The 2nd edition of the Amazon Award for Young Adult Literature, an initiative by Amazon Brazil in partnership with HarperCollins Brazil and with the support of Audible, crowned the work “Caixa de Silêncios” by author Marcella Rossetti as the grand winner. The announcement was made last Friday (13) during the first day of the 21st Rio de Janeiro Book Biennial at the Ziraldo Auditorium. Finalists, journalists, jurors, and around 300 readers celebrated the award during Latin America’s largest literary event, which highlights Brazilian culture and literature in the current World Book Capital.
The Amazon Award for Young Adult Literature aims to promote the democratization of literature, encourage 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” by Bárbara Regina Souza, “Caoticamente Clara” by Fernanda Campos, “O que mais gosto em mim” by Marcela Millan, and “Antes que Você 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 is already available since publication.
Marcella will receive R$35,000, including 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, 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 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 by taking place during the Rio de Janeiro Book Biennial. With over 1,600 entries 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, leader of Amazon’s book business in Brazil.
“Almost a year after the launch of our Young-Adult imprint, Pitaya—whose first book was last year’s winner of the Amazon Award for Young Adult Literature—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 to understand them deeply. Being able to bring books to such special readers is not just a responsibility but a privilege,” says 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 unite 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,” says Thalita Rebouças, writer and juror of 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 crumbling world. She never imagined meeting Vitor and Cris, players from the youth team of a famous soccer club, 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 happiness once again?
