We are so happy for her!

In January this year, local author Hanna Alkaf was awarded with the prestigious Freeman Book Award 2019 for her popular novel, ‘The Weight of Our Sky’.

Photo via Twitter (Hanna Alkaf)

...and now the talented writer’s second book, ‘The Girl and the Ghost’ is in the running for a Kirkus Prize!

For those who don’t know, the Kirkus Prize is one of the richest literary awards in the world, with a prize of $50,000 given every year to authors of fiction, nonfiction, and young readers’ literature. 

The US-based award was created to celebrate the 85+ years of discerning, thoughtful criticism. Kirkus Reviews has contributed to both the publishing industry and readers at large - and we’re so happy that one of Malaysia’s talented authors is nominated for this prestigious award!

Of course, Hanna Alkaf herself couldn’t contain her excitement and shared the great news with her fans on Twitter!

(No I do not in fact understand what is happening. Like at all.)

— Hanna Alkaf back on hiatus (@yesitshanna) September 9, 2020

Folks they nominated a random Malaysian author alongside the likes of Jason Reynolds and Elizabeth Acevedo and I just. What. WHAT.

— Hanna Alkaf back on hiatus (@yesitshanna) September 9, 2020

The book is among the six finalists under the Young Readers’ Literature category and Hanna is the ONLY Malaysian to be nominated for it. 

The other nominations for the category include ‘I Am Every Good Thing’ by Derrick Barnes and Gordon C. James, ‘Fighting Words’ by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley, ‘We Are Water Protectors’ by Carole Lindstrom, ‘Clap When You Land’ by Elizabeth Acevedo and Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You: A Remix of the National Book Award-Winning Stamped from the Beginning by Jason Reynolds and Ibram X.

This is such a huge deal! We are so proud of you and your achievements, Hanna! 

By: Aishah Akashah Ahadiat