A youthful opinion for top literary prize

As the winners of one of literature’s largest international prizes are announced this evening, it is key to note that this time some youthful opinion has gone into the overall judging.

Six teenagers aged from 16 to 19 have joined the regular panel of journalists, broadcasters and academics to give their own and honest thoughts of how shortlisted books have matched up to each other. From observing the six students for just a moment, it is clear to see their passion and youthful exuberance about the books in question and surrounding literature in general.

Just before the 2009 Orange Prize for Fiction, the six teenagers of the youth panel have chosen Blonde Roots by Bernardine Evaristo as their winner amongst the six shortlisted.

The overall winner of Regular Panel Shortlist will be announced this evening at the prestigious London Awards ceremony.

For more information, visit orangeprize.co.uk.