Notes from the Printz Awards and Final Thoughts

Hi there, the Printz awards were fantastic. I always enjoy hearing speeches by some great YA authors. Writers, well, know how to write, and rarely give a bad talk. The Printz honor books are Nation by Terry Pratchett, The Astonishing Life of Octavian Nothing, Traitor the Nation volume 2 The Kingdom of the Waves by M.T. Anderson, The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks by E. Lockhart, and Tender Morsels by Margo Lanagan. The Printz award went to Jellicoe Road by Melina Marchetta. My favorite speech was that by M.T. Anderson in which he stressed the importance of writing intelligently for young people. He said that the one "taboo" that was not completely accepted by parents was that of intelligence which earned both laughs and murmurs of agreement. Unfortunately, I was sitting pretty far in the back so while I took pictures none of them came out very well. Oh well. It was great to just sit there and absorb what they had to say. I also had Jellicoe Road to read on the plane. (and saw one of my fellow passengers reading it in the waiting area. I asked her, "You weren't just at ALA by any chance?") Right now the speeches are only available on the members only site of ALA/YALSA but I'm sure they'll be available soon.
Other Final Thoughts

• Got to talk with Linda Braun, the incoming president of YALSA and a former professor of mine from Simmons. She's a great library advocate and I was so pleased that she remembered me. (she came up to me). I think she'll make a wonderful president for YALSA. If you ever have a chance to take a workshop with her, I highly recommend it.
• I missed the Bookcart Drill Team competition this year, but apparently NPR did a story on it. There is also a video of the winning team on the NPR site. It's pretty funny. I don't know where the librarians come up with this stuff.
  
• I found out yesterday that Hugh Hefner's daughter and former CEO of Playboy, Christie, spoke at the opening session of the conference. Again, thanks to Library Journal for that. They've been very informative about the goings on at the conference.
• Talked with a library science professor from the University of North Carolina in Greensboro at the Printz awards last night.
• I decided not to attend the Cokie Roberts talk as I figured it would be too crowded. I found out later that there were plenty of seats. Next time, I won't make that mistake.
• Two thoughts about the plane: I had a tag inside my checked luggage that security had selected my bag to open and search. Why does that always happen you come home from a trip and therefore have dirty laundry in your suitcase? Also, have you ever noticed that when flight attendants get on the loudspeaker, they address the passengers as "ladies and gentlemen" but the pilot addresses everyone as "folks" Notice that next time you fly.

The conference was a great experience. I highly encourage you all to go to a national conference if you have the chance. It can get pricey but it's worth it. Next year ALA is in Washington DC so it's not too far. Also, ALA Midwinter is coming to Boston in January. While the meetings are designed for ALA Committee members, look into getting a pass for the exhibit hall. If you work with a vendor you may even be able to get one from them.