When Children Judge Book Awards
PanelBrithi Thirucelvan, Maryam, Mya | Moderator: Francesca Wah
Festival Pass| Festival Talk Pass
The first-ever Children’s Booker Prize will be launched in 2026 and it introduced something groundbreaking: Children as judges. How do children judge books and what is a winning book to them? In this lively panel session, three young passionate readers will take the stage to share:
- What makes a book truly stand out to them
- How they think and feel as they read
- What kind of stories they wish authors would write more about
readingindustry perspectives
Brithi Thirucelvan (Singapore)
Brithi is an imaginative 11-year-old with an insatiable appetite for the magical world of Harry Potter. She finds herself captivated by enchanting tales that weave together magic, heartfelt connections, and intriguing mysteries. Like the pages of her favourite books, her dreams are ever-changing—today she envisions herself as a compassionate veterinarian, tomorrow as a brave police officer protecting her community.
Maryam (Singapore)
Maryam Binte Mohammed Nidhar is 13 years old and her current favourite book is 1984 by George Orwell. Maryam’s current dream is to become a lawyer to help and represent the less fortunate in pro bono cases.
Mya (Singapore)
Mya is 10-years-old and her favourite local book/series is the Maizey Lee series by Erni Salleh. Her hope is that the world she grows up in will be filled with peace and there will be no more war. Perhaps she will be an English teacher, an author or marine biologist. But for now, she is preparing a short book to raise awareness for the homeless in Singapore and hope it can be printed before her birthday.
Francesca Wah (Singapore)
Francesca Wah is an educator, author, and founder of BLESS, a charity that supports families living in rental flats. Passionate about nurturing confident and compassionate learners, she writes children’s storybooks that inspire curiosity, kindness, and awareness of the world around them. Her two series, Digital Adventures and Forest Friends, empower young readers to navigate the digital world responsibly and care for the environment sustainably. Guided by the belief that every child—regardless of background—deserves the chance to learn, dream, and thrive, Francesca hopes to spark meaningful conversations that shape a more inclusive and empathetic generation.
Programme dates and times are subject to change.