The Vicky Metcalf Award for Literature for Young People is given annually to the author of an exceptional body of work in children's literature. The winner is selected by a three-member, independent judging panel.
2022 Winner
Elise Gravel
Jury Citation
“Bottomless wit, an inimitable style, and a strong lacing of social commentary are just some of the elements that impressed the jury about Gravel’s extraordinary body of work. Informative and fact-based, yet often delightfully absurd, Gravel’s books cover a vast spectrum of topics, from gender identity and stereotypes to kids who adopt monsters, a mushroom fan club, and many disgusting critters. Gravel brilliantly introduces difficult topics in an accessible and engaging manner, with subversive humour that thrills readers of every age. To crack open a book by Gravel is to embark on an unpredictable and memorable journey with plenty of laughs along the way.”
“There’s nothing like being the author of the first book a kid ever reads or remembers—and all of us remember our favourite children’s book. ”
– Marthe Jocelyn
2009 Vicky Metcalf Award winner
Sponsor
Metcalf Foundation
The goal of the Metcalf Foundation is to enhance the effectiveness of people and organizations working together to help Canadians imagine and build a just, healthy and creative society. Vicky Metcalf created this award in 1963 to stimulate the writing of literature for Canadian children. She held a passion for storytelling and published several children’s books. The prize has been administered by Writers’ Trust since 2002.