Monaco’s teenage literary critics have finalised the shortlist for the 2025 edition of the Coup de Cœur des Lycéens, as the summer reading phase officially begins. Organised by the Prince Pierre Foundation in partnership with the Princess Grace Foundation and Monaco’s Department of Education, this student-led literary prize highlights the sharp critical eye of the Principality’s young readers and celebrates emerging voices in contemporary literature.
Following deliberations in April, a jury of seconde pupils from Lycée Albert Ier, the Institution François d’Assise Nicolas Barré, and Lycée Rainier III initially selected five debut novels from a longlist of seven. However, a change in circumstances has led to a slight reshuffle: one of the authors is unable to attend the student-author meet-up scheduled for Tuesday, June 3 in Monaco. As stipulated in the competition rules, their place was offered to the next title on the shortlist, bringing Ingrid Glowacki’s La poète aux mains noires into the running.
The updated selection now includes Tornade by Simon Fichet (published by Marchialy), La poète aux mains noires by Ingrid Glowacki (Gallimard), Danse avec tes chaînes by Anaëlle Jonah (Fayard), Un père sur le banc by Damien Lecamp (Léo Scheer), and Fracture(s) by Lidwine Van Lancker (Livres Agités).
Ahead of the final vote in September, the student jury will spend the summer reading and reflecting on the five competing novels. Their verdict will be revealed during the prestigious Prince Pierre Foundation Prize Ceremony, taking place at the Opéra Garnier de Monaco on October 14, 2025.
Now in its 18th year, the Coup de Cœur des Lycéens was established in 2007 to foster an appreciation of contemporary literature among young people. The winning author will receive a €6,000 prize, funded by the Princess Grace Foundation, with the initiative continuing to grow as a powerful platform for youth engagement in the arts.
For more information, visit www.fondationprincepierre.mc.
