The Readings Children’s and Young Adult Book Prizes recognise and celebrate emerging early career voices in children’s and young adult literature.

The winner of this year’s Readings Children’s Book Prize is the enchanting The Girl, The Cat & the Navigator by Matilda Woods, for ages 7–12 years.

The judging panel commented: “We were unanimous in our love for this book. Woods has crafted a timeless fairytale that pays tribute to bravery, kindness, and the power of making your own family.”

The winner of the Readings Young Adult Book Prize is spooky thriller Ghost Bird by Lisa Fuller, for ages 14 through to adult.

The judging panel commented: “Fuller’s debut probes the deep tears in Australian culture, in its peoples and lands…This is a book that will get under your skin, in more ways than one.”

Congratulations to Matilda Woods and Lisa Fuller!

Previous winners include Booked Out speakers Trace Balla (Children’s Prize 2015), Erin Gough (YA Prize 2018) and Eleni Hale (YA Prize 2019).

Watch this space for an update on exciting new additions to the Booked Out list!