Sisterland wins the LukuVarkaus award

Salla Simukka’s Sisterland has received the ’Lasten LukuVarkaus’ award, a literary prize given annually to the best Finnish children’s book for readers up to twelve years old and published in the previous year. The winner was selected by a jury of six elementary school pupils.

The kids’ jury appreciated especially the balanced combination of fantasy and realism, and the novel’s characters. In addition, the jury stated that there’s “not a single boring bit” in the book.

Sisterland has been sold to ten territories to date, the latest two being China and the Arab World.

Earlier this year Salla Simukka received also the Kaarina Helakisa award, given annually to an outstanding children’s book author or illustrator. “Salla Simukka has made Finnish YA literature world famous, shattered glass ceilings and always stood up for minorities. She is inspiring, visible and audible. She’s a prime example of nothing being impossible,” said the jury.