The West Coast Book Prize Society announced the winners of the 41th annual BC and Yukon Book Prizes on September 21. The prizes are awarded annually to recognize the achievements of BC and Yukon authors, illustrators, and publishers. Author-illustrator Julie Morstad was honoured with the Christie Harris Illustrated Children's Literature Prize for her picture book A Face Is a Poem (Tundra Books), and Li Charmaine Anne was awarded the Sheila A. Egoff Children's Literature Award for her debut novel Crash Landing. Learn more about each title in the jury statements below.
Christie Harris Illustrated Children's Literature Prize
A Face Is a Poem, written and illustrated by Julie Morstad (Tundra Books)
“A Face Is a Poem is an inquisitive glance at the familiar and unusual landscapes of faces. Wonderous questions cast myriad reflections upon all kinds of near-and-dear faces, increasing our attentiveness to what makes each one unique. Morstad’s charming illustration style, inclusive of monochrome line drawing, watercolour, collage, hand-lettering and graphic elements, her careful attention to detail, her use of visual variety, and her talent for composition all support the kaleidoscope of ideas that makes this work remarkable. As faces are of the first landscapes children explore, this book offers multiple points of connection and discovery for families.” — E.G. Alaraj, Jaclyn Fong, and Christine Leist
Sheila A. Egoff Children's Literature Award
Crash Landing, written by Li Charmaine Anne (Annick Press)
"Crash Landing is a truthful, messy and beautiful exploration of what it means to grow up and claim your own identity, even if you haven’t found it yet. The story is immediately immersive, inviting you to skate alongside Jay through the streets of 2010 Vancouver. The delineation of East and West Van, and the judgements and prejudices both within and between distinct communities, feels authentic and honest. Jay’s first person narration is realistic, relatable and raw; Li embraces the complexities of the teenage voice, allowing Jay to be both vulnerable and brave as she struggles to push back against cultural expectations and norms, makes bold choices and learns from her mistakes.
Jay’s Chinese-Canadian heritage doesn’t define her, but it does shape her life, and her family’s values and choices. Her experiences are at once specific and universal, as she navigates her final year of school, tries to decide what she wants to do and who she wants to be, and meets people who make her question what really matters. In Ash, Jay finds someone who inspires her, encourages her and sees her completely. Their relationship progresses naturally as Jay navigates new questions around her sexuality, in an authentic depiction of the type of friendship and first love that can feel world-ending. Jay’s creativity and passion for skateboarding and filmmaking echo throughout the book, described in a way that is both natural and accessible for those with no prior knowledge (like these jurors!). Against a vivid backdrop of pavements, skate parks and late night conversations, Li Chamaine Ann has crafted a coming of age story full of maturity, heart and hope.”— Cath Ayres, Dan Bar-El, and Wanda John-Kehewin
For the complete list of finalists, click here.