From 17 to 23 August, we are celebrating the annual Children's Book Council of Australia (CBCA) Book Week. The 2019 theme is 'Reading is My Secret Power' and is an opportunity to recognise and celebrate literature for young Australians.
During Book Week, the CBCA Book of the Year is announced. Established in 1946, the award aims to promote quality literature for young Australians, support and encourage a wide range of writers as well as illustrators and celebrate contributions to Australian literature. Please see below the winner and shortlist for the category of 'Book of the Year: Older Readers'. You can borrow or reserve these titles through our catalogue.
Winner:
Between Us by Clare Atkins
Is it possible for two teenagers to fall in love despite high barbed-wire fences and a political wilderness between them?
Honours:
Small Spaces by Sarah Epstein
Tash Carmody has been traumatised since childhood when she witnessed her imaginary friend Sparrow, lure young Mallory Fisher away from a carnival. She came to accept that Sparrow wasn't real but at fifteen, Tash's memories are beginning to resurface. Does Sparrow exist or is Tash more dangerous to others than she thinks?
Lenny's Book of Everything by Karen Foxlee
Lenny and her younger brother Davey have a mother who is made of worries. They have food and a roof over their heads but not much else. So when the latest issue of 'Burrell's Build-It-at-Home Encyclopaedia' arrives each week, it is very exciting as Lenny and Davey experience the wonders of the world and dream about a life of freedom and adventure. However as Davey's health deteriorates, Lenny comes to realise that he will never make it to Great Bear Lake.
Other titles in shortlist:
Changing Gear by Scott Gardner
Merrick Hilton has done a runner. His parents think he is studying but the real world has been calling for years and he cannot ignore it. A postie bike, a bedroll and a big sky - that is all he needs. This is a vivid story of a teenage boy and the road trip that clears his head and heart.
The Bogan Mondrian by Steven Herrick
Luke sleepwalks through his days wagging school, swimming at the reservoir and eating takeaway pizza. That is until Charlotte shows up. When Luke is invited to her house, he discovers that there is a lot more going on than meets the eye.
The Art of Taxidermy by Sharon Kernot
Lottie collects dead creatures and lovingly cares for them, hoping to save them from disintegration. Her father understands but her aunt wants it to stop. Her mother died a long time ago and Lottie is searching for a way to be close to her.