Choosing the Bookbuzz Primary books
A lot of time and consideration goes into choosing the Bookbuzz Primary books to ensure each pack includes a curated selection of diverse and inclusive fiction and non-fiction titles across fiction across a range of genres, book types and reading levels.
The expert panel
Bookbuzz Primary books are chosen by an independent panel of experts. The panel includes Key Stage 2 teachers, English leads and teachers in charge of their school’s library.
The panellists are carefully selected for their experience, knowledge and passion for getting children reading. Each year’s panel is different, and members come from different parts of the country, from both rural and urban communities, and with differing experience, expertise and perspectives.
The selection process
To start the process, publishers are invited to submit recommend books for the programme. This year we received over 450 books for Bookbuzz Primary! BookTrust’s Books Team creates a longlist from these submissions.
Each panellist then has around eight weeks to read a selection of the longlist, up to twenty books each. That’s a lot of reading for just two months!
We then hold a selection meeting where the panel members meet with the BookTrust team to discuss the books. They explore what they liked and didn’t like, what they think children will love, and which books they recommend for the final Bookbuzz Primary list.
It’s a lot of fun and there are some great debates, especially when different panellists have different opinions! Through these discussions, the longlist is narrowed down to the titles that the panellists think are the best for the programme.
What do they look for?
The books are carefully chosen to offer a range of different reading experiences and to ensure there is something to suit all interests and reading levels. From keen readers to reluctant ones, and from advanced readers to those for whom reading is a challenge, the panel makes sure there are suitable books for every pupil receiving Bookbuzz Primary.
BookTrust believes every child has the right to access books. Some Bookbuzz Primary titles are selected to offer something different, such as a dyslexia-friendly print, or non-fiction to dip in and out of, or a book with less text.
And of course, the selection panel looks for books that will be fun, exciting and engaging to support children to build a reading for pleasure habit and become lifelong readers.
Register your interest in Bookbuzz Primary
Be the first to know when Bookbuzz Primary is available to order. Register your details and we’ll be in touch by email in March.