The winner of the Booktrust Teenage Prize 2010 announced

The winner of the Booktrust Teenage Prize 2010 is Unhooking the Moon by Gregory Hughes.

This debut novel tells the story of two Canadian orphans on an eventful road trip to New York in search of their long-lost uncle.
The Prize, which celebrates the best contemporary writing for young adults, is in its eighth year.

Chair of Judges Tony Bradman comments:
‘The standard of entries for this year’s Teenage Book Prize was very high, and we judges felt spoilt for choice – our shortlist is a reflection of this quality. But all of us felt that Unhooking the Moon stood out from the beginning of our discussions. As a writer Gregory Hughes has a genuinely unique voice. Unhooking the Moon is original, poignant and funny and full of terrific characters and gripping storytelling, while also managing to explore the kind of themes teenagers will find engaging. It’s also a first novel, so Gregory’s achievement is all the more astonishing. I have no doubt that this debut marks the beginning of a great career.’

The novel triumphed against competition from a shortlist of six to take the £2,500 cheque and trophy. Hughes’ win was announced Monday at a ceremony at 80 Strand, central London, attended by the shortlisted authors, judges, publishing professionals and members of the media.

The shortlist comprised:

The Enemy by Charlie Higson (Puffin)
Halo by Zizou Corder (Puffin)
Nobody’s Girl by Sarra Manning (Hodder Children’s Books)
Out of Shadows by Jason Wallace (Andersen Press)
Revolver by Marcus Sedgwick (Orion)
Unhooking the Moon by Gregory Hughes (Quercus)