- PRINTZ AWARD, which is "an award for a book that exemplifies literary excellence in young adult literature." (Think of it like getting an Oscar for Best Picture.)
2009: Jellicoe Road, by Melina Marchetta. - WILLIAM C. MORRIS YA DEBUT AWARD, which honors "a debut book published by a first-time author writing for teens." (Think of it like getting Rookie of the Year.)
2009: A Curse Dark as Gold, by Elizabeth C. Bunce. - ODYSSEY AWARD, which "is presented to the producer of the best audiobook produced for youth available in English in the United States." (Think of it like getting an Oscar for Best Soundtrack.)
2009: The Absolutely True Diary of a Part Time Indian, by Sherman Alexie. Read by Sherman Alexie. - MARGARET A. EDWARDS AWARD, which "honors an author, as well as a specific body of his or her work, for significant and lasting" contributions to YA literature. (Think of it like getting inducted into the Hall of Fame.)
2009: Laurie Halse Anderson, who wrote Speak, Catalyst, and Fever 1793 (as well as the very funny book Prom).
These are not the only awards, by any means! To discover some of the other booklists and awards for young adults, visit the Young Adult Library Services Association website. Interesting lists include Popular Paperbacks for Young Adults and Quick Picks for Reluctant Readers, both of which take into account the book's appeal to students. Enjoy!
*All quotes stem from the YALSA website.
