As I was on blog-world hiatus when the National Book Award finalists were announced, I wasn't sure if I was alone in thinking that the inclusion of David Small's Stitches on the Young People's list was surprising and a little bit annoying*.
So it was nice to see this blog post at NPR.
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*Not because there's anything remotely wrong with Stitches, of course. But as it is on the YPL list, that means that a book that was actually published for Young People was cut to make room for it. Which doesn't seem right.
I am so thrilled to see "Charles and Emma: The Darwins' Leap of Faith" nominated. Wonderful book! They were remarkable people, ahead of their times in so many ways.
Posted by: saramom | 24 October 2009 at 01:08 PM
I don't "get" why something that was not published for YA is eligible for a "YA" book award. Why have categories if you aren't going to follow the rules of who gets to considered for the award?
I will probably never write/get published a book of such high aclaim, but it kills me that there are YA authors out there with a real shot at the honor who have now been slighted. If Stitches is wonderful (and it probably is) why isn't it "wonderful" enough to compete in the adult category? Seems like they are throwing the author a bone in the form of a YA recognition, for what purpose? It's a YA award!
Posted by: reader and writer | 02 November 2009 at 09:03 AM