American graphic novelist Danica Novgorodoff has won the Yoto Kate Greenaway Medal for an illustrated version of Jason Reynold’s 2019 book Long Way Down – the first graphic novel to win in 50 years.
The winners of the Yeto Carnegie Greenway Awards – the UK’s longest-running book award for children and youth – were announced during a ceremony at The British Library.
Author Katya Balan’s novel October, October won the Yoto Carnegie Medal. His debut novel The Space We Are in 2019 was long listed.
October follows a girl who, upon reaching the age of 11, must learn to spread her wings after a dramatically changed childhood living in the woods.
The story was reportedly inspired by Balan’s father-in-law who lives off the grid.
Novgorodoff’s graphic novel was awarded the Yoto Kate Greenaway Medal, making it the first graphic novel to win since Raymond Briggs’ Father Christmas in 1973.
The Long Way Down is Novgorodoff’s first children’s book published in the UK and an adaptation of the original poetry novel of gun violence and grief written by 2021 Yoto Carnegie Medal winner Reynolds.
The book features watercolors that depict the decisions 15-year-old Will must make after shooting his brother.
Novgorodoff said: “I am honored and humbled to receive the Yoto Kate Greenaway Medal.
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“Working on The Long Way Down, interpreting Jason Reynolds’ beautiful text in images, was a dream project for me and has its own reward, but I’m thrilled to find that the graphic novel resonates with readers as well.”
Balan’s October saw further success after he won the Shadower’s Choice Award for the Yoto Carnegie Medal, as voted for by youth across the UK and internationally.
Balen said: “I am thrilled to have won the Yoto Carnegie Medal, not only because this award is every children’s writer’s dream, but because it is committed to promoting the reading and sharing of stories. Sharing stories Doing is something I consider to be one of the most important parts of our lives, simply because stories are our lives.
“They are the threads that connect us all. They enlighten us, they give us a shared experience, and they also give us something special and personal. They give us immense freedom and they give us security and comfort.” “
The Midnight Fair, illustrated by Mariachiara Di Giorgio and written by Gideon Stirr, was announced as the winner of the Shadowrun’s Choice Award for the Yoto Kate Greenaway Medal.
The wordless picture book reveals the secret lives of the animals that gather at the fairgrounds at night.
The winners were revealed for the first time since 2019 at a ceremony held in person at The British Library and hosted by poet and novelist Dean Atta, and the judges’ chair, librarian Jennifer Horan, accompanied a selection of those young , who officially capped. 2022 Award.
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Katya Balan was awarded the Yoto Carnegie Medal for her novel October, October (Tom Pilston/PA).
The awards celebrate outstanding achievement in children’s writing and illustration respectively and aim to inspire a new generation of readers.
Horan said: “I’m delighted to share this year’s Yoto Carnegie and Kate Greenaway Medal winners, who both provide excellent reading experiences for young people.
“October, October Katya Balan’s story is a captivating tale with exquisite narration of the natural world and relationships that develop and heal. It is an expertly written, beautiful and lyrical novel that comes alive with wonder and curiosity. Is.
“The Long Way Down, illustrated by Danica Novgorodoff, is a brilliant, innovative adaptation of the novel by Jason Reynolds.
“It uses stunning watercolors to powerfully portray the tragedy of gun violence and its emotional impact on young people’s lives.”
The winners each receive £500 worth of books, a specially commissioned gold medal and a £5,000 Colin Mears Prize cash prize to be donated to the local library of their choice.
