We’re delighted to announce the shortlist for this year’s Text Prize for Young Adult and Children’s Writing.

Zac and Mia by Amanda Betts (Perth) Zac and Mia opens in an oncology ward in Perth, where 17-year-old Zac is recovering from a bone marrow transplant for leukaemia. He and Mia, the ‘newbie’ patient in the room next door, begin a friendship via facebook, letters and messages passed through one of the nurses—but out of hospital things are a lot more complicated. Written with great humour and tenderness, Zac and Mia is a realistic novel about being a young person in extraordinary circumstances.

Heart of Brass by Louise Curtis (Canberra) Heart of Brass takes us to 19th-century London and the Victorian Goldfields. We follow the adventures of Emmeline, a well-bred young London lady harbouring a secret: a heart of brass and silver created by her mad scientist father. Featuring runaways, hot air balloons, mechanical rats and gun battles, Heart of Brass is a fast-paced, hugely entertaining romp through colonial Australia.

Painting Phantoms by Skye Melki-Wegner (Melbourne) 15-year-old Jess is shunted off to stay with her grandfather in the bush—only to discover that a small group of townspeople calling themselves the Artists have a wicked plan to destroy the town and everyone in it. It’s up to Jess and her new friends to put a stop to it before they all come to a sticky end. Painting Phantoms is a rollicking adventure, full of twists and turns and breakneck momentum.

We’ll be hosting an event to announce the winner at the Carlton Hotel (193 Bourke St, Melbourne) on Tuesday 17 July. Join us to celebrate! Please RSVP on 8610 4538.