The 2nd edition of the Amazon Young Literature Prize, an initiative of Amazon Brazil in partnership with HarperCollins Brazil and with the support of Audible, crowned the work "Caixa de Silêncios" (Silent Box), by author Marcella Rossetti, as the grand winner. The announcement was made last Friday (13), during the first day of the 21st Book Biennial in Rio de Janeiro, in the Ziraldo Auditorium. Finalists, journalists, judges and around 300 readers celebrated the award during the largest literary event in Latin America, which celebrates Brazilian culture and literature in the current World Book Capital.
The Amazon Young Adult Literature Prize 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 finalists for the prize include: "What You See in the Dark" by Bárbara Regina Souza, "Caotically Clear" by Fernanda Campos, "What I Like Most About Me" by Marcela Millan, and "Before You Acabe" 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, including R$10,000 in advance royalties from HarperCollins Brazil. Her book "Caixa de Silêncios" will be published in Brazil in print by the publisher's Pitaya literary imprint, aimed at the Young Adult audience. Additionally, the winner will have the opportunity to participate in a special meeting with other Young Adult authors from the publisher.
 Ricardo Perez, leader of Amazon's book business in Brazil, Marcella Rossetti, winner of the 2nd edition of the Amazon Prize for Young Literature and Leonora Monnerat, executive director of HarperCollins Brazil. |
"We are thrilled to announce 'Caixa de Silêncios' as the winning work of the second edition of the Amazon Prize for Young People's Literature in Brazil, a moment made even more special by taking place during the Rio de Janeiro Book Biennial. With over 1,600 works entered 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 promoting reading in the country," says Ricardo Perez, Amazon's book business leader in Brazil.
"Almost a year after the launch of our young adult imprint, Pitaya—whose first book won last year's Amazon Young Adult Literature Prize—we are even more convinced that we are on a relevant and necessary path. With Pitaya, we had the opportunity to establish a much more direct connection with YA readers and get to know them deeply. Being able to bring books to such special readers is not only a responsibility, but a privilege," says Leonora Monnerat, executive director of HarperCollins Brazil.
"Our readers are curious, lively, and passionate. They value the diversity of voices and genres, as well as the creation of communities. When it comes to Brazilian literature, the potential is immense, as we can unite an engaged audience with accessible authors. Our partnership with Amazon for the Amazon Young Adult Literature Prize is valuable because the award not only reveals new talent but also helps build a bridge between authors and readers," she concludes.
"'Caixa de Silêncios' surprised me by its sensitive approach to a fundamental topic: sexual abuse. The author, Marcella Rossetti, offers an important reflection on the vulnerability of boys, often overlooked 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," says Thalita Rebouças, writer and judge for the 2nd edition of the Amazon Prize for Young People's Literature.
In "Caixa de Silêncios," Ana moves to a new city and must confront her own crumbling world. She never imagined meeting Vitor and Cris, youth players for a famous soccer team, much 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 be happy once again?
