Youth literature receives boost as Daniëlla van Heerden and Theodora Lee win South African Literary Awards for Youth Literature
By CityLife Arts Writer
Youth literature received a boost at the South African Literary Awards (SALA) held on Monday, November 7, 2022 as two authors whose books are targeted at young readers were handsomely rewarded for their efforts.
“Pan Macmillan is delighted to announce that two of our young adult books have won awards in the Youth Literature category at the South African Literary Awards (SALA), held on the 7th of November 2022.
As jy droom written by Daniëlla van Heerden, is the true story of Megan Werner, a teenager with a dream to fly from Cape Town to Cairo. Megan and a group of teenagers from across South Africa not only achieved this dream but also did it in an aircraft they built themselves. While their journey was not without tragedy, their courage and determination inspired and brought hope to many. As jy droom is also available in English as When you dream,’ says publisher Pan Macmillan in a media statement following the double triumph.
Hashtag Happy by Theodora Lee is a fast-paced, honest, and piercing Young Adult fiction debut that explores the life of a young online influencer who gets hospitalized for social media addiction. The novel deals with themes of online bullying, finding your voice, and standing up for what you believe in. It has a cast of relatable South African characters and is set in Cape Town.
The South African Literary Awards were founded in 2005 by the wRite associates, and the Department of Arts and Culture, as a platform to celebrate South Africa’s rich literary landscape and its authors and language practitioners.
Children’s Book Publisher Miemie Du Plessis commented, ‘Pan Macmillan appreciates that these inspiring, relevant, and proudly South African books for young people were recognised by the judges of these prestigious awards.’