For immediate release | January 10, 2011

2011 Schneider Family Book Awards recipients named

91´«Ã½

SAN DIEGO – The 91´«Ã½ (91´«Ã½) is pleased to announce the winners of the 2011 Schneider Family Book Awards, which honor an author or illustrator for the artistic expression of the disability experience for child and adolescent audiences. The award was announced today during the 91´«Ã½ (91´«Ã½) Midwinter Meeting in San Diego, Jan. 7 - 11.



Recipients are selected in three categories: birth through grade school (age 0–10), middle school (age 11–13) and teens (age 13–18). Winners will receive $5,000 and a framed plaque, which will be presented in San Diego during the 91´«Ã½ Annual Conference in June.
“The Pirate of Kindergarten” written by George Ella Lyon, illustrated by Lynne Avril and published by Atheneum Books for Young Readers, an imprint of Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing Division won the award for young children.
Ginny’s eyes play tricks and, in her world, there are two of everything. Reading, math, and kindergarten activities are a challenge. Wearing an eye patch turns her into the pirate of kindergarten, and glasses help bring her world into focus. Whimsical mixed media illustrations cleverly convey Ginny’s experiences first hand.
“After Ever After,” written by Jordan Sonnenblick and published by Scholastic Press, an imprint of Scholastic Inc. won the award for best middle school title.
Jeffrey is free of cancer, but not the fallout from the treatment. Tad, his cancer survivor buddy and he swap wisecracks as they cope with their “chemo-brain,” other cancer effects and typical 8th grade angst.
The teen award winner is “Five Flavors of Dumb,” written by Antony John and published by Dial Books, an imprint of Penguin Group (USA) Inc.
Dumb is not the name Piper, a high school senior who is Deaf, would have chosen for a heavy metal band, yet she volunteers to manage this disparate group of would-be musicians. In her attempt to make Dumb profitable, Piper learns a few things about music and business, striking a chord within herself.
“All three of our winning books have strong characters with disabling conditions that are not the defining feature of their lives,” said Award Chair Julie A. Cummins. “For eight years, this award has recognized such shining examples of the growing pool of books for children and teens that artistically express disability experiences.”
Members of the 2011 Schneider Family Book Award committee are: Chair Julie A. Cummins, Canandaigua, N.Y.; Jill Garcia, National Library Services, Beltsville, Md.; Annette Y. Goldsmith, University of Washington, Los Angeles; Marilyn M. Irwin, Indiana University- Indianapolis IUPUI, Bloomington, Ind.; Barbara S. Klipper, Ferguson Library, Stamford, Conn.; Judy T. Nelson, Pierce County Library System, Tacoma, Wash.; and Amy E. Sears, Teaneck . Public Library, Teaneck NJ.
For more information on the Schneider Family Book Award and other 91´«Ã½ Youth Media Awards, please visit .
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Contact:

Macey Morales

Media Relations Manager

91´«Ã½

mmorales@ala.org

312-280-4393