The points of issue
UK Andersen Press first printing with a full number line counting down to 1; true-first jacket bears NO Carnegie Medal or Guardian Prize sticker.
Is this the true first?
The UK Andersen Press edition of 1996, titled 'Junk', is the true first; the US Henry Holt edition retitled 'Smack' (1997/1998) is a separate first-American printing. The book won the 1996 Carnegie Medal and the 1996 Guardian Children's Fiction Prize.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
The US 'Smack' edition is not the true first; later UK printings add the Carnegie Medal sticker to the jacket.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Junk (US title: Smack) a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: UK Andersen Press first printing with a full number line counting down to 1; true-first jacket bears NO Carnegie Medal or Guardian Prize sticker.
How do I tell the first printing from a later one?
Check the copyright page for the publisher's first-printing convention and confirm the points above. The UK Andersen Press edition of 1996, titled 'Junk', is the true first; the US Henry Holt edition retitled 'Smack' (1997/1998) is a separate first-American printing. The book won the 1996 Carnegie Medal and the 1996 Guardian Children's Fiction Prize.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
The US 'Smack' edition is not the true first; later UK printings add the Carnegie Medal sticker to the jacket.
I have a first edition of Junk (US title: Smack) — what should I do?
If you're clearing books, New Mexico Literacy Project offers free pickup in Albuquerque, any condition, and makes sure collectible copies aren't lost. To sell, see the author's collecting guide. Either way, nothing valuable ends up in a landfill.