Rick Yancey has won the Red House children's book award 2014 with The 5th Wave, a thrilling story that follows 16-year-old Cassie Sullivan's struggle to survive after an apocalyptic alien arrival.

A hugely popular choice among older voters, the book has earned Rick widespread critical acclaim amid suggestions that his trilogy could imitate the immense success of the Twilight and Hunger Games series. Sony are rumoured to be currently developing a film adaptation of the book, with Tobey Maguire as a producer.

Former children's laureate Julia Donaldson and Gruffalo co-creator Axel Scheffler won the books for younger children category with Superworm, while Jennifer Gray's Atticus Claw Breaks The Law emerged as winner in the books for younger readers category.

The Red House children's book award is the only national award for children's books voted for entirely by children themselves and is run by the Federation of Children's Book Groups.

It has helped bring fame and glory to a string of past winners including JK Rowling, Patrick Ness, Michael Morpurgo, Andy Stanton, Malorie Blackman and Anthony Horowitz.

Seni Glaister, CEO of the Book People, who sponsor the award, paid tribute to the many young voters who took part: "Once again the nation's young readers have shown what peerless literary taste they have. The shortlisted titles are a fantastic representation of all that is great in children's publishing at the moment."

What do you think of the winners?

Family reviewers Jennifer, Minnie (2) and Bebe (1) thought Superworm 'marvellous', while Jennifer Gray's Guinea Pigs Online series has garnered high praise from site members: Lady Sparkle calls it "exciting and fantastic".

But what did you think of the overall winner? If you've read The 5th Wave, join the site and send us your review! If not, read the first chapter and find out what all the fuss is about! And look out for our quickfire interview with Rick on the site on Monday!