Young Adult Books Honored by the ALA

The American Library Association, a.k.a. the ALA, just held its annual Midwinter Conference in Denver, and publishers and librarians alike gathered to talk what else…books. For children’s book authors everywhere, the highlight of the conference is the announcement of important awards in children’s and YA lit.

One of my favorite YA authors, Laurie Halse Anderson, was honored with the 2009 Margaret A. Edwards Award for lifetime achievement in writing for young adults. The award recognizes her outstanding lifetime contribution to writing for teens for her powerful novels , , and my personal favorite, .

Other young adult books recognized include:

• , by Neil Gaiman and Dave McKean – 2009 Newberry Medal winner
• by Margarita Engle – Newberry Honor
• by Ingrid Law – Newberry Honor
• by Jacqueline Woodson – Newberry Honor
• by Melina Marchetta – 2009 Printz Award for excellence in literature written for young adults
• by M.T. Anderson – Printz Honor
• by E. Lockhart – Printz Honor
• by Terry Pratchett – Printz Honor
• by Margo Lanagan – Printz Honor

Congratulations to Laurie and all the other recipients!