Very thrilled that Are You There, Buddha? has been shortlisted in the NSW Premier’s Literary Awards in the Ethel Turner Prize. Here are the judges comments:
This verse novel is accessible to readers of all stages. There is precision in its simplicity, and it rewards repeat readings. Characters are well-drawn and relationships develop in interesting and satisfying ways. Are You There, Buddha? balances the light and dark of taking bold first steps into teendom.
The other shortlisted books in both the children’s and young adult categories are brilliant, bold and brave pieces of writing and illustration. Congratulations all! Looking forward to the winners announcement and a bit of a party in May. More here
Patricia Wrightson Prize for Children’s Literature ($30,000)
Me, Microbes and I (Philip Bunting, HGCP)
My Brother Ben (Peter Carnavas, UQP)
Bear and Rat (Christopher Cheng, illus by Stephen Michael King, Puffin)
Dragon Skin (Karen Foxlee, A&U)
Always (Morris Gleitzman, Puffin)
Bindi (Kirli Saunders, Magabala)
Ethel Turner Prize for Young People’s Literature ($30,000)
Waking Romeo (Kathryn Barker, A&U)
Girls in Boys’ Cars (Felicity Castagna, Pan)
The Gaps (Leanne Hall, Text)
Are You There, Buddha? (Pip Harry, Lothian)
Tiger Daughter (Rebecca Lim, A&U)
Henry Hamlet’s Heart (Rhiannon Wilde, UQP)