Siberry wins HGE Ampersand Prize for middle-grade novel ‘Gloop’

Lisa Siberry has won Hardie Grant Egmont’s (HGE) Ampersand Prize for an unpublished manuscript for her middle-grade novel ‘Gloop’.

‘Gloop’ is a ‘funny and atmospheric middle-grade mystery’ about  12-year-old science geek Lily Green, ‘who feels stuck in a world obsessed with appearances—until she accidentally creates some beauty products from the mysterious plants in her neighbour’s garden and become an instant sensation’.

Siberry’s manuscript was selected from a shortlist of six and close to 160 entries.

HGE publisher Marisa Pintado said: ‘Lily’s story feels like a wonderful mix of Raina Telgemeier’s Drama and the “Friday Barnes” series—but with the schoolyard-romp appeal of Hating Alison Ashley. Readers of all ages will adore it.’

‘Gloop’ is the second middle-age manuscript to win the award after Rhiannon Williams’s ‘Little Ott Colter’ won in 2016.

HGE will publish ‘Gloop’ in 2019.

Category: Awards Junior Local news