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When the American Library Association recently presented its Youth Media Awards, an exciting announcement was the winner of the new William C. Morris Young Adult Debut Award.

The award’s namesake is William C. Morris, an influential innovator in the publishing world and an advocate for marketing books for children and young adults. Bill Morris left an impressive mark on the field of children’s and young adult literature. He was beloved in the publishing field and the library profession for his generosity and marvelous enthusiasm for promoting literature for children and teens.

The William C. Morris YA Debut Award celebrates the achievement of a previously unpublished author, or authors, who have made a strong literary debut in writing for young adult readers. The work cited will illuminate the teen experience and enrich the lives of its readers through its excellence, demonstrated by:

* Compelling, high quality writing and/or illustration
* The integrity of the work as a whole
* Its proven or potential appeal to a wide range of teen readers

PaperTigers is pleased to congratulate the first-ever winner of the William C. Morris Award:

A Curse Dark As Gold by Elizabeth C. Bunce

At the dawn of the Industrial Revolution, Charlotte Miller strikes a bargain with the malevolent Jack Spinner, who can transform straw into gold, to save her family’s mill. With masterly writing and vivid characterization and setting, Bunce weaves a powerfully seductive tale of triumph over evil.

“Bunce has crafted a story that superbly embodies the criteria for this award. Her work is compelling and has broad teen appeal,” said Chair Bonnie Kunzel. “Thoughtful reflection and spirited discussion characterized this outstanding committee’s work as its members selected a shortlist that honors the influence of William C. Morris on the field of young adult publishing.”

Raising hand. Waving hand. Frantically. We have some Totally Important Posts!






Brooke Taylor's Undone and Lisa Schroeder's I Heart You, You Haunt Me have been nominated for ALA Quick Picks for Reluctant Young Readers. Double congratulations!


What Shelf Elf has to say about Elizabeth C. Bunce's A Curse Dark as Gold: "Highly recommended." And, Shelf Elf, thanks for posting the video too!

Others adoring fans (in alpha order) of A Curse Dark as Gold: Bookshelves of Doom, Bookwyrm Chrysalis, Miss Erin, Sarah Miller,


And Jennifer Bradbury's Shift is a Richie's pick.


Wow! Go Class of 2k8!

We just got word that ... drum roll, please ...

A Curse Dark As Gold by Elizabeth C. Bunce

and

The Gollywhopper Games by Jody Feldman

were nominated for the American Library Association's Best Books for Young Adults award!!!

Yowzer! We're so proud!!

T.I.P. #1

Looks like a few members cut class this past weekend! Some flew in to New York for the SCBWI conference; others just took this opportunity to meet in person for the first time.

Whatever the reason, it was time well spent. And we're sure they've collaborated on some creative excuse notes!

From left to right:
Kristin O’Donnell Tubb (Autumn Winifred Oliver Does Things Different)
Donna Freitas (The Possibilities of Sainthood)
Courtney Sheinmel (My S0-Called Family)
Marissa Doyle (Bewitching Season)
Nina Nelson (Bringing the Boy Home)

T.I.P. #2
Bookshelves of doom has been blabbering (in a good way, of course) about Elizabeth Bunce’s A Curse Dark As Gold.

And click HERE to find out why they suggest reading Liz Gallagher’s The Opposite of Invisible TWICE!

Thanks for your support and your entertaining posts, Bookshelves!

Tomorrow, we'll get back to the task at hand--that list you've been waiting for, that "list you can't miss"--
28+ Reasons Why You Need A Website.