Organized jointly by the Quebec Association of French Teachers (AQPF) and the National Association of Book Publishers (ANEL), these awards highlight works likely to inspire and engage young people.
Five categories were on the program this year: albums, novels (two age groups), short stories and poetry. Each winner has made an impression through sensitivity to social issues, subtle humor or writing capable of arousing varied emotions. In short, literature that makes you think, laugh and dream. And carefully selected by teachers, to convince all student profiles.
The winners received a $1,000 grant, to be shared in the case of albums, and the publishing houses benefit from gift certificates offered by partners Marquis Imprimeur and Sustana. These awards also honor teachers, true literary guides for their students. This edition marks a turning point with the departure of Lyne Bellerive, vice-president of pedagogy of the AQPF, after several years of coordination. His unwavering commitment to transmitting a love of books is praised by his peers.
Created by ANEL and AQPF, these prizes aim to promote Quebec and Franco-Canadian literature to students. Supported by the Canada Council for the Arts and SODEC, the initiative shows how powerful local words are.
“The literary prizes for French teachers are more popular than ever. This year, more than sixty teachers have expressed an interest in being part of the selection committees, something never seen before at the AQPF. Our members are fond of children’s literature and pedagogy, and their contribution to the selection of the winners amply demonstrates this. The entire AQPF team salutes the great richness of the works proposed”
— Julien Taschereau, president of the AQPF
Category Album 5 to 12 years old
The fisherman with the magnet, Émilie Demers (author) and Catherine Petit (illustrator) (Éditions Alaska)
Category Novel 9 to 12 years old
The stilt club, Éric Péladeau (Soulières editor)
Category Novel 13 years and over
The color of my difference, Mc Knoell Alexis (Youth Legacy)
Category News
More fear than harm, Mélissa Anctil (Soulières editor)
Category Poetry
The silk trap, Marie-Andrée Arsenault (Youth Heritage)
As a bonus, the winner in poetry is invited to the Trois-Rivières International Poetry Festival in 2025. ANEL represents the majority of French-speaking publishing houses in Quebec and Canada, working to promote the book and its creators. As for the AQPF, it brings together French teachers of all levels, promoting the quality of teaching of the Quebec language and culture.
Find the list of French and French-speaking literary prizes
Image credits: detail of the poster for the French Teachers’ Literary Prize
Par Sara Verrecchia
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