We’re thrilled to see that My Soul, A Shining Tree by Jamila Gavin has been longlisted for The Jhalak Children’s & Young Adult Prize.

Published by Farshore and based on the true story of Indian WWI gunner and recipient of the Victoria Cross, Khudadad Khan, My Soul, a Shinning Tree is an epic First World War historical story of courage and friendship.

First awarded in March 2017, the Jhalak Prize awards seek to celebrate books by writers of colour in the UK and Ireland. In 2020, the single award was bifurcated to create a dedicated Jhalak Children’s YA Prize. From 2024, the Jhalak Poetry Prize has been added to their awards portfolio. The Jhalak Children’s and YA Prize accepts books for children, teens and young adults including picture books, chapter books, graphic novels, poetry, non-fiction, and all other genres by writers of colour and aimed at younger readers. The Prize annually awards £1000 to each winner along with a unique work of art created by artists chosen for the annual Jhalak Art Residency.

The shortlist will be announced on the 14 April 2026, but in the meantime click here to see the full longlist.