Jawando wins YA Book Prize

In the UK, Danielle Jawando has won the 2023 YA Book Prize for her second novel When Our Worlds Collided (Simon & Schuster Children’s), reports the Bookseller.

Described as a ‘raw, powerful and thought provoking’ coming-of-age novel, Jawando’s book follows three teenagers from different backgrounds who are brought together in the aftermath of a stabbing. Earlier this year it was named the winner of the 2023 Jhalak Children’s and Young Adult Prize.

Judge Rachel Fox said When Our Worlds Collided ‘completely blew me away’. ‘While the plot deals with extremely pertinent issues including racial injustice, prejudice around class and dealing with trauma, the novel is also a wonderful celebration of friendship, found family and community,’ Fox said. ‘I can’t wait for more readers to meet Chantelle, Jackson and Marc, and enjoy this accomplished novel as much as all of us judges.’

Established in 2014, the YA Book Prize is administered by the Bookseller and the Edinburgh International Book Festival. Last year’s winner was Adiba Jaigirdar for her second novel Hani and Ishu’s Guide to Fake Dating (Hodder Children’s).

Category: International news