We're excited to share the 2017 Readings Prize winners, including the winning author for the inaugural Readings Young Adult Prize! This new award recognises the best new contribution to Australian youth literature from an emerging author.
Read about this year's winners below!
The Readings New Australian Fiction Prize
The Windy Season by Sam Carmody
The winner of the Readings Prize for New Australian Fiction in 2017 is The Windy Season by Sam Carmody.
Chair of judges Gabrielle Williams said:
'All at once a mystery, a family drama, and an examination of masculinity and violence, as well as a meditation on Australian coastal landscapes, The Windy Season demands attention and a place in our literary canon. The language is immersive, the pace relentless. It roars down and batters the senses. It is, in a word, unforgettable.'
You can read more about Carmody's win, including a statement from guest judge Christos Tsiolkas, here.
The Readings Young Adult Prize
The Bone Sparrow by Zana Fraillon
The winner of the first Readings Young Adult Book Prize is The Bone Sparrow by Zana Fraillon! The Young Adult Prize considers first and second works of young adult fiction and memoir, and Fraillon’s timely, gutsy and gorgeously written book is a fitting winner for our inaugural year.
Our judging panel were moved by Fraillon’s powerful and compassionate storytelling, describing it as ‘a call to empathy and hope for refugees, humanity’s most disenfranchised’ and ‘a truly unforgettable novel from an incredible talent’.
You can read more about Fraillon's win, including a statement from guest judge Lili Wilkinson, here.
The Readings Children's Book Prize
A Most Magical Girl by Karen Foxlee
The winner of this year’s Readings Children’s Book Prize is A Most Magical Girl by Karen Foxlee!
Chair of Judges Athina Clarke says:
'What an amazing book this is! The writing is rich and accomplished, overflowing with vigour and vitality. And this quest story is a magical blend of fairies, witches and wizards, all brought to life in a wonderfully fresh and beguiling way – and embedded with a rich exploration of identity, family and friendship.'
You can read more about Foxlee's win, including a statement from guest judge Elizabeth Honey, here.
And don't miss our highly recommended shortlisted books!
The Readings New Australian Fiction Prize 2017 shortlist
