We’re delighted to see that My Soul, A Shining Tree by Jamila Gavin has been shortlisted for the 2025 Nero Book Awards.

The Awards’ mission is to point readers of all ages and interests in the direction of outstanding books and writers. Uniquely celebrating books across multiple genres, the Awards feature shortlists and winners across four categories, and culminates with one book being crowned overall winner of the Gold Prize Book of the Year.

This year’s shortlisted books explore a vast range of subjects and themes, from forgotten artists and crafts to the climate crisis and geopolitical history. 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.

The shortlists will be narrowed down to four category winners on Tuesday 13th January, before one goes on to claim the Nero Gold Prize on Tuesday 4th March. To see the full shortlist, click here.