Books & Reading->Awards->2009 Anne V. Zarrow Award

WHAT:

The Award for Young Readers’ Literature was inaugurated in 1991 and is given annually by the Tulsa Library Trust.  In 1992, it was permanently named in honor of Anne V. Zarrow.  Its purpose is to give formal recognition, on behalf of the Tulsa County community, to nationally acclaimed authors who have made a significant contribution to the field of literature for children and young adults.

The award consists of a $7,500 cash prize and an engraved crystal book.

Past winners are: Christopher Paul Curtis (2009), Louis Sachar (2008), Kate DiCamillo (2007), Sharon Creech (2006), Avi (2005), Susan Cooper (2004), Russell Freedman (2003), Richard Peck (2002), E.L. Konigsburg (2001), Jerry Spinelli (2000), Jane Yolen (1999), Cynthia Voigt (1998), Gary Paulsen (1997), Walter Dean Myers (1996), Lois Lowry (1994), Katherine Paterson (1993), Madeleine L'Engle (1992) and S.E. Hinton 1991).

WHO:

Phyllis Reynolds Naylor is the winner of the 2010 Anne V. Zarrow Award for Young Readers’ Literature.

WHEN/WHERE:

Aug. 27 and 28

Award Presentation: 7 p.m., Friday, Aug. 27, Central Library’s second floor, Fourth Street and Denver Avenue.
Creative Writing Discussion: 10 a.m., Saturday, Aug. 28, Connor’s Cove, Hardesty Regional Library, 8316 E. 93rd St.

On Aug. 27, Phyllis Reynolds Naylor will receive the Anne V. Zarrow Award for Young Readers’ Literature, and speak about her life and works.  On Aug. 28, Naylor will present awards to the winners of the Young People’s Creative Writing Contest, and teach children and teens how to write creatively, and give life to words and voices to characters.  Naylor will answer questions from the audience and sign books at both events.  You may purchase copies of her books at both programs.

SPONSORS:

Tulsa Library Trust and Tulsa City-County Library

ABOUT THE AWARD WINNER:

Phyllis Reynolds Naylor’s first children’s book, “The Galloping Goat and Other Stories,” was published in 1965. She has written more than 125 books for children and teens. In 1992, she was awarded the Newbery Medal for “Shiloh.” To complete the trilogy, she released “Shiloh Season” and “Saving Shiloh.” Each book was turned into a successful movie. Other books by Naylor include the “Alice” series, “Cat Pack” series, “The Boys Start the War” series, “The Witch Saga” series and the “Bessledorf” mysteries. Each series features the challenges of children overcoming adversity while learning to understand their individual strengths.

GOALS OF THE ZARROW AWARD:

• To encourage children and teens to read and write by promoting the prize, and the author’s books and visit, throughout the library’s summer reading program and the Young People’s Creative Writing Contest.
• To introduce children and teens to favorite authors of literary distinction and present famous authors as real people and role models.
• To provide a major event that brings families into the library and is a rallying point for the summer reading program.
• To give young readers the opportunity to learn from a successful author’s writing experiences

ABOUT THE LIBRARY TRUST:

The Tulsa Library Trust is a public foundation created by private contributions to benefit Tulsa City-County Library.  Income generated by the Trust’s endowment is used to fund projects and purchase materials that the library could not afford through its operating budget.

ZARROW AWARD COMMITTEE:

Sheryl Chadd is chairwoman of the 2009 Zarrow Award Committee, which is made up of 16 community volunteers.  Julie Watson is chairwoman of the Author Selection Committee.