Stolen Generations book makes Prime Minister’s list
Sally Morgan’s Sister Heart was one of 30 books by Australian authors shortlisted for a 2016 Prime Minister’s Literary Award this week. Selected from 425 entries, Morgan wins $5,000 for being shortlisted and goes into the running to win $80,000.
Morgan said she was shocked but delighted Sister Heart had been recognised in this way. ‘It’s really important to me that we keep telling our stories, and that our stories are read by all Australians. I believe by sharing our stories and experiences, we make a positive difference. There are thousands of stories to be shared, each offering different perspectives and valuable insights. Together, we contribute to a deeper understanding of the past, and help pave the way for the creation of a more just future for the coming generations of young people,’ said Morgan.
Told from a child’s perspective, Sister Heart is the story of Annie – a young Aboriginal girl sent to an institution far from her family. There, she slowly makes a new life for herself and, in the face of tragedy, finds strength in new friendships.
Children’s Publisher Cate Sutherland said Fremantle Press was thrilled to see an important work on the shortlist. ‘From the moment we first read Sally’s heart-rending text we knew it deserved the widest possible audience. As the judges said, “This is a powerful, deeply personal story that will stay in the minds and hearts of readers for a long, long time,”’ said Sutherland.
Now in their ninth year, the Prime Minister’s Literary Awards recognise the best of Australian writing in fiction, non-fiction, Australian history, young adult fiction, children’s fiction and poetry.
Other authors published by Fremantle Press to make this year’s list include Meg McKinlay and Tim Winton.
A selection of Sally Morgan’s picture books are in the exhibition A Sausage Went for a Walk One Day: Celebrating Western Australian picture books and 40 fabulous years of Fremantle Press, which is showing at the State Library of Western Australia until 31 December 2016.
In 2016 Sister Heart was made a CBCA Honour Book and was shortlisted for the Victorian Premier’s Literary Award and the Gold Inky. It is available in all good bookstores and online now.
For more information about the shortlisted books and the Prime Minister’s Literary Awards, visit www.arts.gov.au/pmla.
