A Happy Refugee takes top honours at Australian Book Industry Awards
Last night the 2011 Australian Book Industry Award winners were announced at a gala event in Melbourne. The winners are chosen by an academy of booksellers and publishers.
Anh Do
- The Happiest Refugee
Book of the Year
Newcomer of the Year
Biography of the Year – Joint Winner
Sydney-based actor, comedian, refugee and now award winning author Anh Do, best known for his leading role in the film Footy Legends, was the night’s big winner, taking out Book of the Year, Newcomer of the Year AND joint winner for Biography of the Year for his book, The Happiest Refugee.
Do’s family fled to Australia as refugees in 1980, when they were forced to survive five days in a tiny, leaky fishing boat packed with other refugees.
Paul Kelly
- How to make gravy
Biography of the Year 2011 – Joint Winner
Julie Goodwin
- Our Family Table
Illustrated Book of the Year
Chris Womersley
- Bereft
Literary Fiction Book of the Year
Jessica Watson
- True Spirit
General Non-Fiction Book of the Year
Kate Morton
- The Distant Hours
General Fiction Book of the Year
Alison Lester
- Noni the Pony
Book of the Year for Younger Children
Gabrielle Lord
- Conspiracy 365
Book of the Year for Older Children
Have you read any of the award winners? Any recommendations?
Tell us what you think in the comments section below.
