Au, Burton, Archbold win 2022 Readings Prizes
The winners of the three Readings Prizes for children’s, young adult and new Australian fiction have been announced.
The winners are:
New Australian Fiction Prize
- Cold Enough for Snow (Jessica Au, Giramondo)
Young Adult Book Prize
- Underground (Mirranda Burton, A&U)
Children’s Book Prize
- The Sugarcane Kids and the Red-bottomed Boat (Charlie Archbold, Text).
The winners, who each receive $3000, were chosen from previously announced shortlists in children’s, YA and fiction.
Au said of her win: ‘Cold Enough for Snow was 10 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.’ The novel, Au’s second, was the inaugural recipient of Giramondo, New Directions and Fitzcarraldo Editions’ Novel Prize, and was shortlisted for this year’s Age Book of the Year Award and a 2022 Queensland Literary Award.
Burton, who won the Young Adult Book Prize for her second graphic novel, a history of the Vietnam War, said: ‘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.’ Underground also made this year’s CBCA Notable Books list.
Archbold is the author of two YA novels and The Sugarcane Kids and the Red-bottomed Boat, her first book for middle-grade readers. She said she is ‘absolutely thrilled’ that the novel about friendship and loyalty was awarded the Readings Children’s Book Prize and extended ‘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.’
Readings owner Mark Rubbo said: ‘It can be difficult for debut and second-time authors to attract attention, especially when the heavy-hitters dominate the media. We established the prizes to attract readers who might not necessarily pick up these books otherwise.’
Last year’s winners were Andrew Pippos for Lucky’s (Picador), Asphyxia for Future Girl (A&U) and Penny Tangey for As Fast as I Can (UQP); each prevous winner joined Readings staff in judging this year’s prizes.
The winners of the 2022 Readings Prizes were announced at an event at Readings Emporium, the chain’s Melbourne CBD store, on Wednesday, 26 October. It was the first time that the three prizes were presented together. For more information, see the Readings website.
Category: Awards Junior Local news
