Print copy: F Tay (Graphic Novels)

EBook copy: click here

Note: 1st graphic novel to win this category!!!

This is what the CBCA judges say:

A beautifully presented work, with dark, funny, insightful writing supported by dynamic and powerful images. The story is well-paced, chronicling the journey of a contemporary "found family" tale embedded within the metatextuality of a fantastical Peter Pan narrative.

Readers of all ages will appreciate the clever, action-oriented storyline and gloriously rich illustrations, while discerning readers will unpack the hints of the adults' destruction of the world, parental failure, gun violence and domestic violence to add a more serious dimension to the fantasy plot.

The characters are believable, and thematic elements of belonging and forgiveness are presented authentically and skillfully. A stunning book with a potent message wrapped up in a ripping good yarn package.

Here is the publisher’s blurb:

Bee and her fellow runaways are their own found family. So when a stranger named Paco saves her life, Bee invites him to join their crew, thinking he’s another lost teen. The truth is Paco’s not just a lost teen, he’s a Lost Boy from Neverland. And he needs Bee and the others to come back with him.

When the group is then spirited away by a foul-mouthed Tinker Bell, they discover that Neverland is not some fun-filled hideaway. It’s a war zone under siege by a horde of pirates with a merciless new leader who will stop at nothing to steal the land’s magic. Tink leads a fairy army that barely holds them at bay. Peter Pan is gone. And rest of the Lost Boys have been killed. Paco is all that remains … but he hopes that this group of teens will become the new Lost Ones.

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The CBCA judges say...

An authentic, sensitive story of love and grief in all types of relationships, and the power of true friendship. This story feels utterly real in so many ways, whether it's the cavalier and off-the-cuff humour in the face of despair, or the genuine friendship and family interactions in their swings and roundabouts.

The conceit of the situation is unusual but authentically explored, and the characters are presented through their thoughts and actions, not coarse language or extreme behaviours - they are all very normal and believable. The inclusion of social media as a plot element provides a realistic atmosphere without overshadowing the main themes.

The positive representation of counseling for not just major issues but just general "life" is extremely valuable, and not something often seen in young adult fiction. It was gratifying to see characters come to understand how the behaviour of themselves and others has an impact, even in the face of such strong emotions (which are never dismissed).

Here is the publishers' blurb:

Love has rules. So does grief. And Stella Wilde’s about to break them all. Stella Wilde is secretly in love with the hottest guy in school, Isaac Calder. He seems to love her back, but there’s a problem – he already has a girlfriend, the gorgeous Grace Reyes.

When Isaac is killed in a car accident, the entire school is turned upside down with grief. And while Grace can mourn publicly, Stella has to hide her feelings to stop people from finding out about her and Isaac being more than friends. But how long can Stella keep lying – to herself and everyone else? And when the truth finally comes out, how will it affect her newfound friendship with Grace?

Print copy: F JAM (Fiction)

EBook copy: click here

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The CBCA judges say...

This beautifully written novel manages to perfectly balance ongoing grief and sadness with the ordinary everday-ness of life in a positive way. Authentic characters and character development support a storyline that feels genuine and realistic in its arc, with its rapid pace mirroring the onset of the disease and deterioration of the main character.

The themes of family, love, loss, grief, death, and life after death are gently explored without preaching, and these serious elements are set against the aspects of first love, adventure and friendship. The author handles the intense emotions of the story deftly and without artifice - every laugh and tear the reader experiences is earned.

While the story is told almost entirely through Abby's eyes, voice and feelings, it is flagged quite early on that the outcome of the book is inevitable. Absolutely heartbreaking and real.

Here is the publishers' blurb:

What if you thought you had forever ... To live your life. To tell your story. But what if forever was taken from you? When your tomorrows are counted, all you have is this moment. And this story you wish was never yours to tell.

When Abby traded her life in the city for a wholesome new life on the coast, it was meant to be a fresh start for her family. Behind them was the sickness and sadness of the past. But sickness doesn't always play by the rules. And as Abby's past threatens to swallow her future, she is forced to decide what is most important.

What she will fight for. And she will fight. For however many days she has left.

Print copy: F Law (Fiction)

EBook copy: click here

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