The ‘GRA’ award was set up in 2016 by a group of School Librarians working in a variety of Irish second level schools who are passionate about introducing students to great books. The aim of the award is to highlight new authors and diversify the reading of young adults. This award is for debut Irish or Irish based authors who published work in Ireland in the last year with books that are of interest to primary and secondary students. It is an opportunity for students to voice their enthusiasm about good writing for their age group at a time during the school year when examinations are less pressing.
The shortlist is created by school librarians and voted on by school students.
