers. It also has beautiful illustrations and good language repetitive patterns for young learners to make it feel easy to read through.
		Pinocchio by Sue Arengo. Illustrated by Damian Ward. (Oxford University Press), ISBN: 978-0-1942-2562-5 This is a version of the classic tale that kids, especially the naughty ones, can relate to. Pinocchio wants to be a good boy, but at the same time, he wants to take initiative and to have adventures. Also, being different from other kids, Pinocchio is sometimes picked on and taken advantage of. Fortunately, through it all, his father and another adult are there for him, and, in the end, he rewards their patience and kindness.
		Para-Life Rescue! Series editor: Rob Waring, Contributing writer: Sue Leather, Footprint Reading Library (Heinle Cengage), ISBN: 978-1-4240-2232-8 It is a non-fiction book about how brave, dedicated people use paragliders to save the lives of swimmers at beaches around the world who are in danger of drowning. The book is clean, professional, interesting, and educational as well as accessibly written and aptly illustrated with photographs. Furthermore, the accompanying CD, with English subtitles, adds a listening element and enhances comprehensibility.

Adolescents & Adults: Beginners

		Gone! by Margaret Johnson (Cambridge University Press), ISBN: 978-8-4832-3513-3 It has a story line that kept us reading to see what might happen, even though we thought we might already have guessed the ending. We like the illustrations and the look of the book.
		The Winning Shot by Sue Murray (ILTS & Hueber Verlag), ISBN: 978-3-19-242976-7 The story flows well. It's enjoyable and keeps the reader glued to the page.
		Storm Hawks adapted by Helen Parker (Scholastic), ISBN: 978-1-9057-7538-5 It's a good old rip-roaring adventure story—a sci-fi story for teenagers that brings out teenage themes well. It appeals to both boys and girls and the visuals are nicely done.

Adolescents & Adults: Elementary

		Titanic Tim Vicary (Oxford University Press), ISBN: 978-0-1942-3619-5 Even working at such an elementary level, the author manages to convey facts in a reliable and interesting way, and it is clearly well-researched. Moreover, people's voices are presented by the clever inclusion of imagined dialogues and first person statements. In spite of the very basic level there was no hint of it being patronising, which often happens with other non-fiction readers. Besides, it has some quasi-fictional aspects in the narrative that give the reader some thrill, even though we know the end of the story. The sense of reality created by the mix of archive photographs, illustrations and Hollywood film stills combines with the imagined voices to give the story a dual dimension.
		The Secret Garden Frances Hodgson Burnett, adapted by Elizabeth Ann Moore (Black Cat), ISBN: 978-8-8530-0843-5 This version of the story takes this enduring children's classic at a lower language level than earlier ELT adaptations. The task of adapting a classic to a present-tense only narrative is a major one, and this succeeds. The themes of unhappy childhood, prejudice and family relationships are a constant. Characterisation survives the low language level. The illustration is generally superb and the publishers are to be commended for listing the structural criteria for the level in an appendix, an example others could follow. It was considered young in appeal and presentation, but in the end it was felt that older learners could enjoy the story.
		Number the Stars Lois Lowry. adapted by Edward Broadbridge (Easy Readers), ISBN: 978-8-7239-0713-4 This original story covers a difficult topic, especially if you know little about World War Two and the holocaust. This is what makes the story especially welcome. It may bring to young generations of readers some knowledge of events which should never be forgotten. It is at the same time extremely relevant in our multi-cultural, multi-ethnic, religiously diverse societies. The issues are dealt with from the perspective of a young person, which reduces the heaviness without trivialising it. The narrative flow is excellent and the original plot stands up with native speaker literature for interest value.

Adolescents & Adults: Intermediate

		Michael Jackson: The Man, The Music, The Mystery By Vicky Shipton (Mary Glasgow Magazines / Scholastic), ISBN: 978-1-9057-7582-8 This is a well-written, balanced account of the life of a great entertainer. There are excellent additional snippets at the end of the book.
		The Mind Map By David Morrison (Cambridge University Press), ISBN: 978-8-4832-3540-9 A gripping story. It has a good fast-moving plot and is well- written. The story has action, magic and love all in a strong local setting.
		Playing with Fire: Stories from the Pacific Rim Retold by Jennifer Bassett (Oxford University Press), ISBN: 978-0-1947-9284-4 The stories are all very strong, hard-hitting and well expressed. Excellent use of illustrations by local illustrators.

Adolescents & Adults: Upper Intermediate & Advanced

		The Best of Times Alan Maley (Cambridge University Press), ISBN: 978-0-5217-3546-9 This original story has an interesting plot that appeals to young adults. The language is also pitched nicely for this level.
		The Kalahari Typing School for Men Alexander McCall Smith, retold by Annette Keen. (Pearson Longman), ISBN: 978-1-4082-0891-5 This has an excellent plot that keeps the reader involved. The re-telling is well-done.
		Safe House James Heneghan, adapted by Philip Hewitt (Easy Readers), ISBN: 978-8-7239-0631-1 A good story with a plot that is exciting.