Welsh-language Shortlist (Primary)
Gwag y Nos – Sioned Wyn Roberts (Atebol)
Gwag y Nos is an historical novel for young readers aged 9–11 and is Sioned Wyn Roberts’ first novel for children. It tells the story of Magi, who has been forced to move from her home, Bryn Melys, to Gwag y Nos Workhouse near Pwllheli. She is headstrong and something of a rebel, and one morning things go from bad to worse for her. It’s clear that some deceit is afoot in the workhouse, but will rebellious Magi solve the dark mystery and save her friends? This is Magi’s own story …
Gwil Garw a’r Carchar Crisial – Huw Aaron (Llyfrau Broga)
Gwil Garw a’r Carchar Crisial is a graphic novel full of adventure, humour and wonder by author and illustrator Huw Aaron. What was the world like before history, before myths? Well, Gwil Garw was there looking after magical creatures in the zoo of monsters. Unfortunately, Gwil isn’t interested in peace and when his temper and curiosity threaten to endanger the world, Gwil has to find a way to make things right. It’s an epic adventure!
Sara Mai a Lleidr y Neidr – Casia Wiliam, illustr. Gwen Millward (Y Lolfa)
Sara Mai a Lleidr y Neidr is a sequel to the 2021 Tir na n-Og award-winning novel, Sw Sara Mai.
Sara Mai and her friends have a mystery on their hands in this novel when a rare and valuable snake is stolen from the zoo. The friends decide to investigate, but is the thief a stranger, or someone closer to home?
Welsh-language Shortlist (Secondary)
Fi ac Aaron Ramsey – Manon Steffan Ros (Y Lolfa)
Sam and Mo’s relationship is much like a football match – thrilling highs and heartbreaking lows. Through football the two come to understand each other, and begin to appreciate that individual strengths and working together are key to creating a team.
Hanes yn y Tir – Elin Jones (Gwasg Carreg Gwalch)
In this book, historian Elin Jones shows us that evidence of the past is to be seen everywhere in Wales today. She takes us on a visual journey through over 5,000 years of Welsh history, from the first people who lived in caves to the establishing of the Senedd in 1999.
Y Pump – Ed. Elgan Rhys (Y Lolfa)
Ten authors, five novels. Y Pump is the result of an ambitious project by young authors for young people. This series of novels follows a group of friends in Ysgol Gyfun Llwyd as they discover the power of their otherness when they come together. From Tim, Tami, Aniq, Robyn and Cat’s perspectives, we are shown the complex reality of being a teenager today on the fringes of society.
English-language Shortlist
10 Stories from Welsh History (That Everyone Should Know)
Ifan Morgan Jones, illustr. Telor Gwyn (Rily)
A visual and factual book which aims to encourage children to discover and learn more about ten stories from Welsh history. It contains the stories of Gwenllian Ferch Gruffudd, Owain Glyndŵr, Black Bart, Dic Penderyn and the Merthyr Riots, Alfred Russel Wallace, the Penrhyn Strike, the race riots of the 20th century, Eileen Beasley, the Aber-fan Disaster and Devolution.
The Valley of Lost Secrets
Lesley Parr (Bloomsbury)
September 1939. When Jimmy is evacuated to a small village in Wales, it couldn’t be more different from London. Green, quiet and full of strangers, he instantly feels out of place. But when he finds a skull hidden in a tree, the valley becomes more frightening than the war. Who can Jimmy trust? His brother is too little; his best friend has changed.
Swan Song
Gill Lewis (Barrington Stoke)
When Dylan is excluded from school, he and his mum move to a tiny seaside village in Wales where his grandad lives. In his new home with no Xbox or internet, Dylan feels lost, but when Grandad takes him out on his boat to see the whooper swans, things begin to change.
Welsh Fairy Tales, Myths and Legends
Claire Fayers (Scholastic)
Enjoy Wales’ rich heritage of myths and fairy tales, re-told for young readers. From magical Welsh dragons that destroy a castle night after night to a princess made of flowers and a fairy changeling brother; from loyal hunting hound Gelert to a boy who asks questions and goes on to become the greatest Welsh bard ever known.