Me Me Me Me Me : My Life with YA Awards, Prizes, and Best Lists

Abstract With his characteristic style and verve, writer, librarian, and young adult literature (YAL) expert Michael Cart offers an insider’s look at young adult literature awards, prizes, and best-of lists. From his early days as part of the Young Adult Library Services Association’s (YALSA) Best Books for Young Adults Committee to his role, as YALSA President, in establishing the Michael L. Printz Award, Cart goes beyond basic description to provide an explanation and firsthand knowledge of the honors in place to celebrate YAL. These range from general awards, such as the Michael Printz Award and the Walden Award, to ones that celebrate diverse books such as the Stonewall Book Awards and the Walter Award. Cart also includes the history and evolution of the awards as they changed alongside the literature itself. Additionally, he explores some of the debates that occur on award committees, such as the tension between popularity and literary merit when determining award winners, as well as the role that publishers play when it comes to the awards.