A debut novel by a former teenage rapper is in the running for the UK’s oldest book award.
Angie Thomas’s debut, The Hate U Give, has been longlisted for the CILIP Carnegie Medal.
The US author’s book is already a bestseller and being adapted for the big screen.
It is the only debut novel in the 20-strong category, which celebrates the best in writing for children and young people.
The Hate You Give (Angie Thomas)
Inspired by the Black Lives Matter movement, the novel centres around 16-year-old Starr, the only witness to the fatal shooting of her unarmed best friend by a police officer.
A longlist of 20 was also announced for the Kate Greenaway Medal, which marks the best in children’s illustration.
One book is in the running for both awards – The Song From Somewhere Else by A.F. Harrold, illustrated by Levi Pinfold.
The shortlists for both awards will be announced on March 15 and the winners on June 18.
The winners each receive £500 worth of books to donate to their local library, a specially commissioned golden medal and a £5,000 Colin Mears Award cash prize.
Former teenage rapper’s debut novel in the running for UK’s oldest book award
