Stella Project discussion

Judge's Report

Wakefield’s young adult (YA) novel is genuine and full of heart. It is the kind of novel we searched for as adolescents, and reading it rekindled memories of discovery in the local library on Saturday mornings, when every so often it felt like an outstanding YA novel miraculously spoke to us from the book stacks and rows of shelving just when it was needed most.

This is How We Change the Ending tackles the urgent issues for kids today in a way that is relatable. It is an unflinching book that brims with anxieties and attitude, raw angst and gentle refuge. Foremost, the novel’s representation of the characters, and their urban settings and relationships, squares up with a life lived with next to no privilege, where opportunity is limited and minor victories, in fact, mean the world. And Wakefield has imparted this gritty realism with the deftest touch. This is How We Change the Ending will find a permanent place on our home bookshelves.

Reading Questions

This might be my favourite judge's report. I know that's a strange thing to have a favourite of, but none of the others have spoken to me quite like this one. There's so much to unpack here, even though this is yet another title I've yet to read.

1. 'It is the kind of novel we searched for as adolescents...when every so often it felt like an outstanding YA novel miraculously spoke to us from the book stacks and rows of shelving just when it was needed most.'

I would love to hear about the books you remember from your childhood and teenage years that made you feel like this? They don't necessarily have to be YA, just a story that stuck with you from that period!

2. I'm a longtime lover of YA, especially #LoveOzYA so I was so happy to see this on the list for this year. Without being dismissive to YA, does anyone have any thoughts as to why we haven't seen many YA titles make the list in other years?

3. Finally, for now, the judge's said that they believe This Is How We Change the Ending 'will find a permanent place on our home bookshelves'. What titles from this year's list do you think will have their own permanent place on your shelves?

Ooft, I loved this book. I don't read enough YA and every time I do I am blown away by the depth of characters, the themes they tackle and how much adult is in there.

This is definitely a novel I would have searched for as a teen, and certainly as a very young (18-21 years) adult. Others I remember from my youth include John Marsden's Tomorrow series - which has stayed with me through my adult years.

From this year's longlist there are precious few that will find a permanent place on my shelves. Jess Hill's book should be mandatory reading for all. Favel's book has always worked its (signed!) way into my heart and shelves. I might revisit Stephanie Rowe's short stories but unlikely to purchase at this stage.