Keisha the Sket

The inaugural winner in this brand new category encapsulates the intentions of this Nibbie: to amplify writers from traditionally underrepresented backgrounds. Keisha the Sket was commended by our judges for showcasing the “poetry, rhythm and place of a talented writer”, a then-13-year-old Jade LB.

#Merky Books produced a tripartite book containing the original, unedited story (written in Noughties text speak), the rewritten edited story, plus essays from contemporary writers. This “incredibly unique title” was treated as such by the publisher, who ran a billboard cover reveal in the middle of Hackney to pay homage to the birthplace of Keisha.

The “once-in-a-lifetime” launch at Soho House included a Q&A with Stormzy. The book clearly resonated with fans, old and new; it is “remarkable” and “should be read widely”, concluded the judges.