Shortlisted children’s books raise serious issues

Alcoholism, brain injury and forced marriage are just some of the difficult issues raised in children’s books competing for a major Irish award.

Two novels by Siobhán Parkinson — currently Laureate na nÓg — have made the shortlist. Bruised and Matríóisce are among the nine titles nominated for the 22nd Children’s Books Ireland (CBI) Book of the Year Awards.

Bruised is about a teenage boy who runs away with his little sister because their mother has an alcohol problem.