The Boy from the Mish by Gary Lonesborough

What a fantastically strong year it’s been for Australian Young Adult fiction! We had a tough task choosing our shortlist from over 30 eligible novels, many of which were absolutely gripping reads.

This book is all the things.We are delighted to announce the shortlist for the 2021 Readings Young Adult Book Prize! Co-chairs of the judging panel Xiao-Xiao Kingham and Kealy Siryj share the judges’ shortlisted choices. This is Own Voices storytelling at its best.' HOLDEN SHEPPARD 'A deftly woven tale that is both a raw, unflinching look at the experience of growing up gay and Aboriginal, and a sweet, truly endearing love story you just can't turn away from. I'm not ashamed to say that it made me cry (repeatedly) and awed me with the power of its storytelling.' DAVID LEVITHAN, Scholastic US Editorial Director 'It is, honestly, a book I've been searching for over my whole career as an editor, as well as all my years as a (queer) reader. 'How I wish I had this big-hearted book when I was a teenager.

The Boy from the Mish announces a bold, necessary new talent.' WILL KOSTAKIS Jackson and Tomas stole my heart, and I'll be thinking about them for a long time.' NINA KENWOOD

‘The Boy from the Mish is an extraordinary debut novel, and I loved this tender, beautiful story with all my heart. And he must face his darkest secret - a secret he thought he'd locked away for good.Ĭompelling, honest and beautifully written, The Boy from the Mish is about first love, identity, and the superpower of self-belief. Just like every year, Jackson's Aunty and annoying little cousins visit from the city - but this time a mysterious boy with a troubled past comes with them… As their friendship evolves, Jackson must confront the changing shapes of his relationships with his friends, family and community. It's almost Christmas, school's out, and he's hanging with his mates, teasing the visiting tourists, avoiding the racist boys in town. It's a hot summer, and life's going all right for Jackson and his family on the Mish. You can help him out,' Aunty Pam says, like I have no say in the matter, like she didn't hear what I just said about not painting so much anymore.

Well, I got a boy who needs to do some art. ‘I don't paint so much anymore,' I say, looking to my feet.

The Boy from the Mish by Gary Lonesborough