25 November 2025
A Thousand Times Silence shortlisted for the 2026 Topelius Prize
This week brings along yet another award nomination as YA novel A Thousand Times Silence is among the nominated titles for the 2026 Topelius Prize.
The nominees for the annual Arvid Lydecken Prize and Topelius Prize have been announced, and we are delighted to share that among the five nominees for the Topelius Prize is YA novel A Thousand Times Silence, written by Matilda Gyllenberg and illustrated by Maria Sann. Sann is also among the nominees for the 2026 Arvid Lydecken Prize.
A Thousand Times Silence a sequel to Gyllenberg’s critically acclaimed success, One Hundred Days at Home (Hundra dagar hemma, 2022 Förlaget M), which was adapted into praised theatre plays in both Swedish and Finnish, and with film rights optioned. Both books are illustrated in black and white by Maria Sann.
A Thousand Times Silence is a tender, unsentimental exploration of the impact of parental mental illness on a child’s world, and the messy, often invisible work of healing. Matilda Gyllenberg weaves together everyday drama, psychological depth, and moments of gentle humour. The novel combines a gripping school story with mysteries, pranks, and friendship dramas, as well as a nuanced portrayal of a family navigating mental illness. Gyllenberg sheds light on a teen’s silent struggles and skilfully portrays what it really feels like beneath the surface.
The jury’s motivation:
“A school dropout causes chaos at Nike’s school. Adding to the drama at school is the search for an escaped convict and a scary principal. At home, her mother is depressed, lying in bed and crying. She misses her father, who has moved to Denmark. Fortunately, Nike has the steadfast support of her friend Mia. A touching, realistic story about the life of a sixth grader, whose parents’ divorce and mother’s illness cause sadness and worry. Comfort is found in a friend, a grandmother, and a reluctant crush.”
Other Topelius Prize and Arvid Lydecken Prize nominees represented by Rights & Brands include Anne Muhonen, Ninka Reittu, Johanna Lumme and Mira Mallius.
The annual Arvid Lydecken Prize is presented to an outstanding children’s book, and the annual Topelius Prize to a high-quality book for young adults. The winners will be announced in January 2026.
Congratulations to all nominees!
