The MM Agency is unbelievably excited to finally shout about this news! Four of our superstar children’s authors have been nominated for the incredibly prestigious CILIP Carnegie Medal 2021.
The Carnegie medal is a decades-old award, spanning back to 1936, and CILIP is the UK’s library and information association. This award is particularly unique, because nominees are judged and awarded solely by librarians; the panel is comprised of member of CILIP and the Youth Libraries Group. The esteemed list of past winners includes Sally Gardner, Elizabeth Acevedo, Terry Pratchett and Philip Pullman.
Books are judged based on their preamble, style, characterisation, plot and themes, and how these elements come together to create “an outstanding reading experience through writing.” The marvellous nominated authors for this the award are as follows:
Holly Bourne for The Places I’ve Cried in Public (Usborne): Holly is an established, bestselling voice in YA fiction, known for her fresh style and boldly authentic subject matters. This book is no different, as it grapples with teenage domestic abuse. Sixth-former Amelie retraces her relationship with ex-boyfriend Reece, in an attempt to track the red flags in this intense romance which soon turned destructive.
Sarah Hagger-Holt for Nothing Ever Happens Here (Usborne): in this heart-warming and affirming Middle Grade debut, Sarah shines a light on an ordinary family’s life-changing journey. Narrated through the eyes of young Izzy, who’s dad comes out as a trans woman, this story highlights the power of love, family and acceptance.
Danielle Jawando for And the Stars Were Burning Brightly (Simon & Schuster): this electrifying debut novel is about loss, family, and mental health. It follows teenage Nathan who’s brother, Al, has recently taken his own life. As he struggles with his own devastation, he attempts to understand the lead-up to this tragic event by retracing Al’s steps, through which he discovers the ugly depths of teen bullying.
Kate Weston for Diary of a Confused Feminist (Hodder Children’s Books): this bold YA comedy is sure to leave you in stitches – we meet 15-year-old Kat, on a quest to become the perfect feminist – a quest which she soon learns is much easier said than done, when there’s social media, homework, and super-hot classmates contend with…
As an Agency, we are incredibly passionate about the importance of engaging, powerful and original content for children and young adults. This is why we are so proud to represent such a talented group of individuals and are over the moon whenever their outstanding work is recognised.
You can head over to the official awards website to read more about all the fantastic nominated titles, and be sure keep your eyes peeled on the Thursday 18th February 2021, when the longlist is announced – and there will hopefully be even more good news to share!
