It puts fresh, diverse choices in front of parents, teachers, librarians and teens, while spotlighting titles that might get lost during heavy publishing seasons, like offerings from small press.
Previous winners have included authors like John Corey Whaley for his book “Where Things Come Back.” But it’s not just the winner who benefits — finalists Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl, nominated for their book “Beautiful Creatures,” have also become favorites in the young adult fiction community. Their book also became a film in 2013.
“The Morris Award committee wants a distinct voice that takes readers to new places,” said Chris Shoemaker, president of the Young Adult Library Services Association. “They have exemplary voice, as well as strong world-building and character development.”
Here are the five finalists:
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In this alternate reality, dragons are everywhere and only dragon-slayers can combat them. When his renowned dragon-slayer aunt retires, Owen learns to continue her legacy. The story is narrated by Owen’s tutor, the young, musically inclined Siobhan, who soon discovers her destiny as his bard.
Johnston, a forensic archaeologist from Seaforth, Ontario, wanted to tell a story about a dragon slayer and a musician “and make it as Canadian as possible.”
“There is so much wonderful humor here, balanced with a lot of action,” Lesesne said. “It’s a fresh take on heroism and what it means to be a hero. That book is pulled off so beautifully.”
