The West Coast Book Prize Society has announced the finalists for the 2020 BC Book Prizes in eight categories, including the new-in-2020 Jim Deva Prize for Writing That Provokes.
The BC Book and Yukon Prizes, established in 1985, celebrate the achievements of British Columbia writers and publishers.
Congratulations to the finalist authors, illustrators, and publishers!
Jim Deva Prize for Writing that Provokes
The Jim Deva Prize for Writing that Provokes is awarded to the author(s) and/or illustrator(s) of poetry, fiction, or nonfiction for adults or children that challenges or provokes the ideas and forces that shape what writing, art, and/or society can become.
- Rebent Sinner by Ivan Coyote (Arsenal Pulp Press)
- On/Me by Francine Cunningham (Caitlin Press)
- How She Read by Chantal Gibson (Caitlin Press)
- Little Blue Encyclopedia (For Vivian) by Hazel Jane Plante (Metonymy Press)
- Mistakes to Run With by Yasuko Thanh (Penguin Canada)
Ethel Wilson Fiction Prize
The Ethel Wilson Fiction Prize is awarded to the author(s) of the best work of fiction.
- Greenwood by Michael Christie (McClelland & Stewart)
- Aria by Nazanine Hozar (Knopf Canada)
- Dual Citizens by Alix Ohlin (House of Anansi Press)
- Lampedusa by Steven Price (McClelland & Stewart)
- Rue des Rosiers by Rhea Tregebov (Coteau Books)
Hubert Evans Non-Fiction Prize
The Hubert Evans Non-Fiction Prize is awarded to the author(s) of the best original non-fiction literary work.
- Rebent Sinner by Ivan Coyote (Arsenal Pulp Press)
- Changing Tides: An Ecologist’s Journey to Make Peace with the Anthropocene by Alejandro Frid (New Society)
- In My Own Moccasins: A Memoir of Resilience by Helen Knott (University of Regina Press)
- Claws of the Panda: Beijing’s Campaign of Influence and Intimidation in Canada by Jonathan Manthorpe (Cormorant Books)
- Highway of Tears: A True Story of Racism, Indifference, and the Pursuit of Justice for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls by Jessica McDiarmid (Doubleday Canada)
Dorothy Livesay Poetry Prize
The Dorothy Livesay Poetry Prize is awarded to the author of the best work of poetry.
- Hymnswitch by Ali Blythe (Goose Lane)
- Dunk Tank by Kayla Czaga (House of Anansi)
- SH:LAM (The Doctor) by Joseph A Dandurand (Mawenzi House Publishers)
- How She Read by Chantal Gibson (Caitlin Press)
- Sonnet’s Shakespeare by Sonnet L’Abbé (McClelland & Stewart)
Roderick Haig-Brown Regional Prize
The Roderick Haig-Brown Regional Prize is to recognize the author(s) of the book that contributes most to the enjoyment and understanding of British Columbia.
- Greenwood by Michael Christie (McClelland & Stewart)
- The Great Bear Rainforest: A Giant-Screen Adventure in the Land of the Spirit Bear by Ian McAllister and Alex Von Tol (Orca Book Publishers)
- A Year on the Wild Side: A West Coast Naturalist’s Almanac by Briony Penn (Touchwood Editions)
- At the Bridge: James Teit and the Anthropology of Belonging by Wendy Wickwire (UBC Press)
- Carpe Fin: A Haida Manga by Michael Nicholl Yahgulanaas (Douglas & McIntyre)
Sheila A. Egoff Children’s Literature Prize
The Sheila A. Egoff Children’s Literature Prize is awarded to the best non-illustrated book written for children.
- Nevers by Sara Cassidy (Orca Book Publishers)
- The Love and Lies Of Rukhsana Ali by Sabina Khan (Scholastic)
- Mystery of Black Hollow Lane by Julia Nobel (Sourcebooks)
- My Body, My Choice: The Fight for Abortion Rights by
Robin Stevenson (Orca Book Publishers) - What the Eagle Sees by Eldon Yellowhorn and Kathy Lowinger (Annick Press)
Christie Harris Illustrated Children’s Literature Prize
The Christie Harris Illustrated Children’s Literature Prize is presented to the best illustrated book written for children.
- Bad Boys of Fashion: Style Rebels and Renegades Through the Ages by Jen Croll, illustrated by Aneta Pacholska (Annick Press)
- Birdsong by Julie Flett, author and illustrator (Greystone Kids)
- It Began With a Page: How Gyo Fujikawa Drew the Way by Kyo Maclear, illustrated by Julie Morstad (Tundra Books)
- The Phone Booth in Mr. Hirota’s Garden by Heather Smith, illustrated by Rachel Wada (Orca Book Publishers)
- The Ranger by Nancy Vo, author and illustrator (Groundwood Books)
Bill Duthie Booksellers’ Choice Award
The Bill Duthie Booksellers’ Choice Award is presented to the originating publisher and author(s) of the best book in terms of public appeal, initiative, design, production, and content.
- Cedar and Salt: Vancouver Island Recipes from Forest, Farm, Field, and Sea by Danielle (DL) Acken and Emily Lycopolus (Touchwood Editions)
- Voices from the Skeena: An Illustrated Oral History by Robert Budd and Roy Henry Vickers (Harbour Publishing)
- Vancouver After Dark: The Wild History of a City’s Nightlife by Aaron Chapman (Arsenal Pulp Press)
- Indigenous Relations: Insights, Tips, and Suggestions to Make Reconciliation a Reality by Bob Joseph (Page Two Strategies)
- I Saw Three Ships by Bill Richardson (Talonbooks)