Airdrie author Len Pennie’s debut book ‘Poyums’ has been nominated for the Books Are My Bag Readers Award. Len Pennie, a mental health advocate and poet from Airdrie, has been recognised in the poetry category for her book ‘Poyums’. Her collection of 64 powerful poems, many of which are written in the Scots language, has received widespread acclaim for its themes of destigmatising mental health, promoting equality for women, and advocating for freedom of expression in Scots.
Len’s book ‘Poyums’ has already won the Scots Language Award for Scots Book of the Year and has garnered attention for her poem ‘I’m No Havin’ Children’ and Scots Word of the Day videos on TikTok. Len’s work is studied in schools across Lanarkshire and Scotland, showcasing her talent as a poet and advocate.
The Books Are My Bag Readers Awards shortlist is curated by booksellers, and the public vote is open until November 3. The winners will be announced on November 12 at an awards ceremony in London. Len is among esteemed nominees in the poetry category, competing with well-known authors such as David Nicholls, Noreen Masud, and Rory Stewart.
The public is encouraged to vote for their favourite titles across various categories, including Fiction, Non-Fiction, Poetry, Young Adult Fiction, Children’s Fiction, and Breakthrough Author. Additionally, readers can nominate any book they’ve read in 2024 for the Readers’ Choice winner. Voters have the chance to win National Book Tokens by participating in the voting process.
Len Pennie’s recognition at the Books Are My Bag Readers Awards is a testament to her talent as a poet and her dedication to addressing important social issues through her writing. Her work stands out for its authenticity and powerful storytelling, resonating with audiences who appreciate poetry that tackles real-world challenges and promotes inclusivity and understanding.
In conclusion, Len Pennie’s nomination for the Books Are My Bag Readers Award highlights the impact of her poetry in advocating for mental health awareness, gender equality, and linguistic freedom. Her success serves as an inspiration to aspiring writers and poets, showcasing the power of literature to spark conversations and bring about positive change in society.