Topelius Prize for Salla Simukka!

Salla Simukka has been awarded with the Topelius Prize for her novels Without a Trace (Jäljellä, Tammi 2012) and Elsewhere (Toisaalla, Tammi 2012) in Helsinki today. Established in 1946, the Topelius Prize is Finland’s oldest prize in recognition of the best Finnish book for children and young people. These days, the prize is awarded for the best youth novel.

Jury’s motivations:

Salla Simukka’s novels  form an integrated whole. Both works resonate with important themes regarding individuals – such as daring to be yourself – as well as society, including the pressure to succeed, power and freedom of choice. The books also take a stance on the values of the contemporary world. For too many young people, the virtual world becomes all too real. Salla Simukka portrays family relationships in a realistic, non-sensationalised way, without any great entanglements. This allows the book’s main storyline to remain strong.

Please ask the Agency for reading materials in English.

About author


Salla Simukka

Salla Simukka is the author of the international success story The Snow White Trilogy: rights are sold in 53 territories and in Hollywood. She has written several novels for young readers and her accolades include the Topelius Prize 2013 and the Finland Prize 2013. Simukka has been nominated for the Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award  every year 2021–2024. Where It All Begins, published in 2022, is her first novel for adults and in 2024 she started a collaboration with JP Ahonen on a middle grade novel.

Previously Simukka has written book reviews for the newspapers, translated all kinds of texts into Finnish, worked as an editor at a literary magazine and as a screenwriter for a popular TV show for young audiences.  She has also been working on the programme of Turku Book Fair in 2017–2020.

Bibliography


2024, Middle Grade (8-12 Years)

The Secret Staircase

Salla Simukka


2022, Literary Fiction

Where It All Begins

Salla Simukka


2021, Young Adult (13 or 14+)

In the Dark I Can Be Yours

Salla Simukka


2020, Young Adult (13 or 14+)

Detained

Salla Simukka


2018, Young Adult (13 or 14+)

Turn off the Lights! Turn on the Lights!

Salla Simukka


2016, Middle Grade (8-12 Years)

Sisterland

Salla Simukka


2014, Young Adult (13 or 14+)

As Black as Ebony

Salla Simukka


2013, Young Adult (13 or 14+)

As Red as Blood

Salla Simukka


2013, Young Adult (13 or 14+)

As White as Snow

Salla Simukka


2012, Young Adult (13 or 14+)

Elsewhere

Salla Simukka


2012, Young Adult (13 or 14+)

Without a Trace

Salla Simukka