My term serving as Chair of YALSA’s Award for Excellence in Nonfiction for Young Adults is almost over. There are still a few things to do. I will host two online celebrations – one for the winners and one to highlight the vetted list of nominations. I am excited to do this, but the most exciting event , The Call, happened a few weeks ago.
I was supposed to be in Indianapolis last week, locked in a room with the other committee members. We should have selected our winner on the weekend and then, make “the call” to that person. COVID changed everything.
Because the video had to be produced early, we had to turn in our winner’s name early January 11 instead of January 24. Fortunately, the nonfiction award works a little differently from most other awards. We chose and announced five finalists in December. It was from those five that our winner was to be selected.
Making the call was a little more complicated than usual. Emails flew back and forth. Me to YALSA. YALSA to the publisher. Finally we had a date and time. The committee members and I arrived to the ZOOM call early as instructed, where we met the two publishing reps. They had told the winner we wanted to talk about the celebration. Not exactly a lie. We were all excited as her name appeared, then, there she was, Candace Fleming.
“Hi Candace,” I began, “I am the chair of YALSA’s Award for Excellence in Nonfiction for Young Adults and I have some good news for you. Your book, The Rise and Fall of Charles Lindbergh has been chosen as the winner.” I held up my copy book, still full of sticky notes, on which I had placed the gold winner medal. I was the first person to let her see her book with that medal on it.
booksandbassets 
Oh, this is so exciting! I’m sorry that you were robbed of the usual experience this year. The audio book arrived in my library account yesterday.
I’d love to hear your thoughts about the book.
How exciting for you and for her. It is always wonderful to share good news. Congratulations to Candace Fleming.
I remember you being on the Sibert Committee. So fun to read this and got to call Candace. What a day she had! WInning this and the SIbert!! I am doing another Mock SIbert with my students and will be sharing this story with them, too!
Honeybee was terrific. I secretly hoped it would get some Sibert love. Her husband was the illustrator so they get to share the joy!
Oh, man! What an experience! Thanks for sharing it with us!
Ruth, thereisnosuchthingasagodforsakentown.blogspot.com
What a cool committee to be a member of—and how terrific to be the bearer of such great news. I also appreciate the recommendation for a stellar nonfiction book for YA readers. This post is a winner for me!