Heartfelt congratulations to two JdM creatives; Gabrielle Wang and Rae White, who have both been shortlisted in different categories of the 2023 Prime Minister’s Literary Awards!

Outgoing Children’s Laureate, Gabrielle Wang’s Zadie Ma and the Dog Who Chased the Moon has been shortlisted in the children’s literature category, with judges calling it “an extraordinary novel that speaks to the power of imagination to empower people and change lives.” Judges went on to say; “Ultimately, what shines through most strongly is the profound, intergenerational power of story itself and the way in which it can change how we see ourselves and others.”

Rae White’s collection Exactly As I Am has been shortlisted in the Poetry category, with judges saying; “This linguistically energetic and versatile book explores non-binary, transgender identity in compelling and insightful ways. The poems are deft and witty, and they do not flinch or hold back in their depictions of both overt and covert discrimination directed towards transgender people.”

Well done to both, 643 entries were received across six literary categories so these shortlistings are very impressive indeed!

The winners and shortlisted authors will share in a tax-free prize pool of $600,000 – the highest literary prize in the nation. Each shortlisted entry will receive $5,000 with the winner of each category receiving $80,000. Winners of the 2023 Prime Minister’s Literary Awards will be announced on Thursday 16 November at the National Library of Australia in Canberra.