Children’s author from Sheffield celebrates prestigious award nomination

Sharna Jackson has been shortlisted for the Waterstones children’s book prize 2020, an award widely regarded in the publishing industry as one of the most prestigious accolades for children’s literature in the UK.

Sharna has been nominated in the younger fiction category for her novel High Rise Mystery.

She said: “I'm shocked and thrilled that High Rise Mystery has been shortlisted.”

The book is set during the hottest London summer on record and there's been a murder in The Tri, the high-rise home to resident know-it-alls Nik and Norva.

The sleuthing sisters are armed with curiosity, home-turf knowledge and unlimited time – at least until the end of the summer holidays – and decide to solve the case.

Sharna said : “It’s amazing to see booksellers and readers embrace Nik and Norva with the same level of love I have for them.”

Alongside being a writer, Sharna is the artistic director at Site Gallery, a contemporary art space on Brown Street in Sheffield city centre.

She is also a member of BAFTA’s children’s and learning and new talent committees and the Children’s Media Conference advisory board, as well as sitting on the board of Sheffield Doc/Fest.

Alexa Wright, manager at W aterstone’s Sheffield city centre store in Orchard Square, said everyone at the branch was pleased to hear of Sharna’s success.

She said: “The team at Sheffield Orchard Square send huge congratulations to Sharna.

“High Rise Mystery heralds the start of an exciting new series, perfect for fans of Robin Stevens.”

Now in its sixteenth year, Waterst annual c hildren’s book p rize has become a platform for emerging talent, and it is credited with launching the careers of many children’s book authors and illustrators.

Every year, Waterstones’ booksellers are asked to vote for the books they believe are the very best in new children’s writing and illustration.

Sharna will find out if she has won the prize at a ceremony in London next month. The winner of each category will receive £2,000, with the overall winner receiving an extra £3,000.