February 16, 2013

Looking for Light: ‘In Darkness’ author Lake talks to SLJ

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It took many by surprise when Nick Lake’s ambitious young adult novel In Darkness (Bloomsbury) was named for the Printz Award at last month’s Youth Media Awards. Although filled with vivid details of oppression, poverty, and violence, Lake sees the book as a hopeful one with an important message for its teen readers, “this idea of darkness being only a temporary thing,” he tells SLJ.

Between Violence and Tenderness: Aristotle and Dante Author Sáenz Talks to SLJ

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Monday was a very good day for Benjamin Alire Sáenz. His sensitive young adult novel, Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe, was named for three Youth Media Awards, distinctions that left him both stunned and grateful. SLJ caught up with Sáenz for a revealing chat about his reaction to the YMA wins, his personal inspirations for the book, his writing process, and his next YA project.

And the Winners Are….

Many terrific announcements at the ALA Youth Media Awards! One of the great things about being able to attend the ALA Midwinter Meeting is being able to go, in person, to the Youth Media Awards. It’s so exciting, being in a room full of people who are excited about the awards, about what books, audiobooks, [...]

ALA Midwinter: SLJ Resources on the Youth Media Award Winners

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With the Youth Media Awards having been announced Monday January 28, buzz around the Caldecott-winning This Is Not My Hat (Candlewick), the Newbery-winning The One and Only Ivan (HarperCollins), and the Printz-winning In Darkness (Bloomsbury), is higher than ever. School Library Journal has compiled a list of relevant blog posts, reviews, interviews, and articles related to the winners and honor books.

SLJ Reviews for Top Youth Media Award Winners

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Katherine Applegate’s The One and Only Ivan and Jon Klassen’s This Is Not My Hat may have won the Newbery and Caldecott on Monday, January 28, but they were already stellar titles for School Library Journal’s Book Review editors. Both books made SLJ’s Best Books of 2012 list, as well as many of the other ALA’s Youth Media Award-winners. Check out SLJ’s reviews for the top prizes.

*UPDATED* Applegate, Klassen Win Newbery, Caldecott Medals

Newbery and Caldecott 2013 winners

The audience erupted in cheers Monday after Katherine Applegate was named the winner of the Newbery Medal for The One and Only Ivan (HarperCollins), and Jon Klassen was awarded the Caldecott Medal for This Is Not My Hat (Candlewick) at the American Library Association’s Youth Media Awards for 2012, which were announced during its annual Midwinter Meeting in Seattle, WA.

SLJ Staff Picks Contenders for “Other” Youth Media Awards

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With the Youth Media Awards just a few days away, School Library Journal editors and contributors took a stab at naming some possible contenders.

On the Radar: Top Picks from the Editors at Junior Library Guild: Star-Worthy Choices for Possible Award Contenders

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With the ALA Youth Media Awards just around the corner, Junior Library Guild takes a look at some star-studded titles.