Each year, a longlist of twenty-four children's books is drawn up from nominations by secondary-school pupils, school and library staff, and publishers.
Reading groups in schools and libraries then narrow this to a shortlist of six.
In the following January, young people across Manchester start voting for their favourite, either online or in libraries and schools; voting for the 2009 award closed on 5 March.
The 2009 award was announced by Coronation Street actress, Julie Hesmondhalgh, on 11 March 2009.
The following is a listing of all honoured books, including winners, shortlists, and longlists.