Sir Terry Pratchett’s latest children’s book Nation has deservedly been long listed for the Guardian Children’s Fiction Prize for 2009!

In a diversion from his phenomenally successful Discworld series, Nation is set on a South Sea island and tackles the aftermath of a natural disaster. Washed up on the shores of a remote island, two kids from cultures half a world apart have to learn to get along and survive. Dealing with death and the trauma of loss, Nation has a dark edge that is compelling reading.

The winner will be announced on 8 October 2009, following the unveiling of the shortlist in September. The award is the only children’s prize in which authors are judged by their peers and previous winners have included Philip Pullman, Ted Hughes, Anne Fine and Jacqueline Wilson.

Authors Celia Rees, Andy Stanton and Patrick Ness (last year’s winner) are judging the prize along with Julia Eccleshare.

For more information please visit the Guardian Website.