During the last edition of the Bologna Children’s Book Fair, the finalist books for the Premio Strega Ragazze e Ragazzi 2025 were announced. We are happy that the novel by Jay Hardwig, Semplicemente Maria, translated into Italian by Sante Bandirali and published by uovonero, is among the third finalists in the Debut Book section and in the selection of the Category 11+.
Semplicemente Maria is the story of a blind girl, a bit reserved, who “does not want to appear strange or defenseless because of her blindness. And she does not want to be fantastic, or a form of inspiration. Maria simply wants to be Maria.” But when her best friend’s sister goes missing, the events of Maria and JJ take on a thrilling twist and lead us to a surprising ending.
