Amazon Brasil announces "Caixa de Silêncios" by Marcella Rossetti as the grand winner of the 2nd Amazon Award for Young Literature

The 2nd edition of the Amazon Award for Young Adult Literature, an initiative by Amazon Brazil in partnership with HarperCollins Brazil and with support from Audible, crowned the work "Caixa de Silêncios" (Box of Silences) by author Marcella Rossetti as the grand winner. The announcement was made last Friday (13th) during the first day of the 21st Rio de Janeiro International Book Fair, in the Ziraldo auditorium. Finalists, journalists, jurors, and approximately 300 readers celebrated the award during the largest literary event in Latin America, which exalts Brazilian culture and literature in the current World Book Capital.

The Amazon Award for Young Adult Literature aims to foster the democratization of literature, promote access to reading in Brazil, and support independent authors in the Young-Adult segment, with works made available through Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP), Amazon's free self-publishing tool. In addition to Marcella's work, the award finalists included: "Aquilo que se vê no escuro" (What One Sees in the Dark) by Bárbara Regina Souza, "Caoticamente Clara" (Chaotically Clara) by Fernanda Campos, "O que mais gosto em mim" (What I Like Most About Myself) by Marcela Millan, and "Antes que Você Acabe" (Before You End) by Samuel Cardeal. All finalists and the winner will have their works converted into audiobooks by Audible Brazil, in addition to the digital version, which has been available since publication. 

Marcella will receive R$ 35,000, with R$ 10,000 as an advance on royalties from HarperCollins Brazil. The work "Caixa de Silêncios" will be published in print in Brazil under the publisher's Pitaya literary imprint, focused on the Young-Adult audience. Furthermore, the winner will have the opportunity to participate in a special meeting with other authors in the Young-Adult genre from the publisher.
 

Ricardo Perez, Head of Books at Amazon Brazil; Marcella Rossetti, winner of the 2nd edition of the Amazon Award for Young Adult Literature; and Leonora Monnerat, Executive Director of HarperCollins Brazil.

"We are very happy to announce 'Caixa de Silêncios' as the winning work of the second edition of the Amazon Award for Young Adult Literature in Brazil, a moment made even more special as it happens during the Rio de Janeiro International Book Fair. With over 1,600 works submitted in this edition, it is always inspiring to see the interest and dedication of independent authors who use KDP to self-publish their works. By democratizing this process, Amazon becomes part of this journey, contributing to the Brazilian literary scene and reinforcing our commitment to fostering reading in the country," states Ricardo Perez, Head of Books at Amazon Brazil.

"Almost a year after the launch of our young adult imprint, Pitaya – whose first book was the winner of last year's Amazon Award for Young Adult Literature – we are even more convinced that we are on a relevant and necessary path. With Pitaya, we have had the opportunity to establish a much more direct connection with YA readers and to get to know them deeply. Being able to bring books to such special readers is not only a responsibility but a privilege," states Leonora Monnerat, Executive Director of HarperCollins Brazil.

"Our readers are curious, excited, and passionate. They value diversity of voices and genres, as well as the creation of communities. When we talk about national literature, the potential is immense, as we can connect an engaged audience with accessible authors. Our partnership with Amazon for the Amazon Award for Young Adult Literature is valuable because the award not only reveals new talents but also helps build a bridge between authors and readers," she concludes.

"'Caixa de Silêncios' surprised me by sensitively addressing a fundamental issue: sexual abuse. The author, Marcella Rossetti, brings an important reflection on the vulnerability of boys, often neglected in debates. She invites us to pay attention to the fear and silence that prevent male victims from reporting, making them easy targets for abusers," states Thalita Rebouças, writer and juror for the 2nd edition of the Amazon Award for Young Adult Literature.

In "Caixa de Silêncios," Ana moves to a new city and must face her own world crumbling. She did not imagine meeting Vitor and Cris, players in the youth academy of a famous soccer team, and even less that this encounter would completely change her life. Facing their fears and silences together, will they be able to find hope, the will to live, and happiness once again?