I don't think Halloween was the best day to hold the Teenage Booktrust Prize 2007. Aren't us Spinebreakers scary enough when set on a room full of people?

The six authors shortlisted for the prize; Theresa Breslin, Kate Cann, Meg Rosoff, Marcus Sedgwick, Philip Reeve and Mal Peet were all there, as well as industry professionals and the nine Booktrust Teenage Prize judges. The first thing us Spinebreakers do in this kind of situation is spot a familiar face. Meg Rosoff, who is an SB favourite, came over to speak to us and gave a short interview. Of course her novel, Just In Case, won rave reviews from us so naturally we were rooting for her.

The Booktrust Teenage Prize is a unique prize which showcases novels aimed at teenagers. Every year, a different group of judges read over 100 books and choose just six to be shortlisted for the prize. There are always more young judges than adult judges, and this year there was six teenagers and only three adults. Angela Wilkinson, the chair of judges, was the first to give a speech. Speaking as a librarian from the Derbyshire Hills, she said that she read 104 books in just under three months. We couldn't believe that was possible! Angela Wilkinson then had the job of announcing the winner of the Booktrust Teenage Prize 2007 as Marcus Sedgwick, for his novel My Swordhand Is Singing. He couldn't seem to believe it as he walked up to give his speech. He said that he was amazed and honoured to recieve such a unique award and dedicated it to his wife.

All in all it was a great event that we all enjoyed, even if mini-canapes are something we'll never get used to.

Our video interviews with winner Marcus Sedgwick and young judge Sam Audet will be on the site soon, so check them out.