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: 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: |
Louis Sachar is the winner of the 2008 Anne V. Zarrow Award for Young Readers’ Literature. |
WHEN: |
Aug. 22 and 23 Award Presentation: 7 p.m., Friday, Aug. 22 On Aug. 22, Louis Sachar will receive the Zarrow award, and speak about his life and works. On Aug. 23, Sachar will present awards to the winners of the Young People's Creative Writing Contest, and teach youths how to write creatively, and give life to words and voices to characters. Sachar will answer questions from the audience and sign books at both events. You may purchase copies of his books at the programs. Both programs are free and open to the public. |
WHERE: |
Central Library, second floor, Fourth Street and Denver Avenue |
SPONSORS: |
Tulsa Library Trust and Tulsa City-County Library |
ABOUT THE AWARD WINNER: |
Louis Sachar is the author of more than 21 poignant, humorous books for children and young adults. He is best known for “Holes,” winner of the National Book Award and Newbery Medal. This No. 1 New York Times best-seller was turned into a Walt Disney movie, starring Sigourney Weaver and Jon Voight. His latest novel, “Small Steps,” is a follow-up to “Holes” and features the character Armpit. Sachar began his writing career with the zany “Sideways Stories From Wayside School,” a collection of 30 stories, each one corresponding with a floor in the 30-story Wayside School. Sachar was inspired to write the “Wayside School” series by his experiences as a teachers aide while an undergraduate at the University of California at Berkeley. Other titles in the series are: “Wayside School Is Falling Down,” “Wayside School Gets a Little Stranger,” “Sideways Arithmetic From Wayside School” and “More Sideways Arithmetic From Wayside School.” Sachar’s books are popular with youths, in part, because the protagonists of his books are often outcasts who learn about themselves and gain social acceptance through their relationships with other children and adults. Sachar also is the author of the successful “Marvin Redpost” series. Titles are: “Kidnapped at Birth?”, “Why Pick on Me?”, “Is He a Girl?”, “Alone in His Teacher’s House,” “Class President,” “A Flying Birthday Cake?”, “Super Fast, Out of Control!” and “A Magic Crystal?”. His novels include “There’s a Boy in the Girls’ Bathroom,” “Someday Angeline,” “Johnny’s in the Basement,” “The Boy Who Lost His Face,” “Sixth Grade Secrets” and “Dogs Don’t Tell Jokes.” Sachar blends social commentary with humor; most of his works have a deeper meaning hidden beneath the surface of his witty writing. Though his works are mainly for youths, adults enjoy them as well. |
GOALS OF THE ZARROW AWARD: |
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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: |
Julie Watson is chairwoman of the 2008 Zarrow Award Committee, which is made up of about 15 community volunteers. Melinda Adwon is chairwoman of the Author Selection Committee. |