PRESS RELEASE: Australian Author Rosanna Andrea Feeken Earns International Book Awards Finalist Honour for Racing the Wild: A Journey of Freedom and Friendship

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA — June 2026 — Australian author Rosanna Andrea Feeken has been named a Finalist in the 2026 International Book Awards in the Young Adult Fiction category for her acclaimed novel, Racing the Wild: A Journey of Freedom and Friendship.
Published by Tellwell in 2024, Racing the Wild continues to receive international recognition for its heartfelt storytelling and authentic portrayal of resilience, friendship, and healing. The latest honour follows a series of prestigious accolades, including:
• Finalist, Able Golden Book Awards – Best Fiction (2025)
• Named one of DeMode Magazine’s Seven Best Books of 2025, with the magazine describing the novel as “words that matter.”
• Praised by Voraka Magazine as a “stunning literary debut.”
• Awarded a Certificate of Honour by the Global Literature Council in recognition of its exceptional literary contribution, profound impact on readers, and remarkable standard in world literature.
The novel follows Chris, a teenage boy growing up on an Australian racehorse training property on the outskirts of Melbourne. Living in an abusive home, he relies on sketching and his bond with animals and friends to help him endure. When he makes the courageous decision to escape into the Australian bush with a young, unpredictable horse, the two embark on a journey of survival, trust, healing, and friendship that ultimately changes both their lives.
The book has also earned praise from those who worked behind the scenes.
When asked during a publishing interview to name a project she was especially proud to have edited, Tellwell editor Melanie said:
“One of my favourite stories is Racing the Wild by Rosanna Andrea Feeken. It’s a lovely coming-of-age story about a teen boy, Chris, who is raised on a racehorse farm. After facing a lot of abuse at home, he makes the brave decision to protect himself and a young unpredictable horse marked for destruction by escaping into the Australian bush. Not only is the story well written and full of tension, but the characters have so much depth, and Chris’s character arc is phenomenal. You can see him grow emotionally right in front of your eyes. This year I was thrilled to also edit the sequel. I adore these characters and can’t get them out of my head.”
Reflecting on the latest recognition, Feeken said:
“Stories have the power to remind us that hope can survive even the darkest circumstances. It is an incredible honour to see Chris’s journey resonate with readers and judges around the world. I hope the novel encourages readers to believe in courage, compassion, and second chances.”
More information about Rosanna Andrea Feeken and her books can be found at www.rosannafeekenbooks.com.au.
Racing the Wild: A Journey of Freedom and Friendship is available through Amazon and other major online booksellers.