The Extensive Reading Foundation (ERF), an unaffiliated, not-for-profit organization that supports and promotes extensive reading in language education, takes pleasure in announcing the winners of the 3rd Annual Language Learner Literature Award for books published in 2006. An international jury chose the winning book in four categories, taking into account the Internet votes and comments of students and teachers from a reported 21 countries around the world.
Young Learners
In choosing The Boy Who Burped Too Much as winner, the jury noted the fast-moving plot and colorful illustrations in a story that will provide great fun and excitement to children, who won’t be able to put it down until they finish it. Voters commented, “really fantastic and interesting.” (Hong Kong) “It’s funny and the pictures are wonderful.” (Viet Nam)
Adolescents and Adults–Beginners
This is Moses’ second Language Learner Literature Award after winning in 2004 for Jojo’s Story. The jury found Let Me Out a very well crafted science fiction story, noting its rare ability to create an emotional connection between reader and book characters. That it was a popular winner in a competitive field heartened the jury: “It’s great to see a strong story-line carry the day.” Voters commented, “scary and exciting.” (Japan) “The story makes us think deeply about human life.” (Russian Federation)
Adolescents and Adults–Intermediate
The jury called Rabbit-Proof Fence sustained and powerful; a true story that reflects the experience of marginalised people everywhere. The well-paced retelling brings a second Language Learner Literature Award to Jennifer Bassett, who won for Love among the Haystacks in 2005. One teacher commented, “From the moment [my students] opened the book, they felt as if the story was about their own lives…. [It] helped them to become closer to their classmates who were not from the same backgrounds as they.” (United States)
Adolescents and Adults–Advanced
The Age of Innocence successfully marshals its large cast of characters in a book that will keep its readers guessing until the end. The jury found it ideal for readers who enjoy stories that deal with emotions and relationships. Voters commented, “Because the descriptions were very good… you read and don’t stop.” (Peru) “It was so romantic.” (Somalia) In addition to the winners, the following books were selected as the shortlisted “finalists” in each category:
Young Learners
Adolescents and Adults–Beginners
Adolescents and Adults–Intemediate
Adolescents and Adults–Advanced
The winning books and shortlisted finalists are available for online purchase at the Cambridge International Book Centre: http://www.eflbooks.co.uk/reader_finalists.php The ERF thanks the publishers who nominated books, the members of the Award Jury, and all those who voted in this year’s Award. The nomination and voting procedures for the 2008 Language Learner Literature Award will be posted on this site in December 2007. |