2018 Goodest Prize winner
The Shop at Hoopers Bend, Emily Rodda, HarperCollins Australia, 2017
Judges’ comments:
‘a magical pastiche of Australiana’; ‘a very cute found family book’
Pirate ‘plays the role of saviour, both emotional and physical, within the narrative’; ‘displays good doggish intuition, knowing who the bad characters are before the reader does’; displays ‘openness, even to people in gorilla suits’.
2018 Goodest Prize highly commended
Bridget Crack, Rachel Leary, Allen & Unwin, 2017
Judges’ comments:
‘… a stark, fast-paced historical thriller set in colonial Tasmania. The titular protagonist finds rare comfort in hunting dog Bury: his pragmatism and profound loyalty mean that he is undoubtedly a Good Dog.’
Change of Address, Jordan Brock, Riptide, 2016
Judges’ comments:
‘… a quieter story, tracing the slow, gentle romance of Michael and Josh, who first meet at Josh’s bagel shop in fictional Hartsbridge Island, New Hampshire. Michael’s service dog, German Shepherd Kaylee, provides kind, comforting support for his anxiety: another very Good Dog.’
