The news has been out for a while, but I have once again been selected to be part of a middle grade fiction Cybils (Children's and Young Adult Bloggers' Literary Awards) panel. In 2011 I had my first taste of judging, as a first round panelist, reading over a hundred novels. In 2012 and 2013, I was on the second round panel, which chooses a winner from a shortlist of around seven titles. In 2014, I took a break and enjoyed everything from the sidelines.
This year, I once again girded my loins and have plunged into the heady first-round waters. So far, we have over 50 books to read and judge. Of course, we'd love more!
What are the Cybils about, you may ask. Here's what we're looking for (from the website description):
"The Cybils Awards aims to recognize the children’s and young adult authors and illustrators whose books combine the highest literary merit and popular appeal. If some la-di-dah awards can be compared to brussels sprouts, and other, more populist ones to gummy bears, we’re thinking more like organic chicken nuggets. We’re yummy and nutritious."You can nominate your favorite middle grade novel HERE. (Fantasy and Speculative fiction have their own panel.) It's one nomination per person. There are still a bunch of good books that should be nominated, so look through the list and add a favorite if it has yet to be chosen.
Right, off I go to polish my glasses and get out my notebook! Have a great reading and writing week, everyone!