Book Mastermind Finals 2025

SBL Chair Sue Blything-Smith with Emma Cable, Archie Phaup and Isabel Hewes

Thursday 2^nd May 2025 marked Suffolk Librarian Forum’s sixth annual Book Mastermind Finals at the Riverside Centre in Stratford St Andrew. Each year, the competition is sponsored by Suffolk Book League and plays an important role in helping to foster reading for pleasure amongst children aged 11-13. To take part in the event, students are required to win their school heats and are often competing against 20-30 other students from years 7-9. The competition works as a celebration of their hard work as it’s a real accomplishment to get into the finals, let alone win them. 

This year was our biggest competition yet, with students from ten schools in the local area competing to be this year’s Book Mastermind. The range of fiction titles chosen were vast, from classics such as Michelle Magorian’s Goodnight Mr Tom to sci-fi offerings such as Jennifer Bell’s Legendarium. Students were called up to the stage, one at a time, and asked 25 questions on their chosen book in two minutes; they displayed amazing knowledge and composure when questioned in front of their peers and supporters. The fiction round was followed by 10 general knowledge questions, representing the ‘non-fiction’ section of a school library. 

A great time was had by all and Emma of Ipswich School walked away with first prize, followed closely by Archie from Debenham (2^nd place) and Isabel of Chantry Academy (3^rd place). With breaks worked into the competition, the students were also given the opportunity to socialise with like-minded peers and celebrate their interest in literature and reading for pleasure.

As a reward for the students, Suffolk Librarian Forum organised an author workshop with YA writer Annaliese Avery (who had recently received Waterstone’s Teen Book of the Month). Avery spoke about the inspiration behind her new novel, The Wycherleys, and skilfully guided our students to create some wonderful fantasy worlds and characters. The event was also supported by Abbie from Halesworth Bookshop who sold copies of The Wycherleys onsite, giving students the chance to get their hands on a signed copy of the title to read at home. 

Events like these rely on the support of organisations such as the Suffolk Book League to run and we’re extremely grateful for their involvement. They encourage a love of reading for pleasure and help students associate reading with enjoyment in school, distancing it from just a lesson time activity. Our students are already preparing for next year’s competition as it’s such an enjoyable event and a wonderful celebration of children’s and teen literature.  

Elizabeth Vale