28 Days Later and The Cybils

Over at the Brown Bookshelf, they are look for African American authors and illustrators to feature for their 28days later campaign that is done every February. This is will be the forth year running. They are accepting nominations through Oct. 31.

Please check out 28days later from years past to discover some new authors and artist. Last year I was introduced to Martin Mordecai thanks to this yearly feature. Soon after reading Mordecai's interview, I read his middle grade novel Blue Mountain Trouble and loved it.

Nominations for Cybils are being accepted now as well, through Oct 15. The book has to be published between Oct. 16, 2009 and Oct. 15, 2010 in the United States. The rest of the rules Please check out previous Cybils winners and nominated titles to discover new authors and artist.

One thing I love about 28 days Later and The Cybils both get beyond Newbery buzzed titles. Yes these titles will be here as well but both are wonderfully open, allowing readers to discover some great authors who deserve a little more attention.

A Winner, Interviews and The Cybils Awards

Nerds Heart YA. The tournament to highlight under represented literature, has a winner
Last Night I Sang to The Monster by Benjamin Alire Saenz.
I let out a little squeal of happiness with I discovered who won. Benjamin Alire Saenz is such a talented writer and deserves a lot more attention then he gets.

On Wednesday, I will be posting an interview with Jewell Parker Rhodes. I loved Ninth Ward. When I finished it my first thought was "I want to interview the author" But I was hesitant to ask. It was Jewell Parker Rhodes after all. Ninth Ward is her first children's novel but she has an extensive body of work. When, I finally did ask, Rhodes was kind enough to say yes.

If you missed it do check out my recent interview with Jen Cullerton Johnson the author of Seeds of Change. I had difficult time coming up with questions. I had some serious question block ( is that a real thing? If not it should be.) Finally it hit me, with the exception of a group G. Neri interview with Edi and Ari about Yummy , this would be the only other time I would be asking an author questions about a non fiction book. Once I knew what the problem was, it got easier.

This is the fifth year of the Cybils awards or Children's and Young Adult Bloggers Literary Award. I love this award, it gives some well deserved attention to some great books. Anyone is free to nominate a 2010 release. The Cybils site is very easy to browse and the organizer's make everyone feel welcome. I say the same thing about Cybils award every year. Though this the first year, I put my name in to be a judge. I will be on one of the panels but I won't say which one until the full panel is released on the site. I am very happy with my placement and to have the opportunity to participate in the Cybils awards.