UPEP English Book Report Competition 2026

Competition Details

Introduction

This year’s theme invites students to explore Hong Kong’s history and culture through reading books of their choice, and express their findings through writing book reports. By using AI tools in a thoughtful way, students can deepen their understanding, broaden their horizons, and develop a lasting motivation to learn.

Reading materials:

Students have complete freedom in their choice of books and are encouraged to pick any English titles that capture their interest.

Participants may read any English book or an e-book on Scholastic Literacy Pro™, the online reading platform we provide. Participants who choose books about Hong Kong’s history and culture will also be eligible to compete for the Theme of the Year Award.

Group

According to students’ school level in 2025/26. Open to students in Greater Bay Area.

Rules
Parents may work with their child on the writing and cover design. (downloadable colouring sheet provided)
Requirements
A book report of ≤80 words + Design of a book report cover using a designated colouring sheet (downloadable online)
Format of entries
Part I: Book Report
Entries must be A4 size and submitted in PDF format. The name of the PDF file should follow the format: ‘Entry number_Group_Name of Participant’ (e.g. IP40001_Lower Primary_Chan Tai Man). The writing tools available on the competition website are provided to support participants’ writing. Using them is optional and will not affect participants’ final scores. In their submissions, participants must include the book title, author, publisher and International Standard Book Number (ISBN, if available).
Template
Part II: Book Report Cover Design
Participants must use the designated colouring sheet from the competition website for the cover design. Download designated colouring sheet
Rules
Only individual entries are accepted. Entry materials must be the participant’s own original work.
Requirements
A book report of 250–400 words + Design of a book report cover
Format of entries
Part I: Book Report
Entries must be A4 size and submitted in PDF format. The name of the PDF file should follow the format: ‘Entry number_Group_Name of Participant’ (e.g. IP40001_Lower Primary_Chan Tai Man). The writing tools available on the competition website are provided to support participants’ writing. Using them is optional and will not affect participants’ final scores. In their submissions, participants must include the book title, author, publisher and International Standard Book Number (ISBN, if available).
Template
Part II: Book Report Cover Design
The report cover design must be submitted in JPEG format and must follow the same naming format as the Book Report. Participants may use AI in the creation of the book report cover, but they must include the following statement on the cover: ‘This cover design contains AI‑generated elements.’
Rules
Only individual entries are accepted. Entry materials must be the participant’s own original work.
Requirements
A book report of 450–600 words + Design of a book report cover
Format of entries
Part I: Book Report
Entries must be A4 size and submitted in PDF format. The name of the PDF file should follow the format: ‘Entry number_Group_Name of Participant’ (e.g. IP40001_Lower Primary_Chan Tai Man). The writing tools available on the competition website are provided to support participants’ writing. Using them is optional and will not affect participants’ final scores. In their submissions, participants must include the book title, author, publisher and International Standard Book Number (ISBN, if available).
Template
Part II: Book Report Cover Design
The report cover design must be submitted in JPEG format and must follow the same naming format as the Book Report. Participants may use AI in the creation of the book report cover, but they must include the following statement on the cover: ‘This cover design contains AI‑generated elements.’
Rules
Only individual entries are accepted. Entry materials must be the participant’s own original work.
Requirements
A book report of 650–800 words + Design of a book report cover
Format of entries
Part I: Book Report
Entries must be A4 size and submitted in PDF format. The name of the PDF file should follow the format: ‘Entry number_Group_Name of Participant’ (e.g. IP40001_Lower Primary_Chan Tai Man). The writing tools available on the competition website are provided to support participants’ writing. Using them is optional and will not affect participants’ final scores. In their submissions, participants must include the book title, author, publisher and International Standard Book Number (ISBN, if available).
Template
Part II: Book Report Cover Design
The report cover design must be submitted in JPEG format and must follow the same naming format as the Book Report. Participants may use AI in the creation of the book report cover, but they must include the following statement on the cover: ‘This cover design contains AI‑generated elements.’

Schedule

May
Registration
31 July
Registration deadline
18 September
Entry submission deadline
September to October
Judging
November
Results Announcement
December
Awards Ceremony
May
Registration
31 July
Registration deadline
18 September
Entry Submission deadline
September to October
Judging
November
Results Announcement
December
Award Ceremony

Registration & submission details

Both the registration and submission deadlines are final. Once registration is confirmed,
participants will receive entry information by email, including their entry number, Scholastic Literacy Pro™ login details and a link to Sayo.ai, an AI-powered writing companion.

Prizes

The following awards and prizes will be awarded within each group.

Champion

HK$1000 Book Voucher(s)

  • Trophy
  • Certificate
  • Gift Pack

1st Runner-up

HK$800 Book Voucher(s)

  • Trophy
  • Certificate
  • Gift Pack

2nd Runner-up

HK$500 Book Voucher(s)

  • Trophy
  • Certificate
  • Gift Pack

Merit Awards

(3 per group)

HK$200 Book Voucher(s)

  • Trophy
  • Certificate
  • Gift Pack

Theme of the Year Award

(1 per group)

HK$500 Book Voucher(s)

  • Medal
  • Certificate
  • Gift Pack

Creative Award

(1 per group)

HK$500 Book Voucher(s)

  • Medal
  • Certificate

Award to the School for the Most Outstanding Engagement

(1 per group)

  • Certificate

Panel of Judges

Judges

Dr Cheung Kwok Wah

  • Former Dean of Education and Languages, Hong Kong Metropolitan University
  • Former Principal Assistant Secretary
    (Curriculum Development), Education Bureau
Judges

Mr Derek V.M. Yeung

  • Former Principal of Po Leung Kuk Camões Tan Siu Lin Primary School
  • 28 years of experience as a primary school principal
  • Founder of Deworrybox Reading Club
Judges

Professor Yung Wai Ho, Kevin

  • Associate Professor of Department
    of Curriculum and Instruction,
    The Education University of Hong Kong
  • Associate Co-Director of Academy for
    Educational Development and Innovation
  • Senior Fellow of Advance HE and Winner of President’s Award for Outstanding
    Performance in Teaching
Judges

Ms Tracy Elaine RICCIO

  • Associate Vice Principal and Co-Head of English Language, Hong Kong Baptist University Affiliated School Wong Kam Fai Secondary and Primary School (Primary Division)
Judges

Dr Ma King Wing, Terry

  • Nephrologist and Founder of DM Reading Club
  • Creator of over 140 videos and 570 articles on DM Reading Club
  • Over 180,000 subscribers and 22M views on Dr Ma’s YouTube channel
Judges

Dr Lam Lap Kwan, Alex

  • Lecturer I of Department of Curriculum & Instruction, The Education University of Hong Kong
  • Teacher trainer for the Hong Kong Jockey Club Blended Learning Programme (English)
  • Former English Language teacher and eLearning Coordinator, Diocesan Boys’ School (Primary Division)
  • Outstanding Graduate of Doctor of Education, The Chinese University of Hong Kong

Judging Criteria

Book Report

Content

Structure of the report

Grammar

Book report cover design

Originality

Creativity

Judging Criteria

Book Report

  • Content (40 marks)
    • Different aspects of the book is discussed (e.g. theme and characters, effects of author’s background on writing).
    • The theme is clear; ideas are expressed effectively and clearly around the theme.
    • Different perspectives are considered and presented, leading to a logical conclusion (personal opinions).
    • The report is generally pleasant to read.
  • Organisation (30 marks)
    • Information and ideas are sequenced logically.
    • Sentences and ideas are connected and flow smoothly.
    • Paragraphs are used sufficiently and effectively, and are developed with supporting details from the book.
    • Linking words and cohesive devices are used appropriately, and ideas flow logically from one to the next.
  • Language (30 marks)
    • A wide variety of vocabulary is used naturally and effectively.
    • Rhetorical skills (e.g. metaphors, repetition) and collocations are used naturally and effectively.
    • A wide variety of sentence patterns are used nautrally and effectively.
    • Creative writing skills are used effectively.
    • Very few errors in the choice of words or formality of language.
    • Very few or no errors in grammar, spelling, punctuation and capitalisation.

Book Report Cover Design

  • Originality and Creativity (10 marks)
    • The design shows the content of the book correctly and effectively.
    • Pictures are beautifully drawn with design presented aesthetically.
    • Creativity is evident in the design.
    • The overall design suits the genre of the book and catches attention.

Key Terms and Conditions

United Prime reserves the right to amend the competition’s terms and conditions.
Details (including the full terms and the latest updates) are available on the competition website.
Competition results are subject to the final decision of the Judging Panel.
By submitting an entry, participants agree that United Prime may use and publish their submitted works.

📞For enquiries, please contact: Tel/WhatsApp: 6919 6700 | Email: grace.yiu@upephk.com