Amy says Christmas will have to be cancelled as she will have to have her head in a book throughout the holiday period if she is to meet the deadline of January 24^th.

The librarian, who has so far read 14 of the 107 Carnegie long-list, said: “I'm enjoying working my way through the shortlist, but am finding reading to a deadline very different to my usual reading for pleasure. 

“Reading books that I wouldn't normally have been drawn to has been really interesting, although there have been one or two duds! 

“Students have been fantastic at reading alongside me and there are a number who are also working their way through the long-list. 

“We have a book-o-meter on display in the Library charting our progress - thankfully I am winning!”

Amy is also a judge for the Kate Greenaway award – which is given for outstanding illustration.

Kim Isaksen’s Year 7 class will be helping  Amy look at the books -  they will spend 30 minutes each week discussing the merits of the nominees.

Amy will next meet with the other judges on the panel on January 25 and 26^th, where the winner will be decided.

It will be officially announced in April.

Amy said: “.  That will be the hardest thing - keeping the shortlist a secret for three months!”

“ It feels such an honour to be involved in the Carnegie Medal, it is by far the most prestigious book award for young people and I have to keep pinching myself to believe I'm so lucky!”