Writer for young adults ‘stunned’ by Edinburgh first book award
A WRITER for young adults has been announced as the winner of the Edinburgh International Book Festival’s First Book Award.
Kathryn Evans won the annual award for her debut novel, More Of Me, which is described as a “gripping and thought-provoking story of growing up and teen identity”.
Forty six debut novels and short story collections for adults and young adults, featured in the book festival programme this year, were eligible for the award, which is voted for by readers and visitors to the festival (EIBF)
Ms Evans said: “I am stunned to have won this award – when I saw the calibre of the other authors I thought I didn’t have a hope.
“So often children’s fiction is seen as the poor cousin to adult books – yet in it, we tackle some of the hardest subjects in the most innovative of ways. I am so proud to hold the banner up for YA fiction.
“I had such an amazing time at the festival, this award is the most delicious icing on an already fabulous cake.”
Janet Smyth, director of the children’s and education programme at the Edinburgh International Book Festival, said Ms Evans was a “hugely deserving” winner.
“She is a hugely deserving winner and a very exciting new voice in YA fiction and I can’t wait to see what she writes next.”
Readers and EIBF attendees were able to vote and more than 2,000 votes were received by the closing date.