Budding literary critics have been picked to review the latest top children's blockbusters.

Pupils from Radley College, Abingdon School, Didcot Girls School and John Mason School in Abingdon are reviewing books shortlisted to win the Library Association's prestigious Carnegie Medal.

The award is made each year to the best top-selling children's author.

Eight books have been shortlisted, and pupils from the four schools are sharpening their skills for literary review by reading, discussing and forming opinions on each one. A joint forum of the would-be literary critics takes place at John Mason School on June 27.

Pupils will discuss the books before voting on who they think should win the Carnegie Award. Their result will be compared with the actual decision made on July 8.