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About the Award

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.”

Author Page
“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