Prize for Young Adult Fiction: Winner & Shortlist 2009

Judges: Clare Renner (convenor), Robert Corbet and Michael Panckridge

Judges' comments

The range and quality of the 2009 entries reflect the high standard of young adult (YA) writing and publishing in Australia today. The judges were especially impressed by some of the debut YA novels, including AJ Betts' Shutterspeed, Adrian Stirling’s Broken Glass and Malcolm Walker's The Stone Crown. The excellence of the fantasy writing also warrants special mention, particularly Melina Marchetta's Finnikin of the Rock and Shaun Tan's Tales from Outer Suburbia. Finally, the judges would like to commend David Metzenthen and Simmone Howell for their talented storytelling and the writers of Allen and Unwin’s Girlfriend series for the strength of their popular fiction.

Winner

The winner of the 2009 Prize for Young Adult Fiction is:

• Something in the World Called Love
  Sue Saliba (Penguin)

Shortlist

	The Two Pearls of Wisdom Alison Goodman (HarperCollins) The Two Pearls of Wisdom is a sumptuous and breathtaking fantasy told through the eyes of Eon, a young candidate whose journey to become a Dragoneye is complicated by an astounding secret. Goodman's research into ancient Chinese lore, combined with her meticulous attention to detail, bring the treacherous world of the Emperor's court to life, and her superbly drawn characters perform against a backdrop of political and sexual intrigue. This is a ripping yarn where action and adventure abound, gender stereotypes are challenged and absolutely nothing can be taken for granted. The Two Pearls of Wisdom is a unique and wholly satisfying reading experience and, although a sequel is clearly heralded in the last pages, the judges feel that the novel stands on its own as a work to be recognised.
	The Beginner's Guide to Living Lia Hills (Text Publishing) Lia Hills' debut novel is a moving account of grief, set around seventeen-year-old Will's attempts to come to terms with the sudden death of his mother. Isolated from his father and his older brother by his need to make sense of things, Will begins taking photos with his mother's camera, recalling childhood memories and recording his dreams. He searches for answers through exploring philosophy, love and sex, but everything inevitably becomes entangled with grief and Will has to keep searching to find a way of living with what has happened. He documents this turbulent time in a notebook, beginning with the question 'Why did she die?' and ending with a fragment of truth and acceptance. A brilliant new writer.
	Something in the World Called Love - WINNER Sue Saliba (Penguin) In Something in the World Called Love we meet Esma as she begins her search for love by attempting to become someone new - someone who belongs. Her artless revelations form the basis of a compelling story, which is framed by the passing of the seasons; a structure that complements the fluid, organic nature of the text. This is a beautifully written, lyrical novel and throughout the free-flowing narrative, Saliba demonstrates an impressive mastery of language and nuance. A gentle but fiercely incisive writer, she captures the cruel insecurity of youth and the destructive power of emotional manipulation. Ostensibly about Esma’s search for love, this many-layered novel also explores the nature of private and public identity, moral choices and the vexed notion of loyalty. It shows that leaving is not always about betrayal and that love can be found in the most unexpected places.