The Jhalak Prize and Jhalak Children’s & Young Adult Prize celebrate British or British-resident writers of colour, annually awarding £1,000 to each of the two winners, along with a unique work of art created by artists chosen for the annual Jhalak Art Residency. All shortlisted authors will also receive a one-year complimentary membership to the London Library, to which the winners receive a two-year membership.

As with previous years, the longlists demonstrate the exceptional quality and breadth of work produced by British writers of colour today. The judges describe the lists as "a fantastic gift for readers."

Haleh Agar, Anthony Vahni Capildeo and Monisha Rajesh are the judges for the 2023 Jhalak Prize, while the Children’s & Young Adult Prize will be decided by authors Yaba Badoe, Maisie Chan and Irfan Master. 

The 2022 Jhalak Prize was won by Maisie Chan for her debut Danny Chung Does Not Do Maths.

Chan said: "For me, the Jhalak longlist represents the very best of writing coming out of the UK by writers of colour. I was taken to far off fantastical places, I learnt new things, I laughed and cried. The craft that went into all of these books was astounding."

The shortlist for both awards will be announced on 18th April 2023, and the winners will be announced on 25th May 2023 in partnership with the British Library.

Jhalak Children’s & Young Adult Prize Longlist:

John Agard’s Windrush Child by John Agard, illustrated by Sophie Bass 

A beautifully evocative story of a child's journey to England on board Empire Windrush from an internationally celebrated, multi-award winning poet and an extraordinary debut illustrator.

In Our Hands by Lucy Farfort 

This timeless fable from debut author Lucy Farfort is sure to entrance and empower in equal measure.

These Are the Words by Nikita Gill 

An empowering, feminist and beautifully illustrated poetry collection exploring all the things Nikita wished someone had told her when she was younger. 

When Our Worlds Collided by Danielle Jawando 

A powerful yet tender coming of age novel that unflinchingly tackles racism in justice and education.

Needle by Patrice Lawrence 

Storytelling high on impact and insight as a young girl struggles to keep her life from unravelling.

Mia and the Lightcasters by Janelle McCurdy, illustrated by Ana Latese 

A gripping, action-packed fantasy adventure set in a fascinating world of darkness and light (the best of Pokémon in a book).

Onyeka and the Academy of the Sun by Tolá Okogwu 

Black Panther meets Percy Jackson in this action-packed and empowering middle-grade series about a British-Nigerian girl who learns that her Afro hair has psychokinetic powers.

Ellie Pillai is Brown by Christine Pillainayagam

This funny, heartfelt, true-to-life, coming-of-age page-turner fizzes with emotional energy and the power of music.

The Haunting of Tyrese Walker by J.P. Rose

Swarming with Jamaican folklore spirits, this tender, gripping chiller sees a boy find light after grappling with the darkness of grief.

Rebel Skies by Ann Sei Lin 

A beautifully written and pacy teen fantasy adventure, set in a world of flying ships, sky cities and powerful paper spirits. 

Dadaji’s Paintbrush by Rashmi Sirdeshpande, illustrated by Ruchi Mhasane

A story rich in emotion and a reminder that love never leaves us.

Creeping Beauty by Joseph Coelho, illustrated by Freya Hartas 

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