We Could Be Something

Judges' comments

Harvey’s dads are breaking up and he’s starting over in a brand-new city, working at his grandma’s cafe and looking after his ailing great-grandmother. Sotiris is a literary sensation after publishing his first book at the age of 17. But achieving the big dream isn’t everything he thought it would be as he struggles to keep his newfound name and budding career from sinking. The striking narratives of these two very different boys are effortlessly woven to form a rich tapestry of a novel that explores queer identity, cultural intersection and the many different forms of love.

We Could Be Something is a literary triumph deftly executed and perfectly pitched to its young audience. Will Kostakis is a master of his craft and takes the reader on an emotional journey with lyrical turns of phrase and heart-rending scenes. The voices of the two young narrators are authentically drawn and come alive against the vibrant setting, while their respective families provide a chaotically familiar dynamic that allows for the boys’ stories of self-discovery to shine through.