The YABBA Award winners have been declared for 2020.
For the first time, the ceremony was held online. Creators and schools gathered virtually to celebrate the 35th Annual YABBA Awards.
Felice Arena
Adrian Beck
Tristan Bancks
Anna Ciddor
Sherryl Clark
Meredith Costain
Terry Denton
Hazel Edwards
Kesta Fleming
Marjory Gardner
Jane Godwin
Caz Goodwin
Andy Griffiths
Jill Griffiths
Tim Harris
James Hart
Jacqueline Harvey
George Ivanoff
Nicky Johnston
Amie Kaufman
Ingrid Laguna
Andy Lee
Heath McKenzie
Lucia Masciullo
John Marsden
Alex Miles
Belinda Murrell
Chrissie Perry
Mitch Vane
Coral Vass
Michael Wagner
Adam Wallace
Gabrielle Wang
The 2020 Winning Books Are:
Congratulations to the authors, illustrators and publishers of the winning books.
Fiction for Years 7-9

Detention
Written by Tristan Bancks
Published 2019 by Penguin Random House Australia
Fiction for Older Readers

The 117-Storey Treehouse
Written by Andy Griffiths
Illustrated by Terry Denton
Published 2019 by Pan Macmillan
Fiction for Younger Readers

WeirDo 12: Hopping Weird!
Written by Anh Do
Illustrated by Jules Faber
Published 2019 by Scholastic Australia
Picture Storybooks

Definitely Do Not Open This Book
Written by Andy Lee
Illustrated by Heath McKenzie
Published 2019 by Lake Press
Additional Citations Presented on the Day
Hall of Fame Inductee

Too Many Cheeky Dogs
Written by Johanna Bell
Illustrated by Dion Beasley
Published 2016 by Allen & Unwin
Graham Davey Citation

Felice Arena
Author
The Graham Davey Citation is presented by the YABBA Council to a book or person that through craft or contribution has made an impact on Australian Children’s literature. This is the only award where children don’t vote, this is an honorary award from the YABBA Council.
This year we acknowledged Felice Arena for his amazing body of work as an author, actor, speaker, TV presenter and playwright. Felice has had 17 books shortlisted and the following books have won YABBA Awards:
- Specky Magee: Boots of Glory (2006)
- Specky Magee: Legends in the Making (2007)
- Specky Magee: Spirit of the Game (2009)
Felice has also had been entered into the Hall of Fame twice for Boyz Rule: Park Soccer (2008) and Specky Magee and the Best of Oz (2016).
Born in Kyabram, of Italian heritage Felice has gone on to more recently write historical fiction titles that really connect young readers to authentic landmarks and actual historical events that took place across Europe.
Felice’s contribution to YABBA has seen him take part in the inaugural ‘In Conversation’ evening and his involvement in the YABBA Awards Ceremony has seen him involved since 2006.
Congratulations again Felice Arena, YABBA’s 2020 Graham Davey Citation recipient.
Michelle Nye
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