On Wednesday evening, November 15, book publishers, authors, and agents gathered at Cipriani Wall Street in Manhattan’s financial district for the 74th National Book Awards. From that ceremony, we present the five finalists for the Young People’s Literature prize, along with their editors. Click here to see our coverage of winner Dan Santat’s acceptance speech.
Dan Santat celebrating his win for his graphic memoir, A First Time for Everything (First Second), with his editor, Connie Hsu. He paid tribute to Hsu in his speech, calling her his “arbiter of literary taste for almost 10 years.”
Huda Fahmy (l.) with her editor, Kate Harrison. Her nominated book, Huda F Cares? (Dial), was the second graphic memoir on this year’s list of finalists; it’s the sequel to her YA debut, Huda F Are You?
Kenneth M. Cadow and his editor, Katie Cunningham. Cadow’s YA novel Gather (Candlewick), set in rural Vermont, was the author’s debut.
Vashti Harrison (l.) with her book’s publisher, Megan Tingley. Harrison’s nominated work, Big (Little, Brown), was the first picture book to be named a finalist for a National Book Award.
Katherine Marsh (l.), author of The Lost Year: A Survival Story of the Ukrainian Famine (Roaring Brook), with her editor, Kate Meltzer. Her middle grade novel is based on her family history, and on her grandmother, who emigrated from Ukraine in 1928.
