On Tuesday evening’The Lie Tree’ became the first YA or children’s novel to win the £30,000 Costa Book of the Year Award since it was given to Philip Pullman for ‘The Amber Spyglass’ in 2001. It was a wonderful moment for the children’s and young adult book world.
‘The Lie Tree’ is Hardinge’s seventh novel and tells the story of 14-year-old Faith as she tries to uncover the secrets behind the death of her scientist father and discovers a tree that is fed by lies, all set in Victorian England.
The head judge of the Costas, James Heneage, called ‘The Lie Tree’ “a fantastic story, great characterisation with great narrative tension and a fabulous ending.”
Hardinge herself was very surprised to win the award and was ready and waiting to congratulate the winner! In her speech, she told the world what we already know: YA is where it’s at.
“From my point of view this win is completely lovely – from a less selfish point of view, I would also see it as a recognition of the wonderful work done out there [in children’s and YA]. There’s a lot of experimental work done out there, a lot of understanding of diversity.”
Check out the highlights video to see all the action:
Have you read ‘The Lie Tree’ yet? Let us know what you thought of it at @maximumpopbooks!
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