Engineering literary heroes with The IET

Discovering a personal connection with fictional characters has a huge impact on our lives. Our literary heroes have been there for us, helped shaped our personalities, and influenced the way we think and see the world.

From the brave explorers overcoming obstacles on their quests to the mischievous and downright evildoers of the fictional world, a character’s unique quirks and personality traits can leave a lasting impression for a lifetime.

As well as developing genuine connections with these exquisitely heart-warming characters, young readers are encouraged to think about themselves and their own lives. These stories can contribute to the creation of responsible, successful, and caring individuals; that’s the power of children’s literature.

Where are all the engineers?

Books not only introduce children to literary icons, they let them try on the world before they go out into it. However, although we’re part of an exciting and innovative technological age, there aren’t many works of children’s literature that feature engineers. The IET want to change that.

What if there was an innovative inventor, someone that thinks outside of the box to help engineer a better world around them. Could that character be in the pages of your book?

The IET 150 Award celebrates the intersection between creativity and science and will be awarded for a complete fiction manuscript that broadly explores or celebrates Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM). STEM stories can serve as models of taking risks, applying knowledge to new situations, and asking questions beyond anything we’ve ever known.

The prize is a worldwide publishing contract with Chicken House, with a £10,000 advance (subject to contract) and an offer of representation by a top literary agent! They’re looking for original ideas, a fresh voice, a diverse range of stories that children will love and get inspired by.

You don’t need to do anything extra to be considered for the IET 150 Award; simply enter the competition as normal.

For full details and how to enter, please visit the IET’s website. You can find the terms and conditions via the website too.

The competition will close for entries on 14 May 2021 at 11.59pm GMT.

Want to learn more about the importance of children’s books?

Check out these reccommended resources from the IET:

• The Value of Children’s Literature
• Supporting STEM Learning Through Literacy
• Why Do Kids Need Books?