YvonneWaterstone’s Children’s Book Prize, is an annual award, now in it’s seventh year and celebrates new talent in children’s writing.
The award winner is voted for by booksellers across the country and all authors are eligible, who write for children in the 7 – 13 age group and have written no more than 2 fiction titles.
The award carries a £5,000 cash prize for the winner and in 2011 was presented by the current Children’s Laureate, Anthony Browne.
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The winner of the award, in February 2011, is Sita Brahmachari, for her book ‘Artichoke Hearts’
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Synopsis
Twelve-year-old Mira comes from a chaotic, artistic and outspoken family where it’s not always easy to be heard.
As her beloved Nana Josie’s health declines, Mira begins to discover the secrets of those around her, and also starts to keep some of her own.
She is drawn to mysterious Jide, a boy who is clearly hiding a troubled past and has grown hardened layers – like those of an artichoke – around his heart.
As Mira is experiencing grief for the first time, she is also discovering the wondrous and often mystical world around her.
An incredibly insightful, honest novel exploring the delicate balance, and often injustice, of life and death – but at its heart is a celebration of friendship, culture – and life.
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About The Author:
Sita Brahmachari, was born in Derby, England, of an Indian father who is a doctor and an English mother, a nurse.
‘Artichoke Hearts’ is her debut novel, however, with a BA in English Literature and a MA in Arts Education, her numerous projects and writing commissions have been produced widely in venues both in the UK and US.
‘Artichoke Hearts’ is a story based on the real-life experience of her mother-in-laws death from cancer. It deals with death and grief in a way that children can understand and offers a positive portrayal of the relationship between grandchildren and their grandparents.
Sita, lives with husband and family in North London.
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I don’t generally read children’s or YA books, but ‘Artichoke Hearts’ has had such rave reviews, from readers of all age groups, that this will definitely be another addition to my TBR mountain. I’m sure it will be quite an emotional read, although tempered with more than a little humour, as is any book which addresses areas of a child’s emotional development.
I used to lecture in Children’s Literature and although I don’t keep up with what is occurrent as well as I used to I do still try and read the prize winners so I’m going over to the library site now to put an order in. I always think it is so exciting to find new children’s writers. There can never be enough people showing children just how relevant and immediate books can be.
Hello Annie,
I think that the award results were posted a couple of weeks back, sorry that there has been something of a delay with the post, I hope that you manage to get a copy without too much trouble.
I totally agree with your comments about showing children the magic and wonder that can be found inside the pages of a book, which is why the closing of the libraries will be such a desperate blow. No matter which library I have spoken to, they are all in agreement, that the children’s section is always the most used.
I don’t tend to read much YA literature, but this one sounds too good to resist. It seems to deal with a difficult subject in a mature, yet sensitive way, bringing so many elements of day-to-day life into play. It’s already on my wish list.