Local author lauded

A local novelist is in the running for a prestigious award.

Jessie Burton is the international bestselling author of The Miniaturist and The Muse

She has been shortlisted for the Yoto Carnegie medal for writing for her second children’s book, Medusa, with judges calling it a “visceral”, “profound” and “poetic” feminist reimagining of the Greek myth, dazzlingly illustrated by Olivia Lomenech Gill.

The Yoto Carnegies celebrate outstanding achievement in children’s writing and illustration and are unique in being judged by children’s and youth librarians, with the respective Shadowers’ Choice medals voted for by children and young people.

Thirteen books have been shortlisted – seven for the Carnegie medal for writing and six for illustration. The 31 longlisted titles were whittled down by the expert judging panel, which includes 12 librarians from CILIP: the library and information association’s youth libraries group.

Janet Noble, chair of the judges for the Yoto Carnegies 2023, said: “This year’s shortlists clearly demonstrate that authors, illustrators and publishers are continuing to create outstanding books for children and young people that represent a wide range of identi - ties, helping to ensure the diversity of experiences across the UK is reflected.

“Stories of bravery, compassion and community are told authentically and sensitively in a range of distinctive written and illustrative styles, with fantastic debuts taking pride of place alongside well-known names.

“We’re sure that shadowing groups across the country will share our excitement in reading and discussing these superb books in the coming months, and we wish them luck in choosing their winners – we know it’s not going to be an easy decision.

“The 2023 judges and I are immensely proud that these 13 books will become part of the distinguished legacy of the Yoto Carnegies.”

The winners will be announced and celebrated on 21 June at a live and streamed lunchtime ceremony at the Barbican, hosted by former children’s laureate Lauren Child, who won the Carnegie medal for illustration – then known as the Kate Greenaway medal –in 2000 for her first Charlie and Lola book, I Will Not Ever Never Eat a Tomato.

The winner s will each receive £500-worth of books to donate to a library of their choice, a specially commissioned and newly designed golden medal and a £5,000 Colin Mears award cash prize.