Junk

The judges remarked: 'It's good to know that the books on the Carnegie shortlist will help children explore the dark side of life in the safe, sensitive hands of such excellent authors.' Of Junk, they said: 'Nine narrative voices, each with a chapter of its own, are woven into the harrowing story of Gemma, Tar and their friends' descent into drug addiction. The issues are tough and the style compelling. We particularly admired the sensitive characterisation.'

David Porter