Guardian children’s fiction prize 2015 shortlist – a judge’s perspective

Myths, magic and Treasure Island-style mystery - classic themes are brought to vivid new life in this year’s contenders

The best children’s fiction makes no compromises on literary or intellectual ambition, but instead finds a way to make mature themes accessible and compelling for younger readers. That’s certainly what my fellow judges and I found with the shortlist for this year’s Guardian children’s fiction prize, announced today. They are four very contemporary books that also bring to mind classics from the past, all examining how the stories we tell not only rewrite our histories, but can also change our future:

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