The 2025 Carnegie medals for children's writing spotlighted a significant trend focusing on male friendship and masculinity, particularly in light of declining reading habits among boys and the pervasive influence of toxic masculinity from online sources.

Judges noted a shift in children's literature, moving away from traditional adventure stories with male heroes to narratives that delve into boys' experiences and emotions.

This evolution in storytelling suggests that novels can serve as tools for empathy, potentially counteracting the negative influences of the manosphere and gaming culture.

Both Margaret McDonald and Nathanael Lessore, two authors recognized in this year's awards, aim to encourage boys to read more, emphasizing the long-term benefits of reading for career success and personal development.

Margaret McDonald won the top award for her debut novel, 'Glasgow Boys', which explores how two looked-after boys, Banjo and Finlay, navigate trauma and embody different models of masculinity.

Despite facing significant challenges in publishing 'Glasgow Boys', including rejections from 60 agents and 20 publishers, McDonald persevered, partly due to the book's exploration of boys' issues and its use of Scots dialect.

Nathanael Lessore's 'King of Nothing', which won the Shadower’s Choice medal, tells the story of Anton, a boy whose friendship with a socially outcast peer alters his perspective on masculinity and reputation.

Lessore highlighted the importance of connecting with boys through relatable narratives, noting that many boys self-segregate socially and often perceive reading as less relevant to their lives.

Other shortlisted works included Luke Palmer's 'Play', which addresses themes of rape culture and drug gangs, and Brian Conaghan's 'Treacle Town', which focuses on teenage gang membership.