Shortlists!

It's a big day here in Canadian Children's Book Land: our shortlists are out. THE SCORPION RULES is up for not one but TWO prizes: The Amy Mathers Award for teen books, and the Monica Hughes Award for science fiction and fantasy.

In other words, the book is now up for both of the prizes its eligible for.

And Simon & Schuster Canada sent me author flowers!

The Monica Hughes jury says:

“Harrowing yet humourous, pulse-pounding yet passionate, Bow’s novel is an exhilarating mix of themes and tones, forever keeping the reader guessing… A fast-paced, tightly-packed, emotional read… Bow deftly propels the story toward a hopeful and poignant culmination… Searingly intelligent, note-perfect in tone and mood, and consistently provocative, The Scorpion Rules is powerful, deeply insightful science fiction.”

The Amy Mathers jury says:

“A dynamically imagined dystopian world, where children are the commodity and artificial intelligence is the highest power… Bow has crafted a novel that is original, complex, heartbreaking and beautiful… The world-building is sophisticated, featuring cleverly-plotted political machinations and richly multi-faceted characters, as well as very precise and exquisite descriptions… Unexpected turns of events, intricate relationships and devastating choices make this chilling portrait of the future unforgettable in a myriad of the ways.”

Here's the whole list for all the prizes. I have many friends on these lists to root for, and I'm looking forward to the awards gala in November -- it's always the best night of the year in Can-Kid-Lit.