The most prestigious literature award for books for children and young adults is the Deutscher Jugendliteraturpreis. Each year, there is a shortlist of books in four categories: picture book, children’s book, young adult fiction and non-fiction. While the shortlist is presented at the Leipziger Buchmesse in spring, the award ceremony takes place at the Frankfurter Buchmesse in fall.
Last week, the winner for the young adult fiction was announced as the debut novel by Bonnie-Sue Hitchcock “The Smell of Other People’s houses” (“Der Geruch von Häusern anderer Leute“).
The novel is set in the turmoil of the late 60s and 70s in Alaska. It portrays – carefully crafted – the lives of four teenagers. Eventually, the stories intertwine and create a picture of Alaskan society through the eyes of teenagers dealing with troubled family-backgrounds, tribal cultures and typical coming-of-age themes, especially identity. The novel shows some autobiographical aspects, which makes it even more authentic and interesting.
The jury particularly praised the translation (by Sonia Finck) who managed to capture the local features in her work.
Why are we mentioning it in this NewsBlog? Firstly, because it is a very good, captivating novel that resonates with the reader. It was also shortlisted for the Carnegie 2017 Medal. Secondly, while written originally in English, the German version not only has a beautiful cover but also is an excellent work of translation that makes reading truly a joyful experience. Lastly, we have a personal connection, as the author Bonnie-Sue is the sister of Debbie-Jo Rock, former FIS MS librarian. We were lucky to get the “inside scoop” when former journalist Bonnie-Sue came to the FIS in Spring 2016 and was interviewed by students and also gave workshops to Middle School students.
The book is recommended for young adults and will make a wonderful Christmas gift.
Stephanie Steinberg
HoD German First Language
Elaine Smith
Library Manager
The most prestigious literature award for books for children and young adults is the Deutscher Jugendliteraturpreis. Each year, there is a shortlist of books in four categories: picture book, children’s book, young adult fiction and non-fiction. While the shortlist is presented at the Leipziger Buchmesse in spring, the award ceremony takes place at the Frankfurter Buchmesse in fall.
Last week, the winner for the young adult fiction was announced as the debut novel by Bonnie-Sue Hitchcock “The Smell of Other People’s houses”, German “Der Geruch von Häusern anderer Leute“.
The novel is set in the turmoil of the late 60s and 70s in Alaska. It portrays – carefully crafted – the lives of four teenagers. Eventually, the stories intertwine and create a picture of Alaskan society through the eyes of teenagers dealing with troubled family-backgrounds, tribal cultures and typical coming-of-age themes, especially identity. The novel shows some autobiographical aspects, which makes it even more authentic and interesting.
The jury particularly praised the translation (by Sonia Finck) who managed to capture the local features in her work.
Why are we mentioning it in this newsletter? Firstly, because it is a very good, captivating novel that resonates with the reader. It was also shortlisted for the Carnegie 2017 Medal. Secondly, while written originally in English, the German version not only has a beautiful cover but also is an excellent work of translation that makes reading truly a joyful experience. Lastly, we have a personal connection, as the author Bonnie-Sue is the sister of Debbie-Jo Rock, former FIS MS librarian. We were lucky to get the “inside scoop” when former journalist Bonnie-Sue came to the FIS in Spring 2016 and was interviewed by students and also gave workshops to Middle School students.
The book is recommended for young adults and will make a wonderful Christmas gift.
Stephanie Steinberg
HoD German First Language
Elaine Smith
Library Manager
