THE shortlist for Bolton Children’s Fiction Award 2015 has been announced at a launch ceremony at Bolton School girls’ division.

The contenders were chosen by librarians at Bolton School, Canon Slade, Turton School and St James’ CE School in Farnworth and pupils under 15 will vote for the winner.

Prefects from schools introduced the books with a short summary of each one and what they particularly liked about the book.

And it is not too late for more young book worms to get involved.

Children will be able to post reviews in their school libraries, comment on the books via the Bolton Children’s Fiction Award Blog, and even tweet about their favourites using the hashtag # BCFA2015!

Senior librarian at Bolton School, Maria Howarth said: “It has been hard to keep it a secret from our pupils.

"Even the authors have not been able to reveal they are on the shortlist, so we are all relieved that the list is finally out.

“The children have been telling me that they can’t wait to get their hands on them and start reading.”

There are 17 schools involved from Bolton and Bury and further afield including two primaries, Bolton School Junior Girls’ School and Tonge Moor Primary School.

Pupils involved in the scheme will read each of the books and vote for their favourite next May. The winner will be announced in June.

The Bolton Children’s Fiction Award is promoted by Bolton School, and sponsored by the bookseller Page Nation, which provides the books and the cash prize for the winning author.

Luci Watson, aged 10, from Tonge Moor Primary School: “I’m really looking forward to reading Valentine Joe. Some of the books look scary, but it’s good that they have different genres.”

Toby Hallam, aged 12, from Philips High School, said: “I’m most looking forward to reading Thirteen, and I’m looking forward to getting to take part in judging.”

Olivia Kauta, aged 11, from Bolton School girls’ division said: “I’m excited about judging the books, because the votes will show people’s different tastes and I think that’s a good idea.”

Schools are still welcome to join and take part in the Bolton Children’s Fiction Award 2015.

For further details of the award scheme librarians should e-mail mhowarth@boltonschool.org.