Virginia Commonwealth University’s First Novel Prize has been awarded to Peter Orner for THE SECOND COMING OF MAVALA SHIKONGO. Orner beat out finalists Justin Tussing, Marie Arana and Peter C. Brown for the $1000 cash prize, which will be given to Orner in a ceremony later this year.
Meanwhile, the Times reports that Meg Rosoff is the winner of the Carnegie Medal for her latest novel, JUST IN CASE. The Carnegie does not offer a cash prize, but is sought-after by children’s writers because of its unique judging process. Unlike other literary awards, which seek submissions from publishers, the Carnegie is rooted in the professional expertise of librarians across the country, who nominate titles. “For a panel of librarians to agree that it deserves this historic medal is just amazing: I’m thrilled, honoured and astonished,” said Rosoff. Similarly, the “Carnegie of Carnegies” for readers’ favorite novel among the Carnegie Award winners was given to Philip Pullman for his 1995 novel NORTHERN LIGHTS.