I have some wonderful news I’m keen to share: I can now call myself an award-winning author! The Potion Experiment has received a Bronze Award in the Young Readers (ages 8–12) category at the 2025 Reader Views Literary Awards. I froze when I first read that ’cause… really?! Could that be right? But it is! It’s on their website and everything. I even have a bronze sticker I should probably add to the front cover (alongside my B.R.A.G Medallion).
This milestone feels surreal. Simply (except not-at-all-simply) surreal. Especially since this started with the 5-star Reader Views review I shared not long ago. If you’ve been here before, you might remember my original post about that glowing review: 5-Star Reader Views Review. Who knew that review would lead to this award?!
Reader Views Literary Awards
But when I share that The Potion Experiment has won a Bronze Award in the 2025 Reader Views Literary Awards, it’s not just about adding a shiny badge to a book cover. Or even the title of ‘award-winning author’ (although that is wonderful too, of course). It’s knowing that independent reviewers and judges found something in my story worth celebrating. Each entry is evaluated carefully and receives a professional review. That means The Potion Experiment wasn’t selected randomly or through popularity – it was read, assessed and scored.
The Reader Views Literary Awards is an international program dedicated to honouring excellence in independent and self-published books – an initiative focused on elevating voices outside the traditional publishing channels. Since 2005, it has spotlighted indie authors with evaluations and visibility in the literary world. In a publishing landscape where thousands of titles are released each year, visibility is one of the greatest challenges. These awards help readers discover books.
It tells young readers (and the adults choosing books for them) that The Potion Experiment has been recognised for its craft and creativity. It tells librarians and educators that the story holds up under careful review. It tells families that this is a book that has resonated beyond my own hopes for it.
The 5-Star Review
Back in December 2025, Reader Views published a wonderfully warm and thoughtful editorial review of The Potion Experiment. The review praised the book as:
“an absolutely enchanting, fun-filled adventure for middle-grade readers that cleverly mixes magic with science in unexpected (and hilarious!) ways.”
The review went on to highlight the book’s whimsical world-building, the dynamic between the protagonists Ange and Eva, and the way the story teaches lessons about friendship, teamwork, and believing in yourself – all while keeping readers laughing and guessing right up to the very last page.
Those very elements helped propel The Potion Experiment into the 2025 Reader Views Literary Awards winners list – and now it sits proudly among other amazing independent titles recognised this year.
From Review to Award-Winning Author
It has been remarkable to see readers connect with The Potion Experiment’s heart and humour. Things like:
- The way science meets magic in a way that’s relatable and fun.
- The friendship between two very different girls learning to work together.
- The story’s vibrant tone and sense of adventure.
These are the kinds of moments I hoped young readers might experience – and now they’ve been noticed by awards programs too.
The Reader Views Review laid the groundwork for this award recognition. It affirmed the story’s strengths in character, pacing and imagination. If you missed my original review post, you can revisit it here: A Glowing 5-Star Reader Views Review. I shared my excitement over how Reader Views reacted to the story, and how it felt to see someone truly embrace the heart of the book.
From a glowing review to an official award that makes me an ‘award-winning author’, this has been a joy and I couldn’t be more grateful.