Local writer Sarah Johnson’s book, The Bold Ship Phenomenal, has been chosen as a finalist in the Esther Glen Junior Fiction category of the NZ Book Awards for Children and Young Adults.
Spoilt for choice, say this year’s judges of the 2016 Awards as they selected the 28 finalists that were announced last Wednesday.
“Haunted houses, war stories, gritty social issues and some amazingly imaginative works were all part of the mix. It was very challenging for us all to choose these finalists,” says convenor of judges Fiona Mackie.
The finalists in the New Zealand Book Awards for Children and Young Adults are selected across six categories: Young Adult Fiction, Junior Fiction, Non-Fiction, Picture Book, Illustration and te reo Māori. There were 154 entries submitted for the 2016 Awards.
The Esther Glen junior fiction finalists deliver even more than their appearances, say the judges. “With perfect prose matching the mood of each story, and with fresh and intriguing characters, these books are by turn thrilling, funny, moving and satisfying.” Twenty-five books were submitted in this category.
Junior Fiction (Esther Glen Award):
Enemy Camp, David Hill, Penguin Random House (Puffin)
From the Cutting Room of Barney Kettle, Kate De Goldi, Penguin Random House (Longacre)
Lily Max – Satin, Scissors, Frock, Jane Bloomfield, Luncheon Sausage Books
The Bold Ship Phenomenal, Sarah Johnson, Flat Bed Press
The Girl Who Rode the Wind, Stacy Gregg, Harper Collins
The winners of the 2016 New Zealand Book Awards for Children and Young Adults will be announced on the evening of Monday, 8 August at Circa Theatre in Wellington.
