Books for Keeps 161 - the children's book magazine online

Authors and illustrators including Shirley Hughes, Nick Sharratt, Lucy Cousins, Emily Gravett and Andy Stanton joined Children’s Laureate Anthony Browne at Waterstone’s Piccadilly on 26th July to launch The Shape Game, a drawing game devised by Browne to raise money for the Rainbow Trust Children’s Charity.

American Judy Blume’s pioneering Forever, a teen novel in which first sexual experiences are described clearly and explicitly, was published in the UK 34 years ago and, despite being censored in some US states for many years, its frankness and realism have had a major impact on writing for adolescents over the last three decades.

So what’s new and different about Losing It, a new collection of short stories for teenagers on the theme of losing, or wanting to lose your virginity?

Ten authors have made the shortlist for the 2010 Queen of Teen award, its breathless organisers have announced.

The authors are Cathy Cassidy, Jacqueline Wilson, Chris Higgins, Joanna Nadin, Sarah Webb, Sarra Manning, Helen Bailey, Samantha Mackintosh, Louise Rennison and Cathy Hopkins.

Teens and tweens can now vote for their favourite author from the shortlist by visiting www.queenofteen.co.uk. The first Queen of Teen contest attracted tens of thousands of votes from young readers across the globe and resulted in Louise Rennison being crowned Queen.

Stolen by Lucy Christopher, edited by Imogen Cooper and published by Chicken House, has won the 2010 Branford Boase Award.