Chicken House MD, Barry Cunningham introduces the shortlist for the Chicken House Children's Fiction Competition in The Times today.

Over 2,000 submissions have been whittled down to just five manuscripts. The list includes a story about an alien football team, a teenage vampire and a thirteenth centory boy monk.

The winner, to be judged by bestselling author Malorie Blackman, Times reviewer Amanda Craig, Fiona Allen from Waterstone's, young people's librarian Karen Robinson and Chicken House MD Barry Cunningham, will be announced on March 24.

Barry Cunningham in The Times

THE SHORTLIST

 Reavers by Emily Diamand A post apocalyptical fantasy set in a partially flooded Britain. The story centres on a young fisher girl, orphaned when the sinister Reavers come calling and she is at sea with her seer-like cat.

The Secret Life of Jemma Jones by Ann Marie Conway A heart-warming modern day story of fractured family life: Jemma's big sister isn't welcome in the house any more, her dad's gone AWOL and her mum refuses to tell her why. The only thing to brighten Jemma's week is the Yellow Brick Road Drama Club.

The Crowfield Feather by Pat Walsh A dark, atmospheric, mythological fantasy set in the fourteenth century about an orphan boy who lives in a monastery. The story builds on the discovery that the monks have apparently buried an 'angel' in the forest.

Knowing Leila by Frances Field Leila's once famous pop-star mum is going on the road again, and this summer Leila's going with her. A modern story of teenage friendship, tricky family relationships and moral dilemmas - set in the gorgeously colourful world of an 'end of the pier' revival show.

 Aliens FC by Sam Morrison and Danny Stack A younger, comic novel about a brother and sister kidnapped in their Beckham and Rooney football shirts by aliens. Aliens who are desperate to rescue their failing soccer