Books Are My Bag Indie Awards Shortlist 2021 announced

We are delighted to see several United Agents clients shortlisted for the Indie Book Awards 2021.

In the Fiction category, Sarah Moss is shortlisted for her book SUMMERWATER (Macmillan), a devastating story told over twenty-four hours in the Scottish highlands, and a searing exploration of our capacity for both kinship and cruelty in these divided times. Hilary Mantel described it as 'Sharp, searching, thoroughly imagined, utterly of the moment . . . it throws much contemporary writing into the shade'.

Benjamin Zephaniah is shortlisted in the Children's Fiction category for WINDRUSH CHILD (Scholastic). Alex Wheatle calls it ''An invaluable story for any young readers who enjoy adventure and want to learn more about the Windrush generation's experience. Essential reading'. WINDRUSH CHILD is a heart-stopping adventure following Leonard's arrival in Southampton with his mother, and his adjustment to their new life in the UK.

Three United Agents clients are shortlisted in the Picture Book category. Rob Biddulph is shortlisted for his book DOG GONE (HarperCollins), the story of Teddy the Pug who loses his human while out walking one day. Rob is the award-winning author and illustrator of Blown Away and the record-breaking Draw With Rob series. Smriti Halls is shortlisted for RAIN BEFORE RAINBOWS (Walker), illustrated by David Litchfield. It is an uplifting, stunningly beautiful book about optimism in the darkest of places. Smriti is an internationally bestselling author of over 30 children's books. Hollie Hughes is on the shortlist for her book THE GIRL AND THE DINOSAUR (Bloomsbury), illustrated by Sarah Massini. It is a gently fantastical fable about the power of dreams and dinosaurs summoned by imagination.

Congratulations to all the shortlistees!