What's happened
A Scottish-based author has won the 2026 Jhalak Prize for her debut novel, My Name Is Samim, inspired by a refugee child’s story. The author, Fidan Meikle, says she aimed to tell a cautious, hopeful tale that respects lived experience while addressing migration and resilience. Judges praise the work as beautifully woven and urgent for today.
What's behind the headline?
Analysis
- The piece foregrounds the author’s personal inspiration and the ethical approach to a sensitive topic, which reflects a reader-centered focus.
- It highlights the award context and the critic’s praise to build credibility, while also noting the author’s caveat about not claiming lived experience.
- The narrative emphasizes resilience and hope, aligning with the prize’s intent to elevate voices from underrepresented communities.
Predicted impact: This spotlight may boost visibility for refugee-themed children’s literature and encourage more careful storytelling on migration. Readers may seek out Meikle’s novel and related works from Floris Books.
How we got here
Meikle, living in West Lothian, wrote the middle-grade novel after learning about a 13-year-old boy who died while crossing the English Channel. The story follows a child refugee’s journey and an attempt to portray resilience without exploiting trauma. The prize recognizes British or British-resident authors of colour and was awarded in London.
Our analysis
The Guardian reported on Fidan Meikle’s prize win and her remarks about the book’s themes and her careful approach to telling a refugee story. The Scotsman covered Meikle’s background and the judges’ praise, while The Guardian and other outlets provided a broader context for the award.
Go deeper
- What new projects is Meikle considering after this win?
- How might this prize influence publisher interest in refugee-centered children’s literature?
- What feedback have readers provided about the portrayal of resilience in the book?