‘I am thrilled that my graphic novel, Florrie: A Football Love Story, has won Book of the Year at the East Anglian Book Awards 2025. Florrie is a novel about football, first love and friendship in the early twentieth century. North Norfolk is an essential part of Florrie’s life: she runs to Cley beach, bird and seal-watches at Blakeney Point, braves the North Sea with her teammates, and sends a magical hag-stone to her lover. My grandmother lived in North Norfolk and it has always been a special, evocative place for me. I loved immersing myself in it again through drawings and words when I created this book – the landscape unlocked so much for me. I’m very grateful to the judges for recognising Florrie: I was delighted to be shortlisted, and I’m overjoyed to have won.’

Florrie is set in Norfolk in the early twentieth century and tells the story of a female footballer whose adventures touch on both invented and real huge crowds at matches in London and Preston, international fixtures, dances at lesbian club Le Monocle in Paris, and the devastating consequences of the FA’s 1921 ban on women’s football.

It is a story of self-discovery, friendship and queer love, alongside huge (and little known) historical moments for the women’s game.

The judging panel praised Florrie for its ‘pertinent’ themes and ‘exquisite’ illustrations, commending its accessibility as a graphic story for adults and young people.

Peggy Hughes, CEO at National Centre for Writing, said:

‘Anna’s debut graphic novel is that rare gem: a book as accessible to adults as it is to young adults. It expertly weaves the hidden history of women’s football into a vibrant, adventurous story of love and friendship. This former footballer found it thrilling, maddening, heartwarming — just gorgeous all over in word and image.

‘In a year where we are seeing a collective effort to champion the lifelong benefits of reading for pleasure, Florrie feels like the perfect fit for this moment. The sheer quality and breadth of storytelling across all our category winners was exceptional this year, and the judging process very tricky, but Florrie hit the back of the net.

‘We hope readers will visit their local bookshops and libraries to experience the warmth of Anna’s book for themselves. It is truly something special.’

Also announced today is the recipient of the first-ever City of Literature Award, supported by Norwich UNESCO City of Literature. This new award honours individuals and organisations making an outstanding contribution to the region’s literary life – through community engagement, publishing innovation or literary advocacy.

It was awarded to The Norfolk Reading Project, a charity that trains volunteers and pairs them with schools to support children’s reading on a one-to-one basis.

On  receiving the award, Anne Thorley from The Norfolk Reading Project said:

‘We are delighted to accept this award during the National Year of Reading. This is an important moment and now is the time to get involved and give your time to young people; by volunteering, you provide them with the tools to find confidence and joy in literacy.

‘Thank you to all of our volunteers — we couldn’t do what we do without you.’