Dec 01, 2021

Two Jacaranda authors honoured with the NYC Big Book Awards

The New York City Big Book Award has recognised A Book of Secrets by Kate Morrison as one of the winners in the Historical Fiction category whilst Are We Home Yet by Katy Massey in the category of Race Relations as a 2021 distinguished favorite.

The competition is judged by experts from across the book industry, including publishers, writers, editors, book cover designers and professional copywriters. Selected award Winners and Distinguished Favorites are based on overall excellence.

Kate Morrison, author of Book of Secrets said: "It's great to see A Book of Secrets among the winners of an award set up to champion independent publishers and authors. Indie presses like Jacaranda take creative risks and publish authors and books that bigger publishers might not take on, and they deserve recognition for all they do. I'm delighted to be an NYC Big Book award winner."

Author of Are We Home Yet, Katy Massey said: “I am really thrilled that Are We Home Yet? Has been recognised in this way. It is great that my story, the story of a young girl and her mother from the North of England appeals to US readers. I would have never dreamed it would capture imaginations across the Atlantic. I feel very proud.”

In 2021, NYC Big Book Award received book submissions worldwide, including great submissions from journalists, well-established authors, small and large press as well as first time indie authors who participated in high numbers. Entries were from Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, and North America, with winners recognised globally from Australia, Canada, England, Germany, Lebanon, Queensland and the United States of America.

"We are elated to highlight these authors' books, recognize their excellence, and share their achievements." said awards sponsor Gabrielle Olczak. "We look forward to showcasing these titles to a larger audience."

Jacaranda CEO Valerie Brandes said: “Congratulations to both Kate and Katy for being recognised in the NYC Big Book Award. We’re so proud to have two authors win such a brilliant award and are pleased that more readers will get to discover the powerful stories of The Book of Secrets and Are We Home Yet?”