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Official Shortlist announced November 2007

Eight writers have made it on to the Judges’ shortlist for the fourth Macmillan Writer’s Prize for Africa. They come from Nigeria, Botswana, Ghana, Uganda and South Africa.

The Macmillan Writer’s Prize for Africa focuses on original writing for children and young people. Entries were received from 18 different countries across the continent and from Africans currently resident overseas.

The eight shortlisted manuscripts are:

JUNIOR AWARD
For an original, unpublished story in English for children between the ages of 8 and 12.

Long Juju Man 
Nnedi Okorafor-Mbachu (Nigeria)

Mmele and the Magic Bones
Lauri Kubuitilse (Botswana)

Kwansa and the Bandit Crabs*
Ekow Kwegyir Bentum (Ghana)

In Black and White*
Edith Kunihira (Uganda)

SENIOR AWARD
For an original, unpublished story in English for teenagers between the ages of 13 and 17.

Monday evening, Thursday afternoon
Jenny Robson (South Africa)

E Eights
Jayne Bauling (South Africa)

A Walk among Strangers*
Hanif Mohammed (Nigeria)

Hotwire
Jay Heale (South Africa)
* Authors eligible for the most promising New Children’s Writer Award

This year’s judges are Jamila Gavin (Chair), Meshack Asare, Helen Oyeyemi and Jack Mapanje commented, "We saw some really outstanding entries, and the range of stories was as varied as ever. Those who didn't quite make it to the shortlist should also be encouraged, since the purpose of this competition is to foster and develop good writing for children and young people across the continent, and their work shows talent and potential."

The winners of both the Macmillan Writer’s Prize for Africa and Macmillan Children’s Illustrator Award for Africa will be announced in January 2008, along with presentation and publication details.