Cathy Cassidy is crowned The Book People’s Queen of Teen 2010

Author of teen novels Cathy Cassidy has been crowned the Queen of Teen for 2010 in the annual awards which are hosted by The Book People, one of the UK’s largest online book stores.

Thousands of teenagers from across the globe nominated their favourite authors for the award, which is given to the author of children’s books who readers believe have written about real-life issues in an honest, entertaining and fun way. Writers of the most heartfelt nominations were invited to meet their heroines at the pink-themed Queen of Teen 2010 award ceremony, which took place at Catteshall Manor in Surrey.

Deservedly popular winner Cathy Cassidy and author of best selling books such as The Chocolate Box Series, said: “The connection I have with my fans is a very special privilege, so I’m very, very happy to win this award. When I was young, I wanted to be a princess, a writer… or a pony! Now I’ve been crowned Queen of Teen that means two of my dreams have come true!”

Seni Glaister, CEO of the Book People, said: “We’re celebrating the fabulous authors who make reading such a pleasure. The young readers who enjoy these authors and recommend their books to their friends are also absorbing valuable lessons about life, death, loss, friendship and love. The authors are their back-up team; guardian angels to help them through their teenage years. We’re delighted to celebrate their work with this award.”

The very pink ceremony was attended by many of Cassidy’s fans, including pupils from Rodborough School and Greatham School and shortlisted authors, each of whom was presented with a tiara and pink sash before Cathy Cassidy was crowned and seated on the Queen of Teen throne.

Queen of Teen was launched by The Book People in 2008 to celebrate those authors of children’s and baby books and books for teens who are often overlooked by other awards, but who bring so much enjoyment to their teen readers while dealing with real-life issues.

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Notes for editors

The Queen of Teen competition was launched to acknowledge the hugely significant part that fiction can play in the teenage years, and to encourage girls to turn off their computers and mobile phones and pick up a book instead. Queen of Teen has a dedicated website www.queenofteen.co.uk with information about the award’s history, details on all the shortlisted authors and pictures of the award ceremony.

For further information on Queen of Teen please contact Donna Stevenson on contact@queenofteen.co.uk or by telephone on 01483 860215.

Quotes from authors attending the Queen of Teen award ceremony:

Cathy Hopkins: Normally writers can spend all day at their computer, seeing no one, so it’s great to be invited to a party! It’s so flattering to be nominated and I’m absolutely thrilled to be here.

Chris Higgins: I’m really touched by my nomination: there are so many great novelists writing for teenagers so I’m really pleased to be on the shortlist. When I was a teenager, I went straight from reading Enid Blyton books to my mum’s Catherine Cookson’s, so it’s great that now there are lots of teenage books being written that young people can relate to.

Helen Bailey: As well as books and paper, the internet is increasingly important for authors and the interaction I have with my fans is fantastic. When I was young I tried to write to Jane Austen, but now young readers can have conversations with the writers they love – it’s brilliant.

Sarra Manning: Me and the superfan who presented my with my tiara today have been Tweeting each other for weeks, discussing whether we were allowed to wear black! I like to think that she’s proof that girls who read teen fiction can come out the other side cool, smart… and well dressed.

Joanna Nadin: I’m overwhelmed – it’s usually just me in my room and on Facebook, so it’s great to meet the fans. The emotions you feel as a teenager don’t go away so I think it’s important to learn about them and read about them. I’m hugely proud to be amongst this wonderful group of authors… and hugely proud to write books about snogging!

Louise Rennison: I hope I’m not going to get into an ugly mood when I don’t get my crown back! I didn’t bring my crown with me today. I left it at home, but I’m always wearing it when I’m writing, just in case I get invited somewhere…

Sarah Webb: I’m not just a writer, I’m a children’s bookseller too, so I’m in heaven being here today because I’m the ultimate superfan of all these writers!

Samantha Mackintosh: On the outside, I’m far too wrinkly to be a Queen of Teen, but on the inside I’m still very much a teenager! Thank you for the nomination!

Jacqueline Wilson: I’m so sorry that I can’t be with you today. I have vivid memories of
the last Queen of Teen ceremony which was a riot of pink and glitter and I have no doubt that this year’s will be just as much fun. I’m so grateful to all of you who voted for me. At a time when it is all too easy to find an alternative distraction, it is so wonderful to know that young people still enjoy escaping into a good book, still enjoy the feeling of being gripped by well developed characters and a great plot. Thank you once again to all those who voted for me. And long live the book!

Contact Information

Donna Stevenson

PR and Events Manager

The Book People

Contact via E-mail