2007 LLL Awards

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

 

 
 
The Boy Who Burped Too Much by Scott Nickel. Illustrated by Steve Harpster. Graphic Sparks (Stone Arch). ISBN: 9781598891683

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

 

 
 
Let Me Out by Antoinette Moses. Illustrations by Chris Pavely. Cambridge English Readers, Starter Level (Cambridge University Press). ISBN: 9780521683296

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

 

 
 
Rabbit-Proof Fence by Doris Pilkington Garimara. Retold by Jennifer Bassett. Oxford Bookworms Library, Stage 3 (Oxford University Press). ISBN: 9780194233101

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 by Edith Wharton. Retold by Clare West. Illustrated by Gavin Reece. Oxford Bookworms Library, Stage 5 (Oxford University Press). ISBN: 9780194230766

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

 

 
 
The Goose Girl Retold by Sue Arengo. Illustrated by Barbara Vagnozzi. Classic Tales Elementary 2 (Oxford University Press). ISBN: 9780194225458
 
 
The Twelve Dancing Princesses Retold by Sue Arengo. Illustrated by Penny Ives. Classic Tales Elementary 2 (Oxford University Press). ISBN: 9780194225465

 

Adolescents and Adults–Beginners

 

 
 
Blog Love by Chris Moore. Illustrated by Katie Mac. Scholastic Readers Starter Level. (Mary Glasgow Magazines/Scholastic). ISBN: 9781904720539
 
 
The Story of Chocolate by Jennifer Gascoigne. Design and Art Direction: Nadia Maestri. Easyread Level One. (Black Cat). ISBN: 9788853004475

 

Adolescents and Adults–Intemediate

 

 
 
Crossroads to Love by Paul Davenport. Teen Readers Level 3. (Aschehoug/Alinea). ISBN: 9788723905130
 
 
The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency by Alexander McCall Smith. Retold by Anne Collins. Penguin Readers Level 3 (Pearson Education). ISBN: 9781405833967
 
 
Strong Medicine by Richard MacAndrew. Cambridge English Readers Level 3. (Cambridge University Press). ISBN: 9780521693936

 

Adolescents and Adults–Advanced

 

 
 
Barchester Towers by Anthony Trollope. Retold by Clare West. Oxford Bookworms Library Stage 6. (Oxford University Press). ISBN: 9780194230858

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.

Leave a Reply