How to Repaint a Life shortlisted for the 2022 CBCAs
Congratulations Steven Herrick whose YA novel, How to Repaint a Life, has been shortlisted for the 2022 Children's Book Council Awards, Book of the Year: Older Readers.
Isaac is running from his old life when he steps off the bus in a small town. He doesn’t plan on sticking around and has nowhere to stay, but a local café owner's kindness offers him a chance to change his story. Then Isaac meets Sophie and learns he’s not the only one wanting to repaint his life.
As he did so masterfully with The Simple Gift, Steven Herrick delves into the universal themes of rising above the past and taking control of your future.
The CBCA judges say...
A gentle exploration of difficult things, some universal, some specific to coming of age. Homelessness, domestic violence, misogyny and privilege are all unpacked in a way that is genuine, real and tense without ever being too overwhelming. A dramatic opening moves the story quickly along engaging readers in the outcome and the main characters lives. This is a beautiful story of contrasts; contrasting hopelessness with optimism, homelessness with family security and privilege, moral courage with revenge, old fashioned homeliness with modern chic and overall builds a picture of kindness and resourcefulness. The stunning prose captures a vivid picture of life in this small town without ever feeling overwritten. The characters are authentically written. It's compelling, honest, and heartfelt.
Since 1945 the Children’s Book Council of Australia (CBCA) has grown from a small Sydney-based group to a national organisation which exerts a profound influence on children’s books. The advocacy role played by the CBCA promotes the literary experience for children and assures the scope and vitality of children's books. The annual CBCA Book of the Year Awards affirm the quality of some of Australia’s most creative people and provide a boost to their capacity to devote time to their craft.
Winners will be announced Friday, 19 August 2022.
