Click the book covers to go to information about the story and comments from the judges. | |||
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Home | A Dog Called Grk | Fly By Night | The Burying Beetle |
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Century | Hellbent | Barkbelly | |
About the shortlisted books - comments from the Judges
What is Heaven and what Hell? Connor’s been sent to Hell for a series of minor rule infringements. But Hell is not at all as Connor has expected which makes him realise that if this isn’t his Hell, then there might be someone in Heaven who is willing to swap. Connor’s adventures in other worlds is an hilarious and unrestrained fantasy fuelled by typical teenage obsessions… Judges’ comments: ‘Strong stuff and the author certainly pulls no punches in his use of language, but a quite remarkable debut novel.’
The Burying Beetle by Ann Kelley, edited by Jennie Renton (Luath Press) Twelve-year-old Gussie is enthusiastic about everything she can see from her new cliff top home in Cornwall. In particular, she loves observing the details of people she meets and the wild life around her, recording them all her enthusiastic story telling. The specialness of it all and Gussie’s embracing of it is made poignant by the fact the she has a terminal heart condition. Every day and every thing is precious. Judges’ comments: ‘The author has an original voice, and the issue of Gussie’s situation is sensitively handled. Uplifting!’
A Dog Called Grk by Joshua Doder, edited by Audrey Adams (Andersen Press) Tim finds a stray dog and is determined to return it to its owner. The problem is, the owner is a girl currently languishing in a prison cell in Stanislavia, sentenced to life imprisonment. But Tim doesn’t let a small obstacle like that stand in his way! Tim and Grk’s unlikely adventures are exciting, dramatic and hugely entertaining. Judges’ comments: ‘Very clever; well plotted and action packed. The dog has a unique character all of its own.’
Century by Sarah Singleton, edited by Venetia Gosling (Simon & Schuster) Mercy and her sister Charity live in a twilight world; they go to bed just as the sun rises – and have done for hundreds of years. By why? Can Mercy discover the truth about their lives without destroying her home and family? A gloriously Gothic story with a richly created environment. Judges’ comments: ‘Wonderfully atmospheric – a book to keep going back to.’
Barkbelly by Cat Weatherill, edited by Yvonne Hooker (Puffin) The unlikely adventures of Barkbelly, a wooden boy who gets swept up in a series of unexpected and uncontrollable events in a strange fantasy world. When a terrible accident happens, everyone blames Barkbelly and he has to run for his life – and find a way to survive. Judges’ comments: ‘Rich writing and great to read aloud.’
Home by Nicola Davies, edited by Caz Royds (Walker) Sacks’ safe, secure life is turned upside down when her Station is attacked and the only person she has ever known is killed. She has to set off on a journey into the unknown. There’s no-one to help her and every breath might be toxic and life-threatening. Sack’s story of survival in this richly created futuristic landscape is gripping. Judges’ comments: ‘The dystopian future painted here is incredibly realistic, with some excellent, sympathetically drawn characters.’
Fly by Night by Frances Hardinge, edited by Ruth Alltimes (Macmillan) Mosca runs away from home with a manic goose called Saracen and a charlatan glorifying in the name of Eponymous Clent, having ‘accidentally’ set fire to her hated uncle’s barn. Hounded as a criminal, she ricochets through a series of adventures, meeting a huge cast of untrustworthy companions and getting involved in a bizarre espionage plot. Trying to unscramble any truths makes Mosca’s story an exhilarating quest. Judges’ comments: ‘Stunning writing with some fantastic characterisation and some extraordinarily original ideas.’ | |||
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