NZ Book Award can't be trusted

True Story.

A week or two ago, a prestigious children's book prize was awarded to a book aimed at 13+ age group.
There was an immediate public outcry. Why, you ask?
Well, I would post an excerpt here, however you would probably complain to blogger or goodreads, or blacklist me.
The book not only contained a full range of the worst English swear words (repeatedly), but graphic sexual content, paedophilia, explicit descriptions of drug taking glorify the abuse of drugs, the misuse of adult power and sinister manipulation of 14 year olds.
One reviewer has labelled it: "a repulsive, graphic book that offers nothing in the way of hope, inspiration or how to have a healthy personal relationship."

As a kiwi, I am both saddened and ashamed by this. I picked up the book and read through it in my local bookstore (I didn't want to purchase it), and was horrified, sickened.

Because it has won this award, it is likely to end up in school and public libraries around the country. NZ Post quickly sent out a small black sticker to attach to the books 'parental advisory - explicit content'; but too little, too late in my opinion.

I have done my best to get in the face of media, written emails, rung talk-back, participated in social media conversations, requested to appear on current affairs TV programmes...but I think the most effective thing I can do is continue to work on establishing Paua Publishing - to build a brand that is recognised as providing quality literature that inspires readers and establishes a low pollutant reading experience. It's not about avoiding the real issues of life in our books, it's about being responsible with how they are written - I like to call it 'the avoidance of word pollution.'

It appears that the very foundation of children's literature in New Zealand is being rocked to the core. I for one hope that writers and readers alike will unite to ensure that doesn't happen. I have now set up a facebook page for paua publishing: https://www.facebook.com/PauaPublishing

Sign up and show your support!

k8