The Carnegie Book Competition is a tradition here at The Abbey – every year from March to June, students of all ages are invited to read and review several top-rated, current books. 

I have participated in this competition three times, ever since I have been at the school. As such, this competition is significant to students here as it gives us the priceless opportunity to read books that are guaranteed to be excellent while keeping us up to date with present-day events, based on topical affairs. 

Books chosen for this competition are for a wide range of age groups from Upper III to Upper V and are given impressive reviews, described as ‘captivating, must reads’, ‘gripping’ and ‘insightful’ by other students. 

This year, ‘The Blue Book of Nebo,’ by Mannon Steffan Ros, was the overall winner and is described as contrastingly ‘uplifting’ and ‘post apocalyptic’ in reviews. Some of my favourites of the books in the shortlist are ‘I Must Betray You’ by Rupa Sepetys and ‘The Eternal Return of Clara Hart’ by Louise Finch. 

The former is a fascinating book about the political situation (i.e. the Iron Curtain) in Romania in the late 20th century with a detailed plot and characters that had me lost in the novel – one that I still think about from time to time. 

One of the best parts of the Carnegie Competition is that you do it alongside your peers and discuss the books together. This competition is truly special to many, including me, because it brings fellow bookworms together, united by our love of literature. 

The winning book and shortlist are available to borrow from the school library. 

by Anoushka, Upper IV