Paula Torres de Carvalho Wins 2026 Manuel Lopes Literary Prize
Portuguese-Cape Verdean journalist and author Paula Torres de Carvalho has been named the winner of the third annual Manuel Lopes Children’s and Youth Literary Prize. The announcement, made today by the Imprensa Nacional Casa da Moeda (INCM), celebrates her short story “Júlio, o rapaz desaparecido” (Júlio, the Missing Boy) in the competition’s text category.
A Winning Tale of Imagination
The selection jury—comprised of renowned literary figures Germano Almeida, Vera Duarte, and Isabel Alçada—praised the work for its “imagination and creativity,” noting that the story successfully weaves deep social values into its narrative.
Carvalho is a veteran of the media industry, having built an extensive career in journalism. She got her start at Voz di Povo, Cape Verde’s first post-independence newspaper, and later contributed to major outlets including Público, Expresso, RTP, Grande Reportagem, and Jornal de Letras. Currently, she focuses on writing biographies and producing historical shows centered on Cape Verdean heritage.
Honoring a Literary Legend
Established as a partnership between the INCM and the National Library Institute of Cape Verde, the prize honors the legacy of Manuel Lopes (1907–2005). Lopes is widely regarded as a foundational figure of modern Cape Verdean literature. The award aims to foster the Portuguese language and support emerging writers and artists within the Cape Verdean community.
The prize carries a total monetary value of 5,000 euros, which is shared between the winning writer and illustrator, and includes the official publication of the work. The competition is open to all Cape Verdean citizens worldwide, as well as foreign residents living in Cape Verde.
The Search for an Illustrator Begins
With the text winner now decided, the competition enters its second phase. Applications for the illustration category open this Tuesday and will remain open until November 30. The chosen illustrator will work alongside Carvalho to bring “Júlio, o rapaz desaparecido” to life on the page.
Carvalho follows in the footsteps of previous winners Vanda Azuaga Monteiro and Wilson Lopes (2024), and Nathalie Melo (2025), as this prestigious prize continues to grow the landscape of children’s literature in the Lusophone world.
Image: Pexels – Arturo Añez.
