BOOKS OF THE YEAR & NON-FICTION
OVERVIEW This shortlist shows how fundamental publishers and authors are in shaping the future of our younger generations. Mental health, acceptance, LGBTQI+ relationships and geopolitics are among the themes that prevailed in the category. With garnering two spots apiece on the shortlist, all of the titles are beautifully designed, highly entertaining and, above all, groundbreaking in theme and format.
YOU GOT THIS The first kids' book from well- loved author Bryony Gordon, focusing on 10 life lessons she wished she had known as a teen. The author has a distinct voice, which is funny and honest throughout. Positioned by Hachette as the “go-to” book for parents looking to support their teens’ mental health, this book found success in three big markets: teens, parents and Gordon’s existing fans.
LOOK UP! This fresh offering is from an author-illustrator duo; Nathan Bryon’s (above) voice and Dapo Adeola’s artwork make for a distinct and modern tale. The book challenges today’s society by showing how we should stop what we are doing and "Look Up!" The book was successful among reviewers; one described it as “energetic with a wry, sweet take on family dynamics”.
THE SMEDS
AND THE SMOOS The latest from Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler is more than just a happy space adventure. At its heart are messages of acceptance, inclusivity and toegtherness. The book got rave reviews, one dubbing it as a “book of our time”. The Smeds and The Smoos topped the kids' chart for two weeks following publication, and has been sold in 14 languages.
PUBLISHERS 1 PUFFIN 2 ALISON GREEN 3 WREN & ROOK 4 ELLIOTT & THOMPSON
5 HODDER CHILDRENS BOOKS
6 PUFFIN
HEARTSTOPPER: VOL 1 Alice Oseman's Heartstopper: Vol 1 started as a grassroots campaign, which hit its fund- raising target within hours. It was picked up by Hachette, which brought the LGBTQI+ love story to a worldwide audience. As a graphic novel, it pushed format boundaries for the genre and was the first of its kind for Hachette Children’s Group. The webcomic is still available for free online.
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PRISONERS OF GEOGRAPHY Visually appealing and informative, this illustrated version of Tim Marshall’s Prisoners of Geography brings the same topics to a younger audience. Superbly illustrated by Grace Eason and Jessica Smith, it breaks down complex geopolitical ideas, from climate change to colonialism, teach- ing kids how geography shapes the history of the world.
ON THE ORIGIN OF SPECIES Sabina Radeva’s début merges science and art as she re-tells Darwin’s evolution theory. The author, a biologist, demon- strates a commitment to scien- tific accuracy. Another shortlis- tee that started as a grassroots Kickstarter campaign, On the Origin of Species was picked up by Puffin, shifted 22,200 units through the TCM, and has been sold in 31 languages.
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