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From the huge amount of entries we received to this year's Times/Chicken House Children's Fiction Competition, we've managed to narrow it down to just five! It was a tough job - each of this year's longlistees were truly fantastic, each story filled to the brim with originality, outstanding writing and completely riveting plots. Each longlisted submission left our team of readers glued to the pages, and it was no mean feat to whittle 20 stories down to five. So without further ado, here they are! 

ASTERIX CLEMENTINE by Janine Barnett-Phillips (@smithereens69)

A gritty love story between two teens with an unexpected twist. A contemporary YA tale about having the courage to live what you believe.

THE FIREFLY CAGE by Nicki Thornton (@nicki_thornton)

A middle-grade murder mystery with a magical twist: kitchen boy Seth must solve a murder at a convention of magicians in order to prove himself innocent.

FROSTSLIVER by Jamie Smith (@jamiehbsmith)

The story of one girl’s extraordinary survival when caught in a mountainside avalanche atop a sentient glacier. A highly original, wintry fantasy for ages 12+.

MILO AND OPERATION STEPDAD by Tracy Darnton (@tracydarnton)

Suitable for ages 7+, and follows Milo’s funny and heart-warming quest to find a partner for his single mum.

PROJECT CAT'S AWAY by Julie Mee (@meejuliemee)

Follows 12-year-old junior CIA agent, Emma, who struggles to maintain her work-life balance when a friend discovers her secret. Action and hilarity for middle-grade readers.

We're very excited to have such a stellar shortlist - look out for the winner announcement, coming in June. A huge congratulations to all our shortlisted authors!

Find out more about the competition by clicking here.