Lynd Ward Graphic Novel Prize

Winner 

Author: Emily Carrington 

Publisher: Drawn & Quarterly

Judges' Comments

“In this graphic memoir,” said the judges, “Emily Carrington takes readers through her traumatic story of childhood abuse. While the novel begins with a warning, it only partially prepares the reader for the powerful narrative and emotional rollercoaster that they are about to be taken on. Throughout the journey, Carrington expertly uses the graphic novel format to set the tone and pace the narrative. The story is clear and engaging and invites readers to witness the author’s futile quest for redress through the courts. This cultivates empathy and performs a kind of grassroots justice without sacrificing literary and artistic excellence. Carrington’s visuals are confident and original. She uses metaphor beautifully, and seamlessly weaves surrealist threads throughout the narrative. Our Little Secret is fluid, utterly engaging, and evokes empathy and compels action.”

Honor Book

Author: Kate Beaton
Publisher: Drawn & Quarterly

Judges' Comments

“On the surface, the topic of this book may seem uncompelling,” said the judges, “however, Beaton has created a work that is anything but. Ducks is the story of its author's experiences in the Oil Sands, far from home, and in an environment where men vastly outnumber women. Beaton opens and closes doors, compartments, and boxes; she knows how to show ingenuity and resilience with a convincing display. The art ranges from beautiful landscapes to expressive faces to detailed looks at heavy machinery. While providing a look into a small slice of life, this book engages with a range of heavy topics such as environmentalism, sexism, and the high cost of education. In other places it is a quiet story of growing up, of leaving home, of growing confidence. Throughout, Beaton pulls the reader through with rich images and a personal but relatable touch.”