Irish Book Awards facts for kids

The Irish Book Awards are special prizes given out every year to amazing books and authors in Ireland. Think of them like the Oscars, but for books! These awards celebrate the best stories, poems, and factual books written by Irish authors.

Since 2018, a company called An Post has been the main sponsor of these awards. An Post is Ireland's national postal service. What makes these awards extra special is that they are the only literary awards supported by all the bookstores across Ireland.

The Irish Book Awards started in 2006. Before that, there was a smaller prize called the Hughes & Hughes Irish Novel of the Year, which began in 2000. Since 2007, the awards have been run by an independent group that doesn't aim to make a profit. They are funded by sponsors, like An Post.

There are many different categories for the awards. Most of them are chosen by a group of experts called the Irish Literary Academy. But two of the awards are chosen by you – the public! There's also a very special award for authors who have achieved great things in their writing careers over many years.

What Kinds of Books Win Awards?

The Irish Book Awards celebrate many different types of books. Here are some of the main awards given out each year:

Best Irish Novel of the Year

• This award goes to the best new novel written by an Irish author. A novel is a long story, usually with made-up characters and events.

Best Non-Fiction Book

• Non-fiction books are all about real facts and true stories. This award celebrates the best books that teach you something new, like history, science, or biographies of real people.

Children's Book of the Year

• This is a super important award for young readers! It has two parts: one for younger children and one for older kids (like you!). It celebrates the best books written especially for children and teenagers.

Newcomer of the Year

• This award is for exciting new authors who are just starting their writing journey. It helps discover fresh voices in Irish literature.

Best Irish-Published Book

• This award celebrates books that are not only written by Irish authors but also published by companies based in Ireland. It supports the Irish publishing industry.

Irish Sports Book of the Year

• If you love sports, this award is for you! It's given to the best book about sports, whether it's a biography of a famous athlete or a story about a great sporting event.

Readers' Choice Awards

• There are two awards where the public gets to vote for their favorites:
  • The Listeners' Choice Award: This is for a book that people listening to a popular radio show have loved the most.
  • The Popular Fiction Book of the Year: This award goes to a fiction book that has been very popular with readers across Ireland.

Crime Fiction Book of the Year

• If you enjoy mysteries and thrillers, this award is for the best crime novel of the year. These books often involve detectives, puzzles, and suspense!

Special Awards

• Lifetime Achievement Award: This very special award honors an author who has written many wonderful books throughout their life and made a huge contribution to Irish literature.
• Irish Bookshop of the Year: This award celebrates the best bookshop in Ireland. Bookstores are important places where you can discover new stories and authors.
• Cookbook of the Year: For those who love to cook, this award celebrates the best new cookbook.
• Irish Language Book of the Year: This award promotes and celebrates books written in the Irish language, helping to keep the language alive and thriving.