BOOK AWARDS

The finalists for the 2017 New Zealand Book Awards for

Children and Young Adults have been announced. PamJones, convenor of the judges said characters burst off the pages and many of the books submitted for selection dealt with serious issues including war, teenage pregnancy, homelessness, racial tensions and bullying. There were 35 finalists across seven categories including the first Best First Book Award. Finalists are from all around the country including illustrator Toby Morris from Sandringham, Maris O’Rourke, Claudia Pond Eyley and Melinda Szymanik all from Mt Eden. The winners will be announced on August 14 in Wellington.