The Books for Young Readers Award is new for the 2024 season, and will celebrate fiction or nonfiction books published in the previous 12 months for middle grade, (ages 8 to 12) up to young adult (ages 13 to 20). Both traditionally-published and self-published books are welcome.

This year, the $500 prize is generously sponsored by JD Irving Ltd., a company which has provided service, quality and innovation since 1882 in a wide variety of industries: agriculture, construction and equipment, consumer products, food, forestry and forestry products, retail and distribution, shipbuilding and industrial fabrication, as well as Transportation and Logistics. Their employees continue to build JDI into a diverse group of performance driven enterprises, using best practices to make the best products, enabling them to better serve their customers. JDI is proud to be Atlantic Canada’s home team.

(The Inaugural)2024 Awards 

Valerie Sherrard, An Unbalanced Force (DCB Cormorant, 2024)

A high-stakes young adult page-turner that keeps readers on edge, Valerie Sherrard blends intrigue, suspense, and emotional depth in a way that is relatable for young readers. With razor-sharp twists and a protagonist who must confront hard truths, this book touches on the complexities of family, deception, and the cost of secrets. Ethan’s relentless pursuit of the truth makes for a worthy hero and as the stakes rise, we are in for quite a ride. The tension is well crafted, keeping readers hooked until the final page. An absolute must-read for YA fans!  

Finalists: 

Bea Waters, Project Human (Almandel Entertainment), Fredericton

Odette Barr, Colleen Landry and Beth Weatherbee, Follow the Goose Butt to Prince Edward Island (Acorn Press), Petit-Cap; illustrated by Odette Barr