I was thrilled and honoured to be shortlisted for The Readings Young Adult Prize 2024 and awarded the The Gab Williams Prize 2024 for my first young adult novel, A Way Home, recently. The Readings Teen Advisory Board read and judged my book and five other incredible YA novels that explored life as a teenager in Australia.
A novel about hope
Chair of judges, Alicia Vu, wrote about A Way Home: ‘A powerful and motivating read, Brewin brings a new light to the YA genre and the challenges of homelessness, mental health, isolation and the difficulties of being a teenager. But above all else, the novel is characterised by hope and compassion, advocating for us to ask the important question, “Are you okay?” because we never know what a person may be experiencing. This novel gives a voice to the unseen and is an inspirational story of perseverance, growth, hope and searching for our place in the world. We congratulate Emily Brewin on delivering a novel that captured all our hearts and a story of finding your own way home.’
Big thanks to…
I want to thanks Readings and the judges of The Gab Williams Prize for awarding my book. I’m excited and humbled my book resonated with you. The novel’s protagonist, Grace, is a young woman experiencing homelessness after caring for her ill mum. I’m indebted to the many people whose lived experiences informed Grace and her story. I also want to acknowledge Gab Williams, YA author and past manager of The Readings Prize, whom the prize honours. Gab’s meaningful contribution to readers and writers alike will not be forgotten.
A Way Home
To grab a copy of A Way Home, go to Readings or your favourite bookstore.
