This month’s SLJTeen News roundup features David Levithan’s heartfelt acceptance speech for receiving the Margaret A. Edwards Award, Tim Tingle’s remarks on receiving the American Indian Youth Literature Award, and more.

Free Art Books from Art Resources Transfer

Public and school librarians who cater to an underserved community are eligible to order free art books from Art Resources Transfer’s library program, Distribution to Underserved Communities. Those who wish to participate can order from the initiative’s catalogue once a year. Libraries can order as many books as they like but are limited to one copy per title. Art Resources Transfer proudly serves libraries by offering art books to further enrich collections and foster lifelong learning, discussion, and social justice.

David Levithan’s Margaret A. Edwards Acceptance Speech

Photography by Marty Umans

David Levithan is the recipient of the 2016 Margaret A. Edwards Award, which honors authors for their lasting contributions to young adult literature. Levithan posted his acceptance speech on his website, which cites passages from his notable novels; his call for action to librarians, authors, and publishers; and remarks about the 2008 Edwards Award winner, Orson Scott Card. Read his inspiring words to those who create, serve, and offer books to their communities.  

New Videos on YALSA Academy YouTube

YALSA’s YouTube channel, YALSA Academy, created in 2010, features videos about resources and programs to aid and inspire teen service professionals. Four recent videos focus on Teen Tech Week, pointing to accessible game programs for teens who are blind or visually impaired, Makey Makey, and more. Learn more about the Academy and how you can participate.

Tim Tingle’s American Indian Youth Literature Award Speech

Tim Tingle was awarded the American Indian Youth Literature Award for his YA novel The House of Purple Cedar. The award commemorates the best writing and illustrations by and about American Indians. Tingle’s thoughtful speech addresses the awareness that “good wins” and describes his encounter with a Choctaw woman at a Congressional National Cemetery. His remarks were published on Debbie Reese’s American Indians in Children’s Literature website.

YALSA Program Proposals for 2017 ALA Annual

YALSA is accepting proposals for 2017 ALA Annual Conference in Chicago. Eligible presentations must focus on issues and topics addressed in YALSA’s Future of Library Services for & with Teens: A Call to Action report. Proposals must fall within one of the following categories: teens/demographics, collections/content curation, spaces (physical and virtual), programming, advocacy, staffing, youth participation, outreach, and administration/policy. They can be submitted through August 1, 2016, by logging into the ALA website (those who don't have an ALA account can creating one).

Apply to be on Edwards, Nonfiction, Printz Award Committees

Librarians interested in serving on a committee can now apply for the Margaret A. Edwards, Nonfiction, and/or Printz Award. View the committees' social media and conflict of interest policies and expectations. Those strongly considering should complete the committee form. Nominees will be on the spring 2017 ballot, and their term would start in February 2018. For more questions, email the chair, Franklin Escobedo.   Save