The Prize for Young Adult Fiction: Shortlist 2007

The entries revealed a rich and diverse selection of Australian writing for teenagers. We looked for sophisticated, finely written books that would readily appeal to a wide range of teenage readers. There was some lively fantasy, most notably Margo Lanagan’s dazzling, demanding collection Red Spikes. We were also beguiled by Maureen McCarthy’s Rose By Any Other Name, Steven Herrick’s verse novel Lonesome Howl, Julia Lawrinson’s Bye Beautiful and the authentic indigenous voices and setting of Us Mob Walawurru by David Spillman and Lisa Wilyuka. Shaun Tan’s distinguished wordless graphic novel/picture book for all ages, The Arrival, must also be highlighted.

Judges: Agnes Nieuwenhuizen (Convenor), Kathy Kozlowski and Bernie Monagle

Shortlist

	Gravity Scot Gardner (Pan Macmillan) Gravity by Scot Gardner is a finely observed celebration of the realities of country life for young males and their search for purpose and worthwhile work. Adam must confront the complex situation and relationships arising from his brother’s brain injury acquired in an alcohol-fuelled car accident. Gardner’s pared down writing captures the tenderness, the mysteries but also the rough and tumble of Adam’s journey towards responsibility.
	Notes from the Teenage Underground Simmone Howell (Pan Macmillan) Simmone Howell’s debut, Notes from the Teenage Underground, captures with near perfect pitch the edgy, wild voices and antics of three teenage girls, counterpointed by their bursts of anguish and despair. They intend to make their mark by creating a Warhol-inspired ‘happening’ and making an ‘underground’ (UG) movie. The book pays tribute to popular culture and the desire to be ‘cool’, as well as to the protagonists’ intellectual pursuits (movies and writing). Add sizzling wit and a sharp understanding of teenage concerns and we have a book equally attractive to boys and girls.
	Black Water David Metzenthen (Penguin Books Australia) We admired David Metzenthen’s atmospheric Black Water for its finely crafted language, its evocation of the coastal landscape of Queenscliff and of the love and excitement of sailing. This is a deeply moving story about the effects of war on those left behind and of a small, supportive community trying to cope. It focuses on the love between brothers determined to grasp life despite tragic events.