REEK is the UKLA Award Winner!
I'm very proud to announce that REEK, written by me and illustrated by the wonderful George Caltsoudas, has won the UKLA 2026 award in the 7-10+ category!
I had a wonderful evening at the UKLA Internation Conference (this year taking part in Glasgow), meeting fellow authors and illustrators, and hearing from teachers as they talked about the shortlisted books. The UKLA award is the only national award judged by teachers, who see the direct impact of each book on their classes and who spend their days championing literacy and the love of reading.
The lovely Ailsa Bathgate (my editor at Barrington Stoke!) said:
“The UKLA Award is held in such high regard due to the acknowledgement it brings from teachers, who are hugely important in getting Barrington Stoke books into the hands of the readers who need them the most. With Reek, set in a futuristic dystopian Edinburgh, Alastair showcased his mastery of his craft, packing so much into our shorter word count and delivering a gripping, action-packed story that also manages to convey important messages about greed, fairness and the looming climate catastrophe. It’s particularly special to see him receive the award in his homeland of Scotland this evening.”
I'm overjoyed to see Reek resonating with so many people out there. It’s been brilliant working with Barrington Stoke and the amazing George Caltsoudas. Reek is about how anyone can change the world, and that’s something I try to hold on to. Thank you so much!
About Reek
Sparrow lives in the world after the Reek, a toxic pollution that covers the Earth. Only tech billionaire Axel Brodie knows how to make clean air, and Sparrow works every day to keep her family alive.
But when an inventor friend discovers a new way to survive the Reek, Sparrow’s life becomes even more deadly. Someone doesn’t want the world to learn what Sparrow knows – and they’ll do everything in their power to stop her…
Who will win in this battle to breathe free?