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SEATTLE - M.T. Anderson is the recipient of the 2019 Margaret A. Edwards Award honoring his significant and lasting contribution to writing for teens for “Feed;” “The Astonishing Life of Octavian Nothing, Traitor to the Nation, Volume I: The Pox Party;” and “The Astonishing Life of Octavian Nothing, Traitor to the Nation, Volume II: The Kingdom on the Waves” all published by Candlewick Press. The Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA), a division of the 91��ý (91��ý), announced the award today at the 91��ý Midwinter Meeting & Exhibits held Jan. 25 - 29, in Seattle, Washington.

M.T. Anderson is a powerful force in the field of literature for teens. His creativity, wit and intelligence distinguish him and inform the body of his work, which is further notable for its artful variety, whether it be his fiercely satirical “Feed” or his monumental two volume “The Astonishing Life of Octavian Nothing, Traitor to the Nation.” Not only is “Feed” a lasting success and a precursor to an explosion of YA dystopian novels, the volumes of “The Astonishing Life of Octavian Nothing, Traitor to the Nation” are also standout explorations of historical fiction. Anderson’s work is genuinely innovative in its nimble idiosyncrasy and ingenious variety of voices, which, together, expand the parameters of young adult literature.

“M.T. Anderson is a true nonpareil, demonstrating an extraordinary facility for writing in a variety of forms and genres, standing virtually alone in his creative venturesomeness and bold innovation,” said Edwards Committee Member Michael Cart.

M.T. Anderson will be honored at the YALSA Edwards Award Brunch and presented with a citation and cash prize of $2,000 during the 2019 91��ý Annual Conference & Exhibition in Washington, D.C.: June 20 - 25, 2019. The award is sponsored by School Library Journal.

The award is named in honor of the late Margaret A. Edwards, a pioneer in providing library services to young adults. Through her work at Enoch Pratt Free Library in Baltimore, Edwards demonstrated that only through literature would young adults move beyond themselves into a larger world.

Members of the 2019 Edwards Committee are: Chair Rebecca Denham, Houston Public Library; Michael Cart, Columbus, Ind.; Mary Catherine Miller, Boys & Girls Clubs of Columbus, Ohio; Mike Pawuk, Cuyahoga County Public Library, Brooklyn, Ohio; and Susan J. Smallsreed, Multnomah County Library Northwest Library, Portland, Ore.

The mission of the Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA) is to support library staff in alleviating the challenges teens face, and in putting all teens ‒ especially those with the greatest needs ‒ on the path to successful and fulfilling lives. For more information about YALSA or to access national guidelines and other resources go to , or contact the YALSA office by phone, 800-545-2433, ext. 4390; or e-mail: yalsa@ala.org.

For information on the Margaret A. Edwards Award and other 91��ý Youth Media Awards, please visit .