Library association launches award for teen books

[December 11, 2008]  NEW YORK (AP) -- Five novels for teens are finalists for the American Library Association's first-ever William C. Morris YA Debut Award.

The prize is given for books that "illuminate the teen experience and enrich the lives of its readers through its excellence."

The nominees, announced this week: Elizabeth Bunce's (rhymes with once) "A Curse Dark as Gold"; Kristin Cashore's (ka-SHORE) "Graceling"; James Lecesne's "Absolute Brightness"; Christina Meldrum's (MEL-drum) "Madapple"; and Jenny Valentine's "Me, the Missing and the Dead."

The winner will be announced Jan. 26.

[Associated Press]

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