YA Novel Bluefish by Pat Schmatz Wins
2012 Burr/Worzalla Award
Young Adult novel, Bluefish,
written by Wisconsin native Pat Schmatz and published by Candlewick Press, has
won the 2012 Elizabeth Burr/Worzalla Award. The Children’s Book Award Committee
of the Wisconsin Library Association’s Youth Services Section annually awards
the Burr/Worzalla to the most distinguished work in literature for children
written and/or illustrated by a Wisconsin book creator.
In Bluefish we
meet Travis, a middle school student dealing with relocating to a new town, his
alcoholic grandfather at home, and being an outsider at school. Travis
befriends Velveeta, an outsider herself who has her own secrets. Travis finds
guidance and direction through his friendship with Velveeta and through the
kindness of his teacher Mr. McQueen, who teaches Travis how to read. Pat Schmatz
weaves a wonderfully written story, full of charming characters and a strong
theme of friendship.
The Children’s Book
Award Committee also named Tom Lichtenheld Notable Wisconsin Author/Illustrator
for his contribution to the world of children’s literature.
Seven noteworthy titles
have also been selected for Outstanding Achievement in Children’s Literature,
written and/or illustrated by Wisconsin book creators:
Ashes by Ilsa J. Bick
Ten Little Caterpillars illustrated by Lois
Ehlert
Stupid
Fast by
Geoff Herbach
Goodnight, Goodnight,
Construction Site illustrated by Tom Lichtenheld
Big Turtle by David McLimans
The Adventures of Sir
Gawain the True by Gerald Morris
The Mangrove Tree:
Planting Trees to Feed Families by Susan L. Roth
The Elizabeth
Burr/Worzalla Award is made possible by the Worzalla Publishing Company,
Stevens Point, through a grant to the WLA Foundation.
The 2011 Children’s Book
Award Committee members consist of Ruhama Kordatzky Bahr, Chair; Barbara
Huntington, retired, DPI-DLTCL; Jennifer McNaughton, Greendale Public Library;
Jeni Schomber, Beloit Public Library; Elizabeth Timmins, Muehl Public Library;
Dawn Wacek, Rice Lake Public Library; Arin Wilken, Mondovi Public Library.
Leah's note: BOOK DISPLAY!! Feature these terrific books by some of our very own book creators!
Labels: book awards, book displays