ALEX AwardSherone Barnes & Abegail Prado

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http://www.ala.org/ala/mgrps/divs/yalsa/booklistsawards/booklistsbook.cfm

PurposeThe Alex Awards are given to ten books

written for adults that have special appeal to young adults, ages 12 through 18.

Background/HistoryThe Alex Awards were first given annually

beginning in 1998 and became an official ALA award in 2002.

Margaret A. Edwards pioneered young adult library services and worked for many years at the Enoch Pratt Library in Baltimore. Her work is described in her book Fair Garden and the Swarm of Beasts, and over the years she has served as an inspiration to many librarians who serve young adults.

The Alex Awards are named after Edwards, who was called “Alex” by her friends.

Current WinnerNotable Past Winners or Nominees

Past Winners

2010 2009

1998 1999

Award criteriaThe winning titles are selected from the previous

year's publishing.YALSA's Alex Committee looks for outstanding titles

that are of interest and value to teenagers. Suggested selection criteria:Titles are selected for their demonstrated or probable

appeal to the personal reading tastes of young adults  Appeal and popularity are not synonymous In

addition to the question of appeal, committee members should consider the following when assessing titles: language, plot, style, setting, dialog, characterization, and design.

Sponsoring organizationThe award is sponsored by the Margaret A.

Edwards Trust.

Timeframe for Announcing WinnerAnyone can nominate titles for YALSA's lists and awards.

Nominations may be accepted from the field and Committee up to December 1st of that calendar year. Nominations from committee members may be accepted up to December 31st of that calendar year.

Final selections voting are made at the ALA Midwinter Meeting during a series of meetings.

Both winning titles and vetted nominations will be made available on the YALSA website and winners may appear in a spring issue of Booklist. YALSA will also include the final Alex list in its annual Best of the Best for Young Adults compilation of selection and award titles for young adults.

Timeframe for Announcing Winner

NominationsDec 1st – 31st

ALA Midwinter MeetingFinal selections votingJanuary

Annotated list disseminated January

YALSA website and winners may appear in a spring issue of Booklist