Villawood Graphic Novel Wins Book of the Year at NSW Premier’s Literary Awards
Safdar Ahmed’s Still Alive: Notes from Australia’s Immigration Detention System has been named book of the year at the New South Wales premier’s literary awards. This debut graphic novel, which documents the stories of detainees inside Villawood immigration detention center, was lauded by judges as “a labor of generosity” and “an unflinching critique of policy.” Along with winning the $10,000 top prize of the evening, the graphic novel also won the $20,000 multicultural category. “It is unusual for a comic or graphic novel to be nominated for a prize like this so I wasn’t expecting to even be shortlisted to be honest. I am delighted,” Ahmed said. “I think people are still quite unaware just how cruel and punishing Australia’s policies are against asylum seekers and refugees. I hope this book educates people.”
Nine Perfect Strangers to be Renewed for a Second Season
Although it is not yet official, sources say David E. Kelley’s Nine Perfect Strangers, the series based on the novel by Liane Moriarty, will be submitted as an ongoing drama rather than in the presumed limited series category. Details on what the second season will be about and what characters we can expect to see return are still unknown. We should expect to know more information once a formal announcement is made.
New Children’s Bookstore Dedicated to Self-Published Authors Opens in Colorado Springs
In Colorado Springs, self-published children’s author Joni McCoy is opening a children’s bookstore that is dedicated to self-published authors. “It’s my passion…to show the incredible variety we have here that you’re not going to see in a larger bookstore,” McCoy said in a statement. The bookstore Young Bookworms is filled with more than 250 books showcasing about 160 authors, several of which are from Colorado Springs (including herself). Young Bookworms will feature daily story times, opportunities to learn more about writing and publishing, book clubs and more. You can check out the Young Bookworms website here.
8 Upcoming Graphic Novels You Don’t Want to Miss
You don’t want to miss these! Add these eight forthcoming graphic novels to your TBR—and preorder lists—now.