It’s a rollicking rom-com about standing out, falling in love and following your heart.

And now Ellie Pillai Is Brown, a young adult (YA) novel by a north Norfolk author, is in the running for a prestigious award.  

Christine Pillainayagam’s work is one of six finalists in a ‘books for older readers’ category of this year’s Waterstones Children’s Book Prize.

North Norfolk News: The front cover of Ellie Pillai Is Brown by Christine Pillainayagam - Picture: illustration by Trisha Srivastava/design by FaberThe front cover of Ellie Pillai Is Brown by Christine Pillainayagam - Picture: illustration by Trisha Srivastava/design by Faber (Image: illustration by Trisha Srivastava/design by Faber)

Ms Pillainayagam said she was “absolutely staggered” to have been shortlisted.

She said: “Words can’t describe the email that makes you scream aloud on a packed commuter train on your way into work - but honoured, delighted, excited and terrified come close. 

“Growing up I was never shown that stories like mine counted, that voices like mine deserved to be heard. 

“To be in the company of such brilliant children's authors, makes 15-year-old me feel like someone can finally see her." 

North Norfolk News: Christine Pillainayagam, who is originally from Norfolk - Picture: Charlotte Knee Photography Christine Pillainayagam, who is originally from Norfolk - Picture: Charlotte Knee Photography (Image: Charlotte Knee Photography)

Ms Pillainayagam was born in Norwich, grew up in Sheringham and attended school in Holt and Norwich. She now lives in Faversham in Kent. 

In her debut YA novel, protagonist Ellie Pillai feels somewhere between invisible and not very cool - and usually, she is okay with that. But recently, Ellie feels different.

Ms Pillainayagam added: “I am so grateful to have this opportunity to show all the kids out there who don’t believe they’re extraordinary, that they are.”

The winning book in the category will compete with two other category winners for the overall Waterstones Children’s Book Prize. 

Category winners get £2,000 each, and an extra £3,000 goes to the overall winner, who will be announced on March 30.

Florentyna Martin, head of children’s books at Waterstones, said: “Books have the magical power to aid personal development in safe, supportive spaces, whether readers are exploring on the page or visiting a bookshop.”