Cornelia Funke’s novel “Inkheart” has been awarded the 2009 Nene Book Award by Hawaiçi’s school children.

“Inkheart,” which was adapted into a 2008 movie, tells the story of 12-year-old Meggie, whose father’s secret ability to “read” characters out of a book is revealed when a mysterious stranger arrives.
“The City of Ember,” by Jeanne DuPrau was the runner up. This story features another 12-year-old girl, Lina, who with her friend Doon try to save their city, an underground refuge built for the human race 200 years earlier.
The Nene Award goes to the favorite fiction book based on votes cast by 4th-6th graders. This year 7.550 children cast votes.