Australian children’s books shortlisted for Japan’s Sakura Medal

Five Australian children’s books have been shortlised for Japan’s Sakura Medal.

Jeannie Baker’s picture book Circle (Walker) has been nominated in the picture books category, while in the chapter books category, Paul Jennings’ The Unforgettable What’s His Name (illus by Craig Smith, A&U) and Nova Weetman’s middle-grade novel The Secrets We Keep (UQP) have been shortlisted. Two Australian YA novels were nominated in the middle school category: Wai Chim’s Freedom Swimmer (A&U) and Zana Fraillon’s The Bone Sparrow (Lothian).

The Sakura Medal asks students from international schools across Japan to vote for their favourite books each year, after school librarians select a list of 25-30 books in each of the award’s five categories. Running since 2006, the award recognises both English- and Japanese-language books.

For more information about the Sakura Medal, and to see the full shortlists, see the website.

Category: Awards Junior Local news