Announcing the 2022 winners of the Readings Prizes
We are thrilled to announce the three winners of our 2022 Readings Prizes! The prizes support emerging Australian voices across three separate categories of fiction: Children’s, Young Adult and New Australian Fiction, with only debuts and second works eligible for entry. This year's winners include an evocative debut novel about a mother-daughter relationship, a moving graphic novel inspired by true events, and a riveting mystery that brings to mind classic children's adventure novels. The winner of each prize will receive $3,000.
WINNER OF THE CHILDREN'S PRIZE
The Sugarcane Kids and the Red-bottomed Boat by Charlie Archbold
Andy and his best friend Eli live in a small coastal town in Far North Queensland. When Eli’s cousin is arrested for a theft, Andy and Eli know he’s innocent and, together with their friends, set out to prove it. This is a fun adventure story that shows the power of friendship. For ages 8+.
In their 2022 report, the judging panel said of the work: ‘This middle-grade novel is a propulsive adventure with diverse characters, and a compelling page-turner that will appeal to a wide range of kids. A great Australian story set in the vivid, sticky mangrove rainforests of Far North Queensland, this romp of a mystery novel reminded us of classic children’s adventure books, where a group of friends use ingenuity and teamwork to win the day and right the wrongs they see around them.’
Excited by the prospect of her book finding more readers, Archbold said: ‘I am absolutely thrilled that this book about friendship and loyalty has been awarded the Readings Prize, and extend huge congratulations to all on the shortlist. I know we will be keeping our young readers entertained with such fine books. I hope readers take away the warm feelings I had when I wrote the story, have a giggle, feel the rainforest, and know that standing up for what you believe is important.’
The judges of the 2022 Readings Children’s Prize were: Lucie Dess (marketing assistant and chair of judges), Lian Hingee (digital marketing manager), Janine Larson (Readings Kids), Clare McCann-McCall (Readings Hawthorn) and last year’s winner Penny Tangey (As Fast as I Can).
WINNER OF THE YOUNG ADULT PRIZE
Underground by Mirranda Burton
The 1960s wasn’t all peace, love and understanding and Underground brings it all back home. It was a time when Jean McLean and her artist friends in Melbourne devised cunning acts of civil disobedience to stop young men being sent to war in Vietnam. Mirranda Burton’s stylish black-and-white graphic novel is a true story of the struggle for social justice in our own backyard, literally. For ages 14+.
In their 2022 report, the judging panel said of the work: ‘This win is a huge acknowledgement of the vast number of hours it takes to create such exceptional work for a wide audience ... We all loved this graphic novel for the complete world that Mirranda created and the way she wove playful elements into this social and local history. We became captivated by the stories and the resilience of each of the characters. The Vietnam War may seem quite surreal (or like ancient history) to today’s youth, but its legacy continues to affect many lives. Mirranda’s breathtakingly detailed illustrations not only enhance the immersive quality but also help make the story highly accessible and attractive to a wide range of ages and tastes.’
Burton welcomed her win, saying: ‘Thank you, from the bottom of so many hearts for this recognition of the love, sweat and tears that have been absorbed by the making of Underground. I hope the book acknowledges not only the trauma but also the resilience, humanity, love and persistence that have been summoned to both challenge and overcome the war. May we celebrate those who have so tirelessly and endlessly committed to trying to make the world a better place.’
The judges of the 2022 Readings YA Prize judges were: Julia Jackson (Readings Carlton assistant manager and chair of judges), Mike Shuttleworth (former Readings Hawthorn), Clodagh Robinson-Watts (Readings Carlton) and last year’s winner, Asphyxia (Future Girl).
WINNER OF THE NEW AUSTRALIAN FICTION PRIZE
Cold Enough For Snow by Jessica Au
A daughter arranges to meet her mother in Japan; a reunion of sorts. As they travel through art galleries and temples, share meals and hotel rooms, it is clear that deeply held expectations are not being met. This is a powerful exploration of family, creation and regret that also plays with elements of time and perspective. It is a story that ponders questions of connection.
In their 2022 report, the judging panel said of the work: ‘It was a difficult decision to choose one title from this list. The judging panel reflected on, rather than judged, how each title gave us a new insight into our humanity. To that end, Jessica Au’s quiet contemplative prose about a mother and a daughter traveling was considered the needed juxtaposition to the past year.’
On hearing the news, Au told us: ‘Cold Enough for Snow was ten years in the making and, during that time, being in the world of independent bookshops and talking to booksellers was one of the best literary educations I could have asked for. I was so humbled even to be part of this year’s shortlist alongside such incredible authors. My gratitude to Readings staff for their irreplaceable knowledge, and to the judges of this year’s prize.’
The judges of the 2022 Readings New Australian Fiction Prize were: Christine Gordon (head of community engagement and programming and chair of judges), Carolyn Watson (Readings Doncaster), Susan Stevenson (Readings Malvern), Tye Cattanach (former schools and libraries specialist) and last year’s winner, Andrew Pippos (Lucky’s).