We are delighted to announce that Iron Age adventure Kirin of the Dobunni by Anne Buffoni has been shortlisted for the prestigious children’s historical fiction prize Young Quills.
The prize is awarded annually by the Historical Association to recognise excellent historical fiction writing and to encourage youngsters to develop a love of history. Each year, the judges select their shortlist from historical fiction books which have been published for children and young adults in English in the year preceding the competition – so 2024 for this year’s selection.
Kirin of the Dobunni was released in 2024 by Crumps Barn Studio and is in bookshops across the region.
“As a debut writer I am excited to be acknowledged alongside some of my favourite writers for young people. My inspiration to write Kirin of the Dobunni came from my love of a good story as a doorway into learning and discovery for all ages.”
This year’s shortlist includes stories by Michael Morpurgo and Annelise Gray, both for younger readers, while Anne Buffoni’s adventure has been shortlisted for the Age 11-13 category.
Anne was also one of the speakers at last year’s inaugural Cirencester History Festival, leading a workshop for children about the Iron Age in Gloucestershire.
“When I retired from Cirencester Primary School I knew I wanted to write for local children and families. In retirement I got back involved with archaeology, volunteering on local prehistoric sites for a team from Bournemouth University, and became fascinated with the search for original evidence rather than accepting other people’s theories or assumptions. A visit to the Museum of Gloucester to see the Birdlip Treasure, and the enigma surrounding the burials it was associated with, was inspiring. My research began.”
The Young Quills competition invites schoolchildren from across the UK to read and review the eligible titles before the judging panel prepares a shortlist.
The essential qualities for any shortlisted book are that they are a ‘good read’ with a story full of historical content and factual information. History must be a core element of the story, not just a convenient backdrop or setting, and the winning read must inspire young readers to find out more about that historical period or people.
“In the Cotswolds we have a rich legacy from the Roman era, but I hope to inspire readers to consider the people who lived here before that time. What was their life like? What did they think of ancient evidence around them? What were their fears for the future? I’d love readers to realise that, apart from the passage of time and technology, they were like us.”
Lorna Brookes, the main editor at Crumps Barn Studio says, “Gloucestershire has an incredibly valuable Iron Age archaeological heritage. We publish a number of debut authors and we knew as soon as we saw Anne’s manuscript that she had produced a story that unites these fabulous sites with a brilliant adventure for readers of all ages.
“It is wonderful that Kirin of the Dobunni has received recognition from such a prestigious national prize – although no less than she deserves!”
The winners of each category will be announced in July.