The Big Read Results

As part of the National Year of Reading, Book Links Qld held The Big Read to celebrate stories set in Queensland. We put together three lists of books written for young people and asked everyone to vote for the one in each category they felt best defined life in Queensland.  The votes came in online and via mail and the winners were announced on Saturday 25^th August at the State Library of Queensland as part of the Reading Hour Event for National Year of Reading.

 And the winners are:

(drum roll)

In the Older Reader Category selected by adult readers, Dust by Chris Bongers, a story set in rural Qld in the 1970s. Dust was also a notable book in 2010 in the CBCA Book of the Year Awards and long-listed and highly commended for the Prime Ministers Literary Award.

In the Younger Reader Category selected by both adult and young readers, Henry Hoey Hobson by Chris Bongers, a story set in the suburbs of Brisbane.  Henry Hoey Hobson was also shortlisted in 2011 for the CBCA Book of the Year Awards, the WA Premier’s Book Awards and the Qld Premier’s Literary Awards.

 In the Picture Book Category selected by the young readers Dinosaur Dreaming written by Justin D’Ath and illustrated by Mike Spoor tells the story of dinosaur discovery in Western Queensland.

 In the Picture Book Category selected by adult readers The Flying Orchestra by Clare McFadden is a musical journey with many recognisable scenes of Brisbane.  The Flying Orchestra also won the 2011 Crichton Award for best new illustrator.

 Chris Bongers was able to come along to accept her awards, but unfortunately the other authors and illustrators could not attend.  The two picture books were read to the audience.  Giant replica dinosaur fossil bones added to the interest of the children for Dinosaur Dreaming, while everyone was carried away by the beautiful music played to accompany the reading of The Flying Orchestra.

 Thanks to everyone who voted!