A day of glee! (in memory)

Today is the biggest day in children's literature--the announcement of the ALA awards! Here are the results:

Newbery:

Good Masters! Sweet Ladies! by Laura Amy Schlitz

Honors:

Eliza of Buxton by Christopher Paul Curtis
The Wednesday Wars by Gary Schmidt
Feathers by Jacqueline Woodson

Caledcott:

The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Bryan Selznick

Honors:

Knuffle Bunny Two by Mo Willems
The Wall by Peter Sis
First the Egg by Laura Vaccaro Seeger
Kadir Nelson-- HENRY'S FREEDOM BOX

Printz

The White Darkness by Geraldine McCaughrean

Honors:

Dreamwake by Elizabeth Knox
One Whole Perfect Day
Repossessed
Your Own Sylivia by Stephanie Hemphill

Good Master! Sweet Ladies! is a collection of wonderful monologues, each character a denizen of a medieval village. This is going to be a fabulous book in the classroom. Teachers are going to love using it to incorporate drama, literature, history, and social studies. (and I'm feeling a bit smug, having predicted this one as the winner last night to my husband.) The Invention of Hugo Cabret was definitely one of my favorite books of last year--it's really a novel with some scenes told in illustrations (like a silent movie) rather than words. It's one of the most innovative novels I've ever seen and kids will love it. I wonder if this choice will cause some controversy, since the Caldecott usually goes to picture books. And my son is a big fan of the Knuffle Bunny books, so we're always happy to see Mo Willems grace the lists. I haven't read the rest of the winners.

It's fun for me to think about all those authors and illustrators getting their early morning phone call. The magic of that call still lingers for me, two years later. It's perhaps the best gift I've ever received--the newness doesn't fade, the wonder of it keeps going. I feel like I went wandering in a forest and the lady of the wood bent down to kiss my forehead, and I've carried that charmed mark ever since. It was a gift better than I deserved, and I should be content for the rest of my life just to have received it.

And yet, I was guilty of hoping (rather passionately and anxiously at times) that I might get a second call this morning. I'm embarrassed to admit that. I wish I was beyond such petty mortal concerns, like those Star Trek aliens who have evolved to an intangible state and no longer are burdened with human emotions. But I have my feet firmly in the muck of the world, it seems. And this morning (after a bad night's rest) I've been wandering the house and officially in Wallow Mode. I ate chocolate chip cookies for breakfast. I'm having chips for lunch. And it feels good, darn it! And I'm questioning myself, why did I care? Am I so greedy that I want another award? Am I tempted by that rush of elation that getting the award brings and I must have more, like some yellow-eyed opium addict? Am I so desperate for the approval of others? In my wallow, I've tried on many reasons, but I don't think any of those reasons are right. What I keep coming back to is the award has never felt about me--it was about princess academy. And any disappointment I feel now is because book of a thousand days is such a precious book to me, and I was hoping to see Dashti earn a little shine (or a big one). What an award does is bring more readers to your book, and I wanted that for Dashti. And that reason, though it feels less selfish to me, also seems more certifiably crazy. I mean, sad for the character's sake? Don't tell anyone--I already have one arm in a straight jacket as it is.

But it's noon now, and I don't feel sad anymore. I still feel that tickle of excitement that it's an awards morning, and that there are authors out there who got a phone call that changed their lives. It's all about books and people and stories and kids, I remind myself--the best things of life. And I have a new list of books on my to-read list, which will never run out. And I get to spend all day with the cutest kids in the world. Life is very, very good.

Comments

[Jen]

If it makes you feel better, I felt quite surprised in perusing the list that you weren't there.

I wrote this poem about you awhile ago.

Shannon Hale, Shannon Hale,
You sure know how to spin a tale.
Roses are red, Miris are white,
Your books are worth reading late into the night.

I adore your heroines, side kicks, and heroes,
I boo and hiss your villains, nemeses, and zeroes.
Peder and Miri, Isi and Geric, Enna and Finn,
Your romances always my heart will win,
Ledel, Selia, and their like were nasty.
But their dread power was doomed, and didn't last(y).

With plots that are twisty and give such delight,
her metaphors, similes are unique, and just right.
This writer's swell repertoire, lovely and grand,
is the fairest and most brilliant in all of the land.

She writes with great style, panache, verve, and flair,
and you have to admit, the girl's got great hair.
Of the bildungsroman you are a great master,
and we only wish you could crank books out faster.

Shannon, you're the best, and we all love you so,
We are happy your collection of work continues to grow.
So keep plugging away at your lovely writing,
And while we wait for the newest, our fingernails we'll keep biting.

[Andrea]

I loved Book of a Thousand Days so you shouldn't feel sad at all. I couldn't stop reading it so I just kept re-reading it. I'm glad you're happier now, but I'm telling you Book of a Thousand Days is one of my favorite books.

My LA teacher said re-reading is not very good, but since I loved this book so much I went against her rule. (Trust me, I'm not the kind of person that breaks rules.) I've re-read all of your books at least two times :).

Dashti was an amazing character that I could really connect to. And that coming from a 12-year-old doesn't normally happen. But with all of your books, I really felt as if I were the character, as if I were really there in the book.

Don't feel sad, you're a terrific writer (and my favorite author), and should keep writing or else I won't know what else to read.

[Erin]

I was a wee bit sad, too, that B1000 wasn't on the list. But now I'm back in excitement mode. Hooray to the authors who won!

[Melissa]

I was bummed this morning when I read the announcement. :( I was hoping Dashti was going to win too.

It is still a mondofabulous book with a lot of excellent reviews! Starred review on Booklist...best books in School Library Journal...Chicago Public Library put it on their Best of the Best this year too!!

I know you will win again Shannon!! Just keep writing.

[Q]

B1000 is as amazing now as it was ever, and I still think that it should have won something. It really is great for the other authors to have a chance to shine too, though. It is just a shame Dashti couldn't have that chance. I think she should have.

Seriously, though, keep writing. I might have to put MY other arm in the straightjacket if you don't. So no pressure.

[Laura]

I'm still sad, darn it! I wanted this so much for Dashti. And for My Lord the cat. And for that very fine yak, Mucker.

And I wanted it for you, Shannon.

[Ellenboro]

Oh Shannon. You should have recieved a call. B1000 and Dashti are marvelous! Especially Dashti. That girl is just so... everything.
If it makes you feel any better, I read it and loved it and five of my non-squeetuser friends (as to where I'm aware) have read the book and loved it as well.
(And Jen, I love that poem. So creative. And so Shannon-y. Perfection.)

[Gabrielle Linnell]

I am surprised too, Shannon, because after reading B1K I thought... she's got another little sticker coming.

Still, I'm not too sad for you :) because you are obviously going to get another call, if not lots of calls, from the ALA in the future. I have read all of your books and you continue to grow and amaze us all with your gift.

And maybe the next sticker will be gold.

[Summermoon]

I was disappointed too. I was so sure that it would at the very least get a mention.

[Biel]

You definitely deserve it Shannon. I loved Dashti. But like Gabrielle said, there'll be more!

And Andrea, your teacher tells you not to reread books?! That seems really odd.

[Eccentric Hat]

I read an ARC of "Book of a Thousand Days" last spring, in one day, while I was home sick from work. It absolutely took my breath away. I have read and enjoyed all your books, but this one is hands-down my favorite, and I didn't even get to see the pictures. So...there's that, for whatever it's worth.

I wonder if anyone here could point me to a specific line in the book? It's something Dashti says to herself, wondering whether she's given up her whole life for the sake of learning to read. Except it's put more beautifully than that, and it struck me very strongly, and I haven't succeeded in finding it again. If anyone has a page number or even the vicinity to look in, I'd be much obliged...

[MAYday]

I haven't posted in a while, but I just had to today! I haven't read B1000 yet (I plan to ASAP), but what amazes me about you is how selfless and grateful you are. No matter what happens, you seem to always put a smile on your face and make your day bright. That additude is so wonderful, it deserves as many awards as your books do!

[Enna Isilee]

We ALL expected B1000 to be there among the chosen few. What kinda crazy people are on that commitee anyway*?

*agitated sigh* Well, it's all good. There's always the next Hale masterpiece.

*NOTE TO ALL COMMITEE MEMBERS WHO READ THIS BLOG- Just kidding! Love ya tons!

[Tiff]

I'm excited for Hugo Cabret too! What a cool book.

Just an FYI for you, I have read 'Feathers' and you should definitely check it out! It's a wonderful story. I'm happy it won.

[PS - no call for you today...but I have been known to promote you as a fav author to many library patrons! as well as on goodreads.com - when asked to nominate THE BEST TITLE EVER for teens, 'goose girl' was my number one book! :) ]

[Caryn]

I will tell everyone who will listen that The Princess Academy should have won the Newbery, although an honor isn't too shabby. It has so much depth, so many layers, and it was just such a riveting read to boot.

As for Book of a Thousand Days, I've been hearing mumblings pairing that with the award ever since it came out. I'm actually quite surprised.

[Caryn]

Okay, just read the story of the Newbery call for Princess Academy, and I have to admit (rather sheepishly) that it brought actual tears to my eyes. Is that ridiculous?

[Gretchen]

Aw, Shannon! There are still plenty of awards to be won. But I'm glad you wallowed. Wallowing helps.
For what it's worth, I give B1000 the 2007 Gretchen's Insanely Awesome Book Award. It's highly prestigious.

[Calliope1of9]

I was hoping you would get a phone call too... I actually cried that B1000 didn't win. You don't need to be embarassed about wanting it to win... we all wanted it to win. I honestly think this book is one of the most amazing books you've ever written in your whole career (it's fighting it out for first place with The Goose Girl...) and it was good enough to win. Well, you won in my book, at least...

[cuileann]

Ditto to Calliope; B1000 is still the same, amazing, Newbery-worth book. Though I do wish that it could have some time in the Newbery spotlight as PA has.

P.S. Think B1000 ought to have won? The ALA website does sell those Newbery Medal stickers...;)

[hwalk]

I would have had B1000 days win. Really. I would have. By far.

But awards just embelish. A book still has to stand on its own two legs and B1000 is AMAZING. Period. With or without the award, that book seriously is a life-changing sort of a novel, one that you never, ever forget.

[Chelsea]

Dido on the crying when you read the PA call, Caryn. I have no idea why.
I absolutely loved B1000, and it deserved an honor at the very least.
hope you enjoyed the cookies though :)
Loved the poem!

[Kayla]

First of all, that poem was adorable! I agree, 'perfection'!

I haven't read B1000 yet and all these comments are making me excited. At school we're starting the Red Maple program to vote for the book we thought was the best out of 9 (I think) but we have to read 5 books before we vote so I want to get those out of the way to read something I actually REALLY want to read. I crossed my fingers this year, hoping (practically praying!) that one of your books would be on the list. But, no... Oh, how fast I would gobble up that book and already have my vote.

[Kathryn]

I was totally floored when I heard Book of a Thousand Days was left off the list. I think the best was given the shaft.

[myrna]

I finally got to read Book of a Thousand Days over the Holidays. I had to wait while it was on hold at the library for about the same amount of time as I waited for Eclipse. And Book of a Thousand days was much better than Eclipse. Dashti will have readers.

And Andrea, re-reading a book you love is the best. Well, almost the best--my baby girl just gave me a kiss on the cheek. But really, I don't know what your LA teacher is thinking. I love re-reading favorites.

[dragonfly]

I haven't read B1000 yet *ducks head with embarrassment*...being in Germany I have to get all my books online, and there have been so many with money being tight...

Anyway, it's next on my list!

[Jess (Bohae)]

*sniffs* B1000 should have totally been a Newbery...*sighs* at least, well, it'll always be one of MY favorites :)

[Tiffany]

I don't think it's greed or anything selfish or bad to want a Newberry for your book. The truth is, if your book wins a Newberry, its never going to go out of print; it's immediately a classic. If you write a book, you should want that for it. For me, the purpose of writing stories is to leave something behind Forever. A Newberry guarantees that.
By the way, this is the first time I've posted here, and I just want to let you know that Goose Girl is one of my favorite books, and you are a wonderful writer.

[Liesolotte]

I haven't posted in quite a while, but coming back on the site today I feel led to make a comment. It's funny actually, because I was at an awards ceremony the other day for something I and the team I was on put a lot of work and heart and soul into. I was really expecting to win something. We didn't though, and I was ready to cry about it. But when we were leaving after the ceremony, our judge pulled me aside and said she had put our name up- though it didn't show in the final score. It made me feel a lot better! I just found it a delightful coincidence that we went through a similar experience within days of each other!

Then again, what is an award? Just something held together by glue, right? I completely understand your feelings though. Best of luck in the future.

[Ellenboro]

I rather agree with Liesolotte. An award is "just something held together by glue." But then, I also understand what it is like to want something for all your work, especially when you've worked your backside and heart out for it. But, in the end, we all know you're going to get another Call. People just were too amazed by B1000; it was too good to be true.

[Beca]

Your book was great! And even if you didn't get a call, don't worry! Think about all of us that you have helped and how you have given us something good to read. Honestly, I've only heard of one of those books on the list, and that was Knuffle Bunny. Before I even read the whole list, I skimmed it for Book of 1000 Days.
I haven't finished reading it, but its already on my favorite list. Along with Princess Academy! But my all time favorite book (Besides the Bible :D) is GOOSE GIRL!! And know that you'll always be our favorite author ever!

[Laini Taylor]

Hi Shannon! Great post! I think it would very hard to believe if someone with a highly acclaimed book claimed NOT to have hoped for an honor or award -- I saw your book on so many predictions lists that I (who have no idea how these things are awarded) was ready to see you on the Newbery list (and hoping!). I understand what you mean about hoping your character would get that recognition. And of course, how awesome to get all those extra readers, all at once instead of over time. I haven't read any of the books that won but I -- like a million others, I'm sure -- ordered Good Masters, Sweet Ladies yesterday on Amazon. Have been hearing such good things about it all year and I LOVED A Drowned Maiden's Hair, so it was about time I bought this. I still would have liked to see some fantasy reflected on the list. Not this year, it seems.

Cheers!

[Liesolotte]

Here's my comments on B1000:
I think that novels in diary form must be particularly hard to write, since one must conform to the limitations of your character. But I think you pulled it off- keeping Dashti's voice throughout, with just enough excitement to keep us reading. I really think that the greatest books aren't necessarily great just because of good plots (I'm sure that helps though) no, great books are great because of their characters- whatever they're like. Think Pride and Prejudice, Anne of Green Gables, The Great Gatsby, the Iliad. But what I like about Shannon's books is that they're enjoyable to read with suspense and romance right alongside character development. Probably Ani is my favorite character of hers, simply because I really identify with her. My personality isn't as close to Enna and Miri's. Dashti probably comes in second, though.

Incidentally, I have not read (or heard of) any of the books on the list. How altogether shocking.

[shannon hale]

Cute poem, Jen! And thanks all for the words of consolation, though I really don't deserve it. Thousands of books were eligible for the call this year, thousands of authors who hoped to hear that ring and didn't. I can think of several books I loved that I didn't see on the lists. So it goes. For some reason I feel compelled to show off my ugly, selfish side to you all from time to time (oh, I have a dark and crumbling soul, if you could but glimpse it...) But having such kind fans makes me very happy. I hope to see some of you on the road!

[Katie]

Miri's fame helped Dashti! If Miri hadn't been chosen, I might not have noticed her story on the shelf. After Princess Academy I found Goose Girl and Enna Burning and all the rest. I fell in love with the books and their well-crafted endings. When Dashti's story came out, I knew it would be just as good, and it was! Even the happenstance that I checked out more than enough books to read over my Thanksgiving Break gave my friend the chance to pick up Dashti's story as well. Dashti is out there and her story is loved.

[Q]

How close is B1000 to being a bestseller? Because it should be.

[Ellenboro]

Shannon dear, we all have a part of our souls that is dark and crumbling. It's just easier to see in some people than others. You hide it very well. I am excellent at hiding mine, but, sadly, I let mine out too often.

[Dr. Sallie N. Cheinsteen]

Shannon-I feel for you. I only have three things to say. Who in the blazes won the princess academy contest? Two,you are inspiring, and now I am writing a book, only no one knows it except for me, and if I am ever brave enough to have someone read it, I don't know (but I will be published someday, so I guess that means someone will have to read it). Three, you remind me of my sisters, and let me tell you I look up to them more than anyone in the world. I am so glad you are human. Try cold pizza for breakfast. It will do you some good.

[Sondy]

I so loved Book of a Thousand Days. I almost think I love it more than Goose Girl, but I'm not sure that's possible for any book. I'm a real live full-fledged librarian now.... If I ever get on one of those committees, I sure hope a Shannon Hale book comes out that year! Meanwhile, check out my Standouts page on http://www.sonderbooks.com/Standouts2008.html. Book of a Thousand Days was my number one Teen Fiction choice, and Austenland was my number two Romance Fiction choice. I LOVE how prolific you are being, Shannon!

[Sondy]

Urgh! Sorry! The period attached to the link. That link should be:

http://www.sonderbooks.com/Standouts2008.html