J P S B o o k A w a r d s
Five brilliant books. One big decision.
Welcome to the Hurst Junior Prep School Book Awards. Our annual celebration brings pupils from Hurst and other schools together through a shared love of reading.
About the awards
We have chosen this collection of brilliant books for you to read.
You read them. You discuss them. You recommend them to your friends.
Then you choose the winner.
This year’s books
The Children of Wolf Rock - Natasha Farrant
Natasha Farrant is the author of unforgettable adventures filled with mystery, friendship and courage. Her books, including The Children of Castle Rock, Voyage of the Sparrowhawk, The Rescue of Ravenwood and The Secret of Golden Island, have won awards and delighted readers across the UK. Whether she’s writing about hidden islands, daring journeys or saving the natural world, Natasha loves creating stories that whisk readers away on exciting adventures. She lives in London with her family.
About the book:
Stormy Loch Academy is no ordinary school. Nestled beside a loch in the Scottish Highlands, it becomes a place of adventure, friendship and freedom for Minna, Kass and Tom. But when they meet Addie, a mysterious former pupil hiding in the wild, they uncover secrets that lead them on a daring journey to London. Full of courage, mystery and breathtaking adventure, this is a story about finding your place in the world and standing up for what matters.
The Night I Borrowed Time - Iqbal Hussain
Iqbal Hussain is an author who loves crafting stories filled with heart, humour and adventure. Inspired by his Pakistani heritage and a passion for uncovering forgotten stories, he writes books that celebrate family, friendship and finding your place in the world. His debut novel, Northern Boy, was published in 2024. When he’s not writing, Iqbal can often be found wandering through forests, making music and dreaming up magical new adventures for his readers.
About the book:
A magical gift. A chance to change the past. But at what cost? When eleven-year-old Zubair discovers he can travel through time, he thinks he’s found the perfect way to help his family. His dad hasn’t been the same since an accident, and things at home are difficult. But every trip into the past changes the future in unexpected ways. Funny, moving and full of adventure, this is a heartwarming story about family, courage and learning to treasure the present.
The Feathered Book - Charlie Nutbrown
Charlie Nutbrown is a storyteller from Bristol who loves creating exciting adventures for young readers. Before becoming an author, he studied English Literature and even tried life as a musician! Today, he writes stories and works with words every day. Charlie lives with his wife, two daughters and a cat. The Feathered Book is his very first novel.
About the book:
The Feathered Book, the creation of Prendergast the Raven who dabbled in alchemy, has disappeared from the humungous library in the ancient oak tree. It was last seen by Peksniff, the ancient squirrel in charge of the library and the only one who knew where it was. Who could possibly have taken it? It is both cursed and the most precious thing in the whole library as it is rumoured to contain the secret of how to make gold. Monty the Fox has done all sorts of things, but never for long. He’s been a magician, mathematician, a musician. He’s dreamt of being a painter, a balloonist, of sailing submarines. Now he wants to be a detective. And he’s more than ready for the Case of the Feathered Book. He’s done his research and read the collected works of Meerschaum, the one eyed brilliant polar bear detective. With danger around every corner, can he do it?
Dracula and Daughters - Emma Carroll
Emma Carroll is a bestselling author who loves creating stories full of adventure, mystery and memorable characters. As a child, she filled notebooks with her own tales, and after working as an English teacher, she finally achieved her dream of becoming a full-time writer. Emma lives in the Somerset hills with her husband, two energetic Jack Russell terriers and, of course, plenty of books.
About the book:
Three girls. One big secret. A city full of vampires. When vampires start appearing in Temstown for the first time in twenty years, everyone thinks there’s only one way to stop them. But Mina, Buffy and Bella discover something extraordinary – they might have the power to heal vampires instead of hunting them. As they launch their very own vampire-healing business, the friends find themselves facing danger, surprises and a case that hits much closer to home than they ever expected. Full of humour, friendship and fang-tastic adventure, this is a fresh and fun twist on vampire stories.
Birdlands - Anthony McGowan
Anthony McGowan is an award-winning author from Manchester who studied Philosophy and Politics at university before going on to complete a PhD (Doctor of Philosophy). Before becoming a full-time writer, he worked as a journalist and civil servant, and even came close to being a full-time rock star! Anthony has written many popular books for children and teenagers, including the hilarious Bare Bum Gang series. He now lives in London with his family and enjoys writing stories that are funny, exciting and full of memorable characters, as well as books for older readers and non-fiction.
About the book:
Three unlikely birds. One extraordinary journey. Beaky the jackdaw, Herman the crow and Pidge the pigeon all face challenges that make life in the wild difficult. But when they join forces, they set off on an unforgettable adventure far beyond the city. Facing danger, friendship and surprises along the way, the trio must work together to find a place where they truly belong. Full of heart, humour and bravery, this is a soaring adventure about friendship and finding your home.
Which book will you choose?
Everyone finds something different in a book. A story you loved might leave a friend with a different impression, and discovering why is part of the fun.
Share your thoughts as you read and see which books your friends recommend. The final decision belongs to you and your fellow readers.
Learn more about Hurst
At the Hurst Junior Prep School, we help children recognise their strengths and develop the confidence to take on new challenges. Every pupil is supported to achieve their personal best within a warm and welcoming community. Take a closer look at what a Hurst education could offer.