Need summer reads? Check out the 2025 Surrey Book Awards winners, as chosen by students!
The winners of the 2025 Surrey Book Awards have been announced, providing students and parents with a list of great summer reads as the school year comes to an end.
Every year, the district’s teacher-librarians organize the Surrey Book Awards extending an invitation to students across the district to vote on their favourite books from a list nominated titles. The books are spilt across five categories: Picture Book of the Year, Book of the Year, Surrey Teens Read, Narrative Non – Fiction Book of the Year, and the Livre de L’Annee category.
Here are this year’s winning titles:
Book of the Year: Hoops by Matt Tavares
Set in the 1970s, Hoops tells the inspiring story of a girls’ high school basketball team fighting for fairness and recognition after the passage of Title IX. The young athletes must overcome gender bias, lack of resources and community skepticism to prove they belong on the court. With dynamic illustrations and a powerful message, Tavares captures the spirit of perseverance and teamwork.
Picture Book of the Year: Too Many Pigs and One Big Bad Wolf by Davide Cali
This playful twist on the classic fairy tale brings a modern digital age spin to the story of the Big Bad Wolf. When the forest animals become obsessed with taking selfies and posting online, they fail to notice the sneaky wolf lurking nearby. It’s a humorous and timely reminder about screen time, self-absorption and staying alert. Perfect for tech-savvy kids with a love for fractured fairy tales.
Narrative Non-Fiction Book of the Year: Wombats Are Pretty Weird: A (Not So) Serious Guide by Abi Cushman
This non-fiction picture book introduces young readers to the fascinating and quirky world of wombats. With fun facts, humorous commentary and charming illustrations, it celebrates the animal’s unusual traits – like backward-facing pouches and cube-shaped poop. The light, engaging tone makes science both accessible and entertaining. It’s a delightful read for curious kids and budding zoologists.
Surrey Teens Read: That’s Not My Name by Megan Lally
When a high school girl with a new name and a troubled past transfers to a different town, she hopes to leave her secrets behind. But when someone begins digging into who she really is, she must confront the truths she’s tried to bury. A tense and twisty thriller, That's Not My Name explores identity, trauma, and the fight to control your own story. Megan Lally keeps readers guessing until the very end.
Livre de L’Annee: Tata by Iris Samartzi
Tata is a moving, poetic picture book that explores the bond between a young child and their grandfather, lovingly called Tata. Through gentle storytelling and evocative illustrations, it captures moments of joy, memory and loss. As Tata ages and fades, the story tenderly helps children understand the cycle of life. A beautiful meditation on love, legacy and saying goodbye.
For even more summer reading fun, check out the summer reading clubs available at Surrey Libraries and the White Rock branch of the Fraser Valley Regional Library. These annual clubs encourage students to stay busy reading over the summer months by unlocking awards and medals as they progress.
Click here to see the rest of this year’s nominees!
