Winner of the Bolton Children’s Fiction Award 2026 is announced

Book Club members and other keen readers gathered in the Lower School Library to discover which book had received the most votes from pupils to be crowned the winner of the Bolton Children’s Fiction Award 2026.

Librarian Mrs Howarth reminded the pupils of the shortlist:

1. The Boy in the Suit by James Fox
2. The Haunting of Fortune Farm by Sophie Kirtley
3. Mayowa and the Sea of Words by Chibundu Onuzo

Then it was up to Librarian Mrs Caller to reveal the screen to show a beaming James Fox, author of The Boy in the Suit, the book which received the most votes from pupils and winner of the 2026 award.

After a hearty round of applause, James spoke to the group.  He said that this was the first award he had won as an author and he was delighted that our readers had taken his “weird little book“ to heart and praised them for their empathy with the characters in the story.

James went on to give thanks on behalf of himself, Sophie and Chibundu for being nominated for the award. He talked about the day he spent at Bolton School meeting readers, talking about writing and sharing stories and how much he enjoyed meeting everyone. On the train journey home, James said that he and Sophie chatted about what a good day they had both had and how it encouraged them to keep writing.

James then went on to “unbox” his prize - a handmade bespoke mug made by Mrs Caller with assistance from Mrs White (Art Department) and painted by Archie Warren (Year 10) the mug features an image from the cover of the book and also an image of Bolton School. James said that it would have pride of place on his writing shelf. 

James gave his final thanks to another round of applause and said that he would very much like to visit Bolton School again, urging everyone to keep reading and writing their own stories.

The Boy in the Suit is James’ debut novel and so we were delighted that one of the intentions of the Fiction Award which is to find and highlight new authors had been met. The book starts with a funeral and it soon becomes clear that this is a regular event for Solo (the main character) and his mum, Morag. The reader is gripped from the start and as the story evolves sympathises with Solo and his difficult life. It certainly resonated with our readers.

Mrs Howarth then went on to outline the longlist for the Bolton Children’s Fiction Award 2027. These are:

1. The Strange Disappearance of Imogen Good by Kirsty Applebaum
2. Running My Own Race by Abena Eyeson
3. Wildlands by Brogen Murphy
4. Wolf Siren by Beth O’Brien
5. Shrapnel Boys by Jenny Pearson
6. A Girl’s Guide to Spying by Holly Webb

An anthology containing the opening chapters of each of the shortlisted titles was given to children who will be starting Year 7 in September and is also available in school along with copies of each title.  Pupils are encouraged to read from the longlist over the summer holiday and to share with Librarians their favourite titles when they return in September. From their recommendations, a final short list of 3 will be drawn up and announced in early October.

The Celebration event for the 2027 will take place at Bolton School on 19th March.