Queen of Teen . . . could be a man The next Queen of Teen could be a King. James Dawson, a former journalist turned author, has become the first man to be shortlisted for the fiction prize voted for by teenagers. Last year's winner, Cathy Cassidy, is again nominated, along with Maureen Johnson, Sarah Webb, Joanna Nadin, Cathy Hopkins, Samantha Mackintosh, Chris Higgins, Hayley Long and S.C. Ransom. Dawson, who grew up in West Yorkshire, had a spell as a reporter on a Brighton newspaper - interviewing bands such as Steps and Atomic Kitten - and has recently been working as a teacher, specialising in PSHCE (Personal Social Health and Citizenship Education). His debut novel, a teen thriller debut called Hollow Pike, was published in February 2012. The award is voted for by teenagers In UK and abroad and will be awarded in July (you can vote at www.queenofteen.co.uk). Cassidy, author of the Chocolate Box Girls books, said: "I've had lots of fun since being voted Queen of Teen... it's an amazing award because the votes and views of teenagers really DO count!" The award is now in its fourth year. The award's first winner was Louise Rennison, creator of the Georgia Nicolson series, and previous shortlisted authors include Jacqueline Wilson. It has aroused some controversy. Meg Rossoff blogged on the award previously, saying: "Why is so much marketing to girls swaddled in sparkly pink and demeaning language?" If Dawson wins he will, of course, have to wear the victor's 'Queen of Teen tiara'. Well, it is an age of equality.