Two of the awards announced last night go to books in our YA collection.

The Shadow of the Boyd by Diana Menefy the judges report says that this book ” tells a powerful tale from our colonial past, the bitter clash of two cultures from the point of view of Thomas Davidson, an apprentice sailor who survived the infamous massacre of the Boyd. This classic adventure would also suit readers that usually prefer nonfiction. The background research and attention to detail is excellent.”

Fierce September by Wellington author Fleur Beale continues the story that began with Juno of Taris. The judges say this book  “poignantly deals with a community’s transition into life in New Zealand where they don’t know everyone, where life has changed fundamentally and they are living isolated like refugees.”