LibGuides: CI 616: Literature for Adolescents: Awards and Booklists for YAL

Teen Book Finder Database

Teen Book Finder Database
Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA) has created this database, which provides access to all of YALSA's annual selected book and media lists, awards, and honorees. These resources are developed by library staff and educators to support the collection development and readers' advisory work of library staff. These books and media have been selected for teens from 12 to 18 years of age, and span a broad range of reading and maturity levels. Users can search this free resource by award, list name, year, author, genre and more, as well as print customizable lists.

Awards & Booklists

Awards and booklists with relevance to young adult literature include:

Alex Awards: Recognizes books written for adults that also appeal to young adults
American Indian Youth Literature Award – Young Adult: Presented every two years. The awards were established as a way to identify and honor the very best writing and illustrations by and about American Indians. Books selected to receive the award will present American Indians in the fullness of their humanity in the present and past contexts.
Andre Norton Nebula Award for Middle Grade and Young Adult Fiction or Fantasy: Awarded as part of the Nebula Awards for science fiction & fantasy.
Asian/Pacific American Award for Literature – Youth Literature: Works related to Asian/Pacific American experiences (either historical or contemporary) or Asian/Pacific American cultures.
Coretta Scott King Book Award: Given “to outstanding African American authors and illustrators of books for children and young adults that demonstrate an appreciation of African American culture and universal human values.”
Edgar Award for Best Young Adult Mystery: presented every year by the Mystery Writers of America. The award is named after Edgar Allen Poe and the award honors the best in mystery fiction for young adults.
Great Graphic Novels Book List: Great Graphic Novels for Teens is a list of recommended graphic novels and illustrated nonfiction for those ages 12-18, prepared yearly by the Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA).
Michael L. Printz Award for Excellence in Young Adult Literature: Annually honors the best book written for teens, based entirely on its literary merit. This award is typically referred to as the “Printz Award”.
Excellence in Nonfiction for Young Adults Award: Given by the Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA), this award honors the best nonfiction book published for young adults (ages 12-18)
Pura Belpré Children's Author Award: presented annually to a Latino/Latina writer and illustrator whose work best portrays, affirms, and celebrates the Latino cultural experience in an outstanding work of literature for children and youth.
Quick Picks for Reluctant Young Adult Readers: Identifies titles aimed at encouraging reading among teens who dislike to read for whatever reason. The list selects both fiction and nonfiction.
Scott O’Dell Award for Historical Fiction: This award recognizes meritorious books which will “increase the interest of young readers in the historical background that has helped to shape their country and their world”.
Stonewall Book Award and Mike Morgan and Larry Romans Children’s and Young Adult Literature Award: Books are honored for exceptional merit relating to the gay/lesbian/bisexual/transgender experience. In addition to the book award, honor books are also selected each year.)
William C. Morris YA Debut Award: Typically called the “Morris Award”. Honors a book published by a first-time author writing for teens and celebrating impressive new voices in young adult literature.
YALSA Booklists: Books selected for teens from 12 to 18 years of age, spanning a broad range of reading and maturity levels.

(From handout prepared by Nancy Deyoe, Associate Dean for Technical Services and Jessica Torres, Information Services Research Assistant)