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Today on World Book Day, B.C. and Yukon readers are invited to celebrate the power of stories in our lives, both from around the world and from right here in our own region.
The 42nd BC and Yukon Book Prizes short lists highlight the works of talented B.C. and Yukon authors, illustrators and publishers, and offers a look into the stories and topics that matter to local readers. Across the eight prizes, which include children’s books, fiction, poetry and non-fiction, the themes that held the hearts and minds of the jurors included reconciliation, drug policy, Japanese Canadian history and domestic violence.
The list of titles highlighted in this year’s short lists shows not only the vibrancy and creativity of our area’s authors and illustrators, but the importance of small independent publishers in B.C. and across Canada.
As Brian Lam, Arsenal Pulp Press publisher, notes, this is the most nominations the press has ever received from the BC and Yukon Book Prizes.
“We’re thrilled to see so many of our books and authors recognized by the BC and Yukon Book Prizes this year, as well as others published by independent presses like ourselves,” says Lam. “It underscores the role that indie presses play in continually expanding the landscape of B.C. literature.”
While being shortlisted for a regional prize like the BC and Yukon Book Prizes is an important boost to publishers, authors and illustrators, it also supports booksellers, libraries and the larger book-loving community.
B.C.’s Figure 1 Publishing has two titles on this year’s short lists, 7IDANsuu James Hart: A Monumental Practice by 7IDANsuu James Hart and Curtis Collins, and Enemy Alien: Tamio Wakayama, edited by Paul Wong. Figure 1’s Curve! Women Carvers on the Northwest Coast also won the Bill Duthie Booksellers’ Choice Award.
“All but one of the nine shortlisted titles we’ve published have been published in collaboration with Indigenous authors and co-publishers,” says Figure 1 president Chris Labonté. “The entire enterprise of publishing great books is about building community, about fostering connection and well-being for all British Columbians and Yukoners, and the BC and Yukon Book Prizes play an integral role in the sustained success of our industry, an industry that impacts our entire region in ways that transcend sheer economics.”
On World Book Day, as we head to our bookshelves, to libraries and to our local independent booksellers, one of the most meaningful things we can do is pick up a book by a B.C. or Yukon author, illustrator or publisher. The BC and Yukon Book Prizes short list is a great introduction to some of the most captivating, moving and creative stories being told in the province and territory.
For readers looking to dive deeper into the B.C. and Yukon book community, a soiree in celebration of this year’s shortlisted authors will be held on Thursday, May 21, at 6:30 p.m. at Book Warehouse in Vancouver (632 W. Broadway).
To see the full list of this year’s BC and Yukon Book Prizes finalists, visit bcyukonbookprizes.com. ![[Tyee]](/design-article.thetyee.ca/ui/img/yellowblob.png){kind=small}
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