On May 9, 175 guests gathered at Saskatoon’s TCU Place to celebrate the 32nd annual Saskatchewan Book Awards. Fourteen awards were presented including the Young Adult Literature Award. Weyburn author Victoria Koops took home the honour for her debut novel Who We Are in Real Life (Groundwood Books). Koops was also nominated for the First Book Award as well.
Here's what the jury had to say about Who We Are in Real Life:
"In this charming young adult novel, Victoria Koops creates a story of love and friendship that takes on homophobia and relationship abuse. Her clever integration of tabletop gaming culture and language, and the fantasy thread that mirrors the action IRL, widen its appeal for teens of all genders and readers of several genres. Well written and fun, the book also offers teen readers a valuable model of collective action and mutual support that will serve them as they grow up and into the world."
Also nominated in the YA category this year were:
Maggie Lou, Firefox, written by Arnolda Dufour Bowes, illustrated by Karlene Harvey (Groundwood Books)
"Maggie Lou, Firefox is a joy to read from start to finish. Spunky Maggie Lou is a modern-day Ramona Quimby, marching to the beat of her own drum with a level of confidence that even the adult reader can’t help but admire. Author Amanda Dufour Bowes captures the magic of childhood and the beauty of Indigenous joy through a series of stories that act as a love letter to the people who raised her. The result is a story that entertains as much as it inspires, sending a message to young readers that the best person they can be is themselves."
Stay Up: Racism, Resistance and Reclaiming Black Freedom, written by Khodi Dill,
illustrated by Stylo Starr (Annick Press)
"Khodi Dill connects, empathizes, and educates about social issues in this personal, memoir-like work. A seasoned writer and educator, Dill has captured the realities of Black and racialized people living in Canada with great passion and integrity. Topics covered include introductions to white supremacy, anti-Black and anti-Indigenous racism and their interplay in the Canadian context, and ways for people of any age to resist oppressive systems. This book will make a great addition to a classroom, and can reach many people in their anti-racism learning journey."
The jury was comprised of Kendall Bistretzan (AB), Kristin LaGrange (AB) and Elise Moser (QC).
For the complete list of winners, click here.