We are thrilled and delighted to discover that two JdM authors have been recognised as finalists in the Queensland Literary Awards!

The Queensland Literary Awards showcase outstanding authors from across Australia, celebrating emerging and established authors across a range of genres, and this year Graham Akhurst and Karen Comer have been recognised for their wonderful youth literature book contributions.

— ‘Queensland Premier’s Award for a Work of State Significance’ – Graham Akhurst’s Borderland (UWAP) is a finalist, with judges saying; ‘Borderland is a genre-bending debut that deftly explores identity and belonging. Set against Brisbane and the rural town of Gambari, Akhurst’s vivid storytelling follows Jono, an Indigenous teenager seeking to connect with his Country and community. Akhurst’s confident and insightful voice makes this an exciting standout in contemporary Australian literature.’

— ‘Young Adult Book Award’ – Graham and Borderland are also a finalist in this category, judges saying; ‘Akhurst’s debut novel effectively blends unsettling gothic elements with Aboriginal spirituality and complex environmental issues. Protagonist Jono, separated from Country and mob, straddles conflicting teenage concerns of identity and relationships with broader universal themes of expectation and discrimination.’

— ‘Children’s Book Award’ – Karen Comer’s middle grade Sunshine on Vinegar Street (Allen & Unwin) with judge’s commenting; ‘Comer’s story demonstrates a precise understanding of that difficult crossover period in a child’s life – being twelve years old. This heartfelt verse novel utilises a unique lexicon of poetic and everyday language as we follow Freya on her quest for acceptance and friendship. It is tightly plotted, lively and always engaging.’

Huge congratulations to both Graham and Karen, and to all the finalists. The awards will be live-streamed on Thursday 5 September, and we can’t wait!