Canberra
Prime Minister Julia Gillard and Arts Minister Tony Burke today announced the 2013 Prime Minister's Literary Awards shortlists.
Now in their sixth year, the 2013 shortlists recognise the best in Australian fiction, poetry, non-fiction, history, young adult and children's fiction published in 2012.From children's books that excel in the art of storytelling, through to revealing works of non-fiction and history, the 2013 shortlists represent the breadth and depth of the Australian story, and imagination.The Prime Minister and Minister commended the quality and diversity of entries, noting the evolving richness of Australia's literary sector.2013 also saw the poetry, the newest Award category firmly established, receiving 65 entries, a significant increase on 2012 entries.A total of $595,000 will be awarded in six Award categories, making the Prime Minister's Literary Awards the richest literary awards in Australia.
A tax free prize of $80,000 will be awarded to the winner of each of the award categories. Shortlisted entries receive $5,000 tax free.The 2013 Prime Minister's Literary Awards shortlists are:
Fiction shortlistFloundering by Romy AshThe Chemistry of Tears by Peter CareyQuestions of Travel by Michelle de KretserLost Voices by Christopher Koch Mateship with Birds by Carrie TiffanyPoetry shortlistBurning Rice by Eileen ChongThe Sunlit Zone by Lisa Jacobson
Jam Tree Gully: Poems by John KinsellaLiquid NitrogenbyJennifer MaidenCrimson Crop by Peter Rose Non-fiction shortlist Bradman's Warby Malcolm KnoxUncommon Soldier by Chris Masters Plein Airs and Graces by Adrian MitchellThe Australian Moment by George MegalogenisBold Palates by Barbara Santich
Prize for Australian History shortlistThe Sex Lives of Australians: A History by Frank Bongiorno Sandakan byPaul Ham Gough Whitlam by Jenny HockingFarewell, dear people by Ross McMullinThe Censor's Library by Nicole Moore
Young adult fiction shortlistEverything Left Unsaidby Jessica DavidsonThe Children of the King by Sonya HartnettGrace Beside Me by Sue McPhersonFog a Dox by Bruce PascoeFriday Brown by Vikki Wakefield
Children's fiction shortlistRedbyLibby GleesonToday We Have No Plans by Jane Godwin and illustrated by Anna WalkerWhat's the Matter, Aunty May? by Peter Friend and illustrated by Andrew JoynerThe Beginner's Guide to Revenge by Marianne Musgrove
More information on the Prime Minister's Literary Awards can be found at www.arts.gov.au/pmla