It is the Palme d’Or for children’s books, the most coveted prize of the year. And rather than an illustrated album like the other years, the Gold Nugget was awarded this Wednesday in Montreuil to… a fiction for teenagers. His title : Queen Kong by Hélène Vignal, published at the start of the September 2021 school year by
Thierry magnier. “It’s a very free, very personal novel, perhaps not to be put into all hands, but very strong”, warns Christian Dorsan, reader and contributor
of the group
20 Minutes Books. Same story with the jury which underlines “a sensitive, sensual novel which transports us, all in tension, at the time of the first sexual emotions. “
This “Queen Kong” is neither wild nor monstrous. Maybe just a little more in tune with her body than other teens her age. The young girl in this very short 82-page novel claims to explore her sexuality in the first person, freely. But at a time when everything is shocking, this development does not please, especially to his comrades, who are unleashed on social networks. Besides, it starts like that, with reproaches. Cruel and terrible.
Sometimes trashy writing
The author of the book, Helene Vignal, is a former socio-cultural facilitator in so-called “sensitive” neighborhoods. She writes from a young age, has fifteen books to her credit. His writing, precise and sharp, testifies to his commitment in favor of his heroine while denouncing without complacency the injunctions that the group imposes on everyone, girl or boy.
“I really liked this writing,” continues our reader Christian Dorsan. This young girl’s way of expressing what is not being said, without modesty, without filter, with words that are crude at times, tender too. This way of undressing in front of the reader, even if it means sometimes flirting with trash. In any case, she lets hear a real voice, a particular tone and that is what makes all the strength and originality of this novel. “
Four other nuggets
Awarded by young readers selected by France Télévisions, partner of the Montreuil show, the other prizes were awarded to:
Nugget of the Illustrated Book: Spirit, are you there? by Dominique Ehrhard and Anne-Florence Lemasson (The Great People).
Nugget of Junior Fiction: Girls usually don’t go so high by Alice Butaud and François Ravard (Gallimard Jeunesse).
Nugget of Teen Fiction: Polly by Fabrice Melquiot and Isabelle Pralong (La Joie de lire).
Cartoon nugget: Nowhere Girl by Magali Le Huche (Dargaud).
–
