Geoffrey Bilson Award for Historical Fiction for Young People

The Geoffrey Bilson Award for Historical Fiction for Young People is awarded annually to reward excellence in the writing of an outstanding work of historical fiction for young readers, by a Canadian author, published in the previous calendar year. In 2008, the value of the prize was increased from $1,000 to $5,000.

The award winner is decided by a jury selected by the Canadian Children's Book Centre. All books written by Canadian citizens or landed immigrants are eligible for consideration. The first Geoffrey Bilson Award in 1988 was presented to Carol Matas for her book Lisa.

About Geoffrey Bilson

Born on January 27, 1938, Geoffrey Bilson was an avid reader from an early age, and began to write while quite young. His published historical novels for children include Death Over Montreal and Goodbye Sarah. He also published several books for adults. Before his sudden death in 1987, Geoffrey Bilson taught as a professor of history at the University of Saskatchewan. The Geoffrey Bilson Award for Historical Fiction for Young People was created in his honour in 1988.

Previous Geoffrey Bilson Award for Historical Fiction for Young People Winners and Finalists

CRITERIA AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION

Eligibility:

• Author must be a Canadian citizen or landed immigrant.
• Books must be published between January 1 and December 31 of the previous year.
• Historical novels are eligible.
• Picture books, short story collections by more than one author, and plots involving time travel are not eligible.
• Story must show that the author has done primary research; author memoirs are not eligible.

Criteria:

In identifying the best historical novel of the year, each jury member shall consider the following:

• Historical setting and accuracy
• Strong character and plot development
• Well-told, original story
• Suitability of book for its intended age group

Submission Information:

Please send five (5) copies of each title along with a completed Title Submission Form to:

Geoffrey Bilson Award for Historical Fiction for Young People
c/o The Canadian Children's Book Centre
40 Orchard View Blvd., Suite 101
Toronto, ON M4R 1B9

Deadline for submissions is December 18, 2009. This is a firm deadline. All submissions must be received by this date (not postmarked by this date) as our office will be closing for the holidays and we will not be able to receive packages after this time. Titles must be selected from books published between January 1 and December 31, 2009.

If you have any questions regarding the Geoffrey Bilson Award for Historical Fiction for Young People please contact Meghan Howe at 416.975.0010.

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