Bolton School’s Library staff are delighted to announce the Longlist for the 2025 Bolton Children’s Fiction Award. Speaking about the selection process, they said: ‘We were only planning on having six Longlisted books but after a long discussion threatened to become a falling out (Librarians are very passionate about these things), we decided to have a Longlist of seven!’
Three books from the Longlist will go forward to be Shortlisted, and these will be announced in early October.
All interested parties are invited to read the seven Longlisted books and give feedback using the form (linked below) by Monday 23rd September 2024. This feedback will be used to help select the Shortlist!
Anyone interested in participating in the Awards should contact Bolton School’s Library by email: [email protected]
2025 BCFA Longlist:
Bird Boy by Catherine Bruton
After Will’s mum dies, he is sent to live with his uncle in the Lake District. He’s never met his uncle before and he was home schooled before his mum died so was very isolated. He meets another boy, a refugee, and together they care for an Osprey chick they have found which has fallen out of its nest. There are issues around bereavement & grief, anxiety, PTSD, mental health. This books also covers the healing power of community, family and the environment.
The Secrets of the Snakestone by Piu DasGupta
A fast-moving, historical mystery adventure set in Paris at the end of the 19th Century. A magical locket is found but the Snakestone - the gem from the centre - is missing. For Zelie, the locket is a clue to what may have happened to her father.
She embarks on a search which takes her and friend Jules via the sewers and Catacombs under Paris to the Cirque Fantastique with a cast of unusual show people. But there is danger, as they are pursued by the Brotherhood of Blood who also want the stone.
My Brilliant Plan to Fix Everything by Ben Davis
Although Alex’s parents have split up, Alex is convinced that he can get them back together and restore family life to the ‘Natural Order’. He comes up with a plan – if he can get Dad to write the novel he has always talked about, Mum will fall back in love with Dad and then he will move back in.
Alex tricks his Dad into taking a Sabbatical, while he does his job – as a postman. But it isn’t as easy as he thought: there are ferocious dogs, suspicious customers, his Dad’s wacky workmates and bullies who throw his post in the canal. He finds unexpected help in Willow, a girl on the canal who offers to share the work ... but has a dark secret that might derail everything.
A funny book that includes powerful themes about family and friendship.
The Final Year by Matt Goodfellow
A powerful story told in verse by a local author. It explores the last year of primary school, covering friendships, pressures in school and family. The book is told from the perspective of Nate, who has a difficult family background helping his mum care for his younger brothers. It is gritty and realistic and very moving at times.
Finn Jones Was Here by Simon James Green
Eric’s best friend Finn has died. Eric can’t accept it and when he starts to get a series of messages and tasks apparently from Finn, Eric is convinced that Finn has not died and they will be reunited if he carries out the tasks. The tasks become increasingly difficult and an over-protective mother adds to the complications. This is a story about friendship, acceptance and moving on after loss. There are some funny bits too.
The Ice Children by M. G. Leonard
A mystery/fantasy, reminiscent of ‘Narnia’ or ‘The Snow Queen’. Finn is found frozen in the park on 1st December. Bianca, Finn’s sister, suspects this is linked to a mysterious Ice Book Finn was reading. As the days pass, and more and more children become frozen, Bianca embarks on a dangerous quest to discover the truth and to save them.
This thought-provoking story provides a blend of magic, fairy tale and a strong message about climate change.
The Letter with the Golden Stamp by Onjali Rauf
Audrey is a young carer who lives in Wales with her mother and two younger siblings. When her Mum becomes sicker, Audrey decides to find her Father to see if he can help.
At the same time, a strange new neighbour has recently moved in to the house opposite and she becomes increasingly concerned that it is a spy from Social Services who will separate her from her mother.
This is heart-warming tale of a young girl navigating a difficult life and what it is like to be a young carer.
