To Simply Name It Aloud
Year: 2019
Award Level: Bronze
Award Winner(s): George Washington University
Award: Circle of Excellence
From the Nominator
GW Magazine's article, "To Simply Name It Aloud," profiles Helena Bala who—upon the cinders of her career, her past identity, and her family’s expectations—built "Craigslist Confessional," an index of trauma that strangers ask her to divulge. The story mines a dark space that’s intriguing and yet can be uncomfortably, painfully real at times. The writing and voice, evocative from the get-go, couple with the illustrations to offer weight without getting weighed down.
From the Judges
Judges liked the tone of the story, which echoed the confessional nature of the topic. Strong pacing.