Lee Lai Wins 2026 Stella Prize for Book 'Cannon'

May 13, 2026, 10:00
AustraliaCulture

Introduction

Lee Lai won the 2026 Stella Prize for the book 'Cannon'. This is the first time a book with pictures wins this Australian prize.

Main Body

The book 'Cannon' is a graphic novel. It is about a Chinese woman in Canada. She takes care of old people and works in a kitchen. She has many problems in her life. Lee Lai is non-binary. This is the first time a non-binary person won this prize. The prize started in 2013 to help women writers. Lee Lai used birds in the pictures to show anger. The author wrote the book during the pandemic. This made the story more hopeful. Lee Lai won 60,000 dollars. This money helps the author. Now, Lee Lai can spend more time writing new books.

Conclusion

Lee Lai made history for non-binary writers and books with pictures.

Learning

πŸ“Œ The "Is" Pattern

Look at how the text describes people and things. It uses a simple formula: Person/Thing β†’ is β†’ Description

  • The book is a graphic novel.
  • Lee Lai is non-binary.
  • The story is more hopeful.

Why this helps you reach A2: You can describe anything in the world using this pattern.

Try these swaps:

  • The book is good β†’\rightarrow The book is sad
  • Lee is a writer β†’\rightarrow Lee is a winner

⏳ Time Markers

Notice these two ways to talk about time:

  1. Finished Actions (Past): won, started, wrote, made
  2. Now (Present): takes care, works, has, can spend

Simple Rule: If it happened in 2013 or 2026 β†’\rightarrow use the Past form. If it is a habit or a fact β†’\rightarrow use the Present form.

Vocabulary Learning

non-binary
Not identifying as just male or female
Example:She says she is non-binary and prefers they/them pronouns.
pandemic
A widespread disease outbreak affecting many people worldwide
Example:The pandemic caused many schools to close.
hopeful
Feeling or inspiring hope; optimistic
Example:She felt hopeful after hearing the good news.