If The World Were 100 People wins the 2023 ALCS Educational Writers’ Award

If The World Were 100 People, written by Jackie McCann and illustrated by Aaron Cushley, has been named winner of the 2023 ALCS Educational Writers’ Award. The ALCS Educational Writers’ Award is the UK’s only award for creative educational writing recognising educational writing that  inspires creativity, encourages students to read widely and builds up their understanding of a subject beyond the requirements of exam specifications.

If The World Were 100 People (Red Shed) helps children to better understand the world they live in by imagining the world was condensed to a small village of 100 people and explaining what this global village would look like.

Jackie McCann and Aaron Cushley were presented with the award, along with a prize of £2,000, at the ALCS Annual Awards ceremony held on 22 February.

ALCS Chief Executive Barbara Hayes says, ‘Good educational writing not only imparts knowledge to the reader, but also inspires a curiosity to go and learn more about the world. The five books shortlisted are all fantastic examples of this and it was fascinating to hear about the wide range of topics covered. Congratulations to our winners Jackie and Aaron!’

The other shortlisted books for readers ages 5-11 encouraged young readers to think about the role of art in historical social movements; learn about themselves through genetics; find out about the plastic crisis and what can be done; and answered their questions about racism.

This year’s judges were award-winning author Atinuke, primary school teacher Imogen Thomas, and critic, author and children’s book consultant Jake Hope.

Atinuke says, ‘This book is absolutely stunning. The idea is original. The facts provoke thought and discussion in everyone aged 5 to 95 (without the book being remotely preachy). And the presentation is fun and clear. This is one of those books that seems simple – but is profound. A joy of a book!’

Imogen Thomas says, ‘Jackie McCann has taken an immensely huge and very adult subject, ‘global citizenship’ and turned it into an easy to read, original and accessible picture book that can be enjoyed by a wide range of readers. What a stunning little book, I can’t wait to share it with the teachers and students in my school.’

Jake Hope says, ‘Opening the best books enables us to have our minds opened to other ways of thinking, being and leading our lives. If the World Were 100 People encourages readers to grapple with complex and sophisticated ideas as wide-ranging as population, language, resources and genetics. It’s an impressive book which uses a clever mathematical conceit of reducing the world’s population to 100 people to help make each of its topics relatable and engaging.  In an age when there has been much focus on fractures in society, a book that unites and explores our common and shared experience is incredibly inspiring.’