Vernon's new book, A Tree for the Birds, has been nominated for one of South Africa's biggest literature prize: The Sunday Times Barry Ronge Fiction Prize.
 
Vernon commented after discovering he'd been nominated: "Thank you (Dr Paul Murray, Dr WP van Zyl and Nicole) for all your encouragement, helping me walk this new path in my life. I shall look up into the trees today and be grateful for a school that allows one to dream. Oh, there is so much glittering light!"

We are very proud of you, Vernon! You are to be congratulated for this massive step so far and we are holding thumbs for the final result.