THE issues facing young people today is the powerful theme running through this year's contenders for the prestigious 2018 Bolton Children's Fiction Award.

The shortlist for the award, which is judged by schoolchildren, was revealed at a special ceremony attended by first-time author Matt Killeen, whose book Orphan Monster Spy will be released in March next year.

The award is co-ordinated by Bolton School, but it is the readership the books are aimed at — schoolchildren — who will chose the winner.

Maria Howarth, head librarian at Bolton School, said: "Some of the themes covered in this year’s list are racism and violence, anxiety and OCD, homelessness, cyber issues and bereavement, but these are balanced with hope, determination and resilience. With the shortlist, we hope to demonstrate that there is a place for popular fiction, but also a place for fiction which will stretch and challenge young readers.

"We hope that the titles will encourage discussion in schools and book groups and offer opportunities for cross curricular working."

As well as reading the books, children will take part in enrichment activities taking place to increase enjoyment of reading.

Mrs Howarth said: "This has been the most hotly debated shortlist amongst the selection panel, both for which books to include and also for those which we had to omit. We’ve had to leave out some really great books this year but this means that we have a shortlist of fantastic books."

Pupils from around 20 schools will now start to read and review the shortlist.

In May, they will vote for their favourite books and the winner will be announced at a ceremony in July.

Pupils who attend will have the opportunity to meet the shortlisted authors, talk about their favourite books and enjoy workshops.

Interested primary schools are encouraged to take part using a shorter list of books. Schools interested should email mhowarth@boltonschool.org.

The shortlisted book for 2018 are: The Hypnotist by Laurence Anholt, Caged by Theresa Breslin, Letters from the Lighthouse by Emma Carroll, The Jamie Drake Equation by Christopher Edge, Instructions for a Second-hand Heart by Tamsyn Murray, Goldfish Boy by Lisa Thompson.