The Quiet and the Loud shortlisted for the CBCA Awards
A rarity in its form, Helena Fox’s The Quiet and the Loud is a book that has earned recognition for its depth and insight. We’re thrilled to share that this remarkable story has been shortlisted for the Children’s Book Council of Australia (CBCA) Awards in the Older Readers category, an accolade that celebrates excellence in literature for young Australians.
The Quiet and the Loud is a profound exploration of friendship, family, forgiveness, trauma, and love. Set against the backdrop of Sydney, Australia during the wildfires of 2019, the narrative provides a poignant portrayal of the adolescence and emotional growth of Georgia, an 18-year-old protagonist who strives to find her voice amidst the chaos and noise of her world.
While Fox’s adept storytelling in The Quiet and the Loud beautifully and thoughtfully handles heavy topics like trauma and mental health, its greatest strength lies in the authenticity of the characters and the palpable bond they share. The book paints the undefined contours of relationships and how even amidst trauma and distress, the spirit of hope prevails. In fact, the struggling yet hopeful world they inhabit is an echo of our own in many ways.
Having made the prestigious CBCA Awards’ shortlist, The Quiet and the Loud is getting the recognition it well deserves. But this is not just a book for young adults – it’s a book for anyone who wants to understand the nuances of human emotions, resilience and the power of stories.