And the Winner is...
Alex Award
written for adults with special teen appeal
Linda Greenlaw is known as one of the best sea captains
on the East Coast. Here she offers an adventure-soaked
tale of her own, complete with danger, humor, and
characters so colorful they seem to have been ripped from
the pages of Moby Dick. "A beautiful book . . . a story of
triumph, of a woman not only making it but succeeding at
the highest level in one of the most male-dominated and
most dangerous professions." -- Douglas Whynott, The
New York Times Book Review "An authentic, insightful
account of the intensity of captaining a crew of strong
men in an ocean which does what it wants." -- Daniel
Hays; "A crystal-clear account of fishing the Grand Banks
in a modern swordfish boat.”
Hugo/Nebula Award
Best science-fiction/fantasy books
The beloved, classic story of a mentally disabled man
whose experimental quest for intelligence mirrors that of
Algernon, an extraordinary lab mouse. In poignant diary
entries, Charlie tells how a brain operation increases his
IQ and changes his life. As the experimental procedure
takes effect, Charlie's intelligence expands until it
surpasses that of the doctors who engineered his
metamorphosis. The experiment seems to be a scientific
breakthrough of paramount importance--until Algernon
begins his sudden, unexpected deterioration. Will the
same happen to Charlie?
Newbery Medal
Awarded to an author for the most distinguished
contribution to American literature for children
Told through the eyes of
Velasquez's slave and assistant,
this vibrant novel depicts both the
beauty and the cruelty of 17th
century Spain and tells the story of
Juan, who was born a slave and
died a respected artist.
Pulitzer Prize
Honoring excellence in journalism and the arts
This tells the poignant tale of a Chinese farmer and his
family in old agrarian China. The humble Wang Lung
glories in the soil he works, nurturing the land as it
nurtures him and his family. Nearby, the nobles of the
House of Hwang consider themselves above the land
and its workers; but they will soon meet their own
downfall.
Hard times come upon Wang Lung and his family when
flood and drought force them to seek work in the city.
The working people riot, breaking into the homes of the
rich and forcing them to flee. When Wang Lung shows
mercy to one noble and is rewarded, he begins to rise in
the world, even as the House of Hwang falls.
National Book Award
Celebrates the best of American literature
Miracle McCloy comes from an unusual family: Her
father, Dane is a prodigy who published his first book
at age thirteen; her grandmother, Gigi, is clairvoyant;
and her mother was dead when her "miracle"
daughter was pulled from her womb. Having been
raised according to a set of mystical rules and beliefs,
Miracle is unable to cope in the real world. Lost in a
desperate dance among lit candles, she sets herself
afire and comes to in a hospital. There, a young
psychiatrist helps her navigate her painful struggle to
take charge of her life.
Stonewall Book Award
Exceptional merit relating to the
gay/lesbian/bisexual/transgender experience
l
New York Times bestselling author David Levithan tells the
based-on-true-events story of Harry and Craig, two
17-year-olds who are about to take part in a 32-hour marathon
of kissing to set a new Guinness World Record—all of which is
narrated by a Greek Chorus of the generation of gay men lost
to AIDS.
While the two increasingly dehydrated and sleep-deprived
boys are locking lips, they become a focal point in the lives of
other teen boys dealing with languishing long-term
relationships, coming out, navigating gender identity, and
falling deeper into the digital rabbit hole of gay hookup
sites—all while the kissing former couple tries to figure out
their own feelings for each other.
Edgar Awards
Best mystery books
Selwyn is brokenhearted when the beautiful Anora
chooses to marry the awful-but-rich Farold. It’s bad
enough when Farold beats him up in front of the villagers,
but nothing prepares him for when Farold is found
murdered. All accusing fingers point to Selwyn, who is
promptly sealed in a burial cave with Farold’s corpse.
But they’re not alone in the cave. A witch appears with an
offer of escape if Selwyn will be her servant. The witch
brings Farold back from the dead in the form of a bat–too
bad he doesn’t know who really killed him! There’s no
choice left for Selwyn except to join forces with his worst
enemy, a dead man, to find the real murderer.
Printz Award
Best book for teens based on literary merit
Chanda’s mother is not herself, her younger sister is
acting out, and her best friend needs help. A powerful
story set amid the African HIV/AIDS pandemic. In this
sensitive, swiftly paced story, readers will find echoes of
To Kill a Mockingbird as Chanda, a 16-year-old,
astonishingly perceptive girl living in the small city of
Bonang in Africa, must confront the undercurrents of
shame and stigma associated with HIV/AIDS. Through his
artful style and dramatic storytelling, Allan Stratton
captures the enduring strength of loyalty, the profound
impact of loss, and a fearlessness that is powered by the
heart. Above all, it is a story about living with truth.