Jhalak Prize 2025 Shortlists Reveal the Power of Literature to Challenge, Inspire and Transform

The 2025 Jhalak Prize shortlists have been announced and the titles that made the cut comprise heartfelt, inventive and powerful writing, reflecting the extraordinary quality of work being produced by writers of colour in the UK and Ireland. These lists have been selected for the ways in which the authors meet the moment with exceptional storytelling, emotional impact and literary innovation.

Prize founder Sunny Singh comments, ‘The authors on our 2025 shortlists do not flinch from harsh realities of our histories, times and lives. Yet each of these books is an exquisitely crafted, stunning work of literature that is full of love, hope and joy.’

Jhalak Children's and YA Prize

The Jhalak Children's & YA Prize was won by Hiba Noor Khan for Safiyyah's War.

Hiba Noor Khan comments, ‘I’ve been inspired, entertained, and moved by entries, and consistently reminded just how vital and urgent the Prize is.’

This year's Children's and YA shortlist:

Bringing Back Kay-Kay by Dev Kothari

A LoveReading4Kids Debut of the Month, this mystery novel is the tale of a sister's search for her older brother when his disappearance is dismissed as just another teen runaway.

Flower Block by Lanisha Butterfield

Another Debut of the Month, LoveReading4Kids reviewer Amy described this modern update to the traditional tale of Jack and the Beanstalk as "A delightful and life-affirming celebration of tower block living and the magic of nature."

King of Nothing by Nathaneal Lessore

This Carnegie shortlisted author's second book was a LoveReading4Kids Star Book, and our reviewer Amy said, "Wonderful characters, witty wordplay and a challenge to so-called “alpha-men” combine in this heart-warming and hilarious novel."

Mayowa and the Sea of Words by Chibundu Onuz

Another title that made it onto both LoveReading4Kids lists for Debut of the Month and Star Books, this middle grade fantasy is the first in a trilogy. Learn more about this "Enchantingly fresh fantasy grounded in very real and important issues of the day." in our fabulous event with author Chibundu Onuzo.

The Boy to Beat the Gods by Ashley Thorpe

This LoveReading4Kids July 2024 Debut of the Month is the fierce and fun story of one boy versus six gods.

The Thread That Connects Us by Ayaan Mohamud

From a Branford Boase Award shortlisted author, this modern novel about shared blood and bad blood follows two teens thrown together in a blended family in unfamiliar territory.

Jhalak Art Residency

2025 also sees the ongoing expansion of the annual Jhalak Art Residency. An artist of colour is commissioned to create a unique work of art that serves as the trophy for the winner of the three Jhalak Prize awards.

The artist in residence for the Jhalak Children's & YA Prize 2025 is Lucy Farfort.

Find out more about the Residency and the 2025 artists here.

Find out more about all the Jhalak Prize 2025 Shortlisted writers here.