We are so thrilled and delighted to see Sunburnt Veils by Sara Haghdoosti (Wakefield Press) shortlisted for the 2022 Readings Young Adult Prize!

The Prize; ‘is presented to the best new voice in Australian young adult literature.’ And their glowing review of Sara’s Sunburnt Veils is heartwarmingly lovely. From judge Clodagh Robinson-Watts;

“Thirty years after Looking for Alibrandi, its legacy is carried on in Sunburnt Veils, a book that deserves to be discussed in classes everywhere. At first glance an exciting peek into the future for teens embarking on the wild ride that is the first year of uni, this story is also an extremely important immersion into what it takes to succeed in a country that still holds baseless prejudices against you.

Despite the serious subject matter (or perhaps because of it), this wonderful little gem of a book is a fun, compulsively readable journey into bravery and self-actualisation filled with vibrant characters and achingly realistic romance.’”

We could not agree more, and would like to extend heartiest of congratulations to Sara and her Wakefield Press team, and all others shortlisted for this very special Prize!

The winner of The Readings Young Adult Prize will be announced live at a special event during October. Asphyxia, winner of last year’s Young Adult Fiction Prize for Future Girl, will join as a guest judge to decide on this year’s winner.