Maureen Mann shares
the highlights of the Nan Chauncy Award and presentation to James Moloney at the 2019 CBCA Book
of the Year Awards. Living at Chauncy Vale in the southern Midlands, Nan Chauncy holds a special place in our hearts as her books created a strong sense of place that connected both the Tasmanian landscape and the indigenous inhabitants.
Well done to James Moloney who was announced as the
recipient of the 2019 Nan Chauncy Award. This biennial award honours
individuals who have made outstanding contributions to Australian Children’s
literature.
The Nan Chauncy Award was created in 1983 in recognition
of her input to children’s literature and to continue to acknowledge those who
have been significant contributors.
The Award has two parts: a citation written by the
judges (this year from Tasmania, ACT and NSW) and a commemorative plaque,
traditionally a box made from Tasmanian timbers. I was delighted, as
coordinator, to have one of my favourite authors recognised by the judges – and
no, I had no say in the selection process.
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| James and Karen Moloney |
The recipient of the 2019 CBCA Nan Chauncy
Award for outstanding contribution to Australian children’s literature is James
Moloney.
A multi award-winning author and passionate
advocate for children’s literature, James has encouraged generations of young
people, especially boys, to read for pleasure. His commitment to the children's
literature industry in Australia is further demonstrated through his
participation on the Australia Council and in his advocacy for Public Lending
Right and Education Lending Right.
James is more
than a creator of excellent children’s literature. He is a passionate advocate
for literacy and encouraging children to read. His investigation of the
importance of building a reading culture amongst boys and active engagement
with young people in a variety of settings has influenced many children by his
attendance at literature festivals, school workshops and public library
programs, as well as his writings aimed at helping parents. As
writer-in-residence in schools he has not only influenced young writers to
“respect language and its ability to shape and change lives” while also
demonstrating this skill through his own writings, but also the participating
educators.
Since the
publication of Crossfire in 1992, James’ has published more than forty
books, and many of his titles have been recognised through awards and
shortlists. His most recent publication The Young Vikings, is included
in the 2019 CBCA Notable Books. He has
demonstrated his understanding of young readers: his successful titles range
from those for beginning readers through to more sophisticated older teenagers.
His influence and impact in encouraging young people to read can be traced
beyond his writing career to his time as a Teacher Librarian.
To quote James himself, “The novel is a
powerful means of communication in Australian culture.” Through Dougy,
Gracey and Angela, James brought insight into the lives and
experiences of Aboriginal young people and into the lives of many young
Australians. As a
non-Aboriginal writer, he said, “Writing about it, exploring it through story
is a valuable way of encouraging intellectual discourse…thinking, discussing,
arguing, becoming self-aware and moving, ever so slowly, towards
understanding.”
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| James Moloney - acceptance speech |
-James has
willingly committed time to encouraging literacy and reading beyond his paid
author duties, continually demonstrating his responsiveness, generosity and
outreach to others. He has been Quiz Master at Queensland CBCA Readers’ Cup
events. He has undertaken online book-gigs to help students in small regional
schools, over the last twenty or so years. All papers to do with his writing
career have been donated to the State Library of Queensland.
Several of his books have been
translated into French, Korean, Lithuanian and Dutch, spreading Australian
cultural concepts and proving that many of his themes are universal: family,
love, belonging, body image, rites of passage, mateship/friendship, identity,
disability and racial issues. His peers hold him in high esteem. As his nominator said “Over four decades,
Moloney’s contribution to children's literature has been fundamental to framing
an Australian identity. His work is ground-breaking in reflecting race and
masculinity. His sense of place and depiction of Australia as character has
allowed young readers to identify with this truly unique Australian landscape.”
And the judges
concluded with: James Moloney is indeed a very worthy recipient for the 2019 CBCA Nan Chauncy Award for his
outstanding and committed contribution to Australian children’s literature.
Have a look at James’ own website to see just how many books he’s written. http://www.jamesmoloney.com.au/index.html Do you have a favourite?
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| Leanne Rands (CBCA Tasmania President, James Moloney, & Margaret Hillel (CBCA National Chair) |
The next Nan Chauncy Award will be made in 2021 but it’s not too early to start thinking about who you might like to nominate for this prestigious award. You can view past recipients on the CBCA website.
And we mustn’t forget the Book of the Year Awards which were announced at the same function on Friday in Melbourne. If you haven’t already seen them, here’s the link to the list of winners and honour books. https://www.cbca.org.au/winners-2019 Congratulations to all concerned, especially to Daniel Gray-Barnett, Tasmanian-based winner of the Award for New Illustrators.
Maureen Mann
Nan Chauncy Award Coordinator
Nan Chauncy Award Coordinator
Editor's note: There are several posts collated on our blog about Nan Chauncy, her books, Chauncy Vale and the award.
