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 Requirements:

• Books must be published between January 1 and December 31, 2012.
• Both the author and illustrator (if applicable) must be Canadian citizens or permanent residents of Canada (who have lived in Canada for at least two years).
• Books may be published in Canada or abroad.
• Books must be first foreign or first Canadian editions. New editions or re-issues of previously published titles are not eligible for submission.
• Books must be in English.
• Translations are eligible, provided the translator is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident of Canada (who has lived in Canada for at least two years).
• Books submitted for consideration must be original works.
• Books submitted must be a work of historical fiction.
• Graphic novels are eligible.
• Autobiographies are not eligible.
• Picture books, short story collections by more than one author, and plots involving time travel are not eligible.
• The award is only for books in the printed format, as distinct from digital (i.e., eBooks) and audio visual formats.
• Books in manuscript form are not eligible.
• All books must have an ISBN and be distributed in Canada.
• Self-published books are eligible for submission provided they have a valid ISBN.

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:

The CCBC is no longer accepting submissions for the 2013 Geoffrey Bilson Award. The deadline for submitting books was February 8, 2013.

If you have any questions regarding the Geoffrey Bilson Award for Historical Fiction for Young People please contact Meghan Howe at 416.975.0010 ext. 222.