Earlier this week, the winners of the American Library Association (ALA)’s top children’s and teens awards were announced at their annual midwinter conference. It’s the most exciting day of the year for those of us who love kid’s lit as the Caldecott, Printz, and Newbery are akin to the film industry’s Oscars®.

However above and beyond these three awards, the ALA also recognizes a number of other authors/titles for their recent contributions to the young adult genre. While perhaps less recognizable they’re no less important. These honors include:

The Stonewall Book Award recognizes English-language children’s and young adult books of exceptional merit relating to the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender experience. One winner and four Honor books were announced:

• Winner: Putting Makeup on the Fat Boy by Bil Wright   
• a + e 4ever by Ilike Merey
• Money Boy by Paul Yee 
• Pink by Lili Wilkinson
• With or Without You by Brian Farrey

The William C. Morris Award is given to exceptional debuts by first-time authors writing for teens. One winner and four finalists were announced:

• Winner: Where Things Come Back by John Corey Whaley (also won the Printz Award!)
• The Girl of Fire and Thorns by Rae Carson
• Paper Covers Rock by Jenny Hubbard
• Under the Mesquite by Guadalupe Garcia Mccall
• Between Shades of Gray by Ruta Sepetys

The YALSA Award for Excellence in Nonfiction for Young Adults honors the best nonfiction book published for young adults between the ages of 12 and 18. One winner and four finalists were announced:

• Winner: The Notorious Benedict Arnold: A True Story of Adventure, Heroism & Treachery by Steve Sheinkin
• Sugar Changed the World: A Story of Magic, Spice, Slavery, Freedom, and Science by Marc Aronson and Marina Budhos
• Bootleg: Murder, Moonshine, and the Lawless Years of Prohibition by Karen Blumenthal
• Wheels of Change: How Women Rode the Bicycle to Freedom (With a Few Flat Tires Along the Way) by Sue Macy
• Music Was It: Young Leonard Bernstein by Susan Goldman Rubin

Last but certainly not least, Susan Cooper, author of the Dark is Rising sequence, received the Margaret A. Edwards award for lifetime achievement in writing for young adults.

Thanks to all for their amazing contributions to young adult literature and, of course, congratulations!