The Storylines Tom Fitzgibbon Award for an original junior novel, in partnership with Scholastic NZ, is open only to previously unpublished writers, and is made annually, when merited, to the author of a work of fiction for children between seven and 13 years of age. The award carries a monetary prize of $1500 and an offer of publication by Scholastic New Zealand. Scholastic has produced a poster celebrating previous Storylines Tom Fitzgibbon Award winners. |
![]() |
BackgroundThe Storylines Tom Fitzgibbon Award was established in 1995 to recognise the outstanding contribution made by the late Tom Fitzgibbon to the growth and status of children’s literature in New Zealand.For many years Head of the English Department at North Shore Teachers’ College and the Auckland College of Education, Tom founded the Children’s Literature Association of New Zealand and later became the first chair of the New Zealand Children’s Book Foundation, forerunner of Storylines. |
![]() |
The award is administered by Storylines and sponsored by Scholastic New Zealand. It is made annually, when merited, to the author of a work of fiction for children between seven and 13 years of age.
The award is not open to any author who has had a work of fiction (novel or picture book) or non-fiction for either children, young adults or adults published in digital or print format (i.e. one sold through physical or online bookstores) or in the process of publication. Previous publication by the author in school readers and similar educational material; magazine articles; short stories or poetry; or contribution to an anthology; or any self-publishing where the print run is under 300 copies, is allowable. (If in doubt, writers should seek a ruling from Storylines.) Eligibility criteria are stated on the Entry Form. Entry form and guidelines: |
|
2018 Tom Fitzgibbon Award WinnerThe winner of the 2018 Storylines Tom Fitzgibbon Award is James Guthrie of Wellington for Bullseye Bella. Scholastic publisher Penny Scown said, "From the moment I began reading this story, I was absolutely enthralled. It was a story about a girl who plays darts, of all things! Who knew darts could be so exciting? I was totally drawn into this story.... |
![]() |
2018 Storylines Tom Fitzgibbon Award winner James Guthrie | |
The shortlisted writers were:
|
![]() |
Shortlisted author Glennis Bearsley | |
2017 winner launched in 2018 |
![]() |
Winner of the 2017 Storylines Tom Fitzgibbon Award for a children's novel manuscript by an unpublished writer, in association with Scholastic New Zealand, was librarian Chrissi Walker, of Christchurch for her manuscript The Short But Brilliant Career of Lucas Weed. |