Exciting things happened this past Saturday night, and they did NOT involve being swept away by a tornado, thank goodness.
The Revenant won the Oklahoma Book Award for YA!
I was given a medal. (!!!) And I made a little speech. A speech in which I forgot to thank the Oklahoma Center for the Book. THANK YOU OKLAHOMA CENTER FOR THE BOOK!
As exciting as that was, the true highlight of the evening was seeing Anna Myers accept her Lifetime Achievement Award. Anna has written nearly a million* books, most of which have won awards and made important lists. Her stories have thrilled children and adults alike. Anna is one of the wisest and most supportive people I’ve ever met. She’s also HILARIOUS and great fun to be around. Read more about her accomplishments here. After being introduced so poignantly by her son Ben Myers (a 2011 OBA winner in Poetry) Anna spoke of life, art, and inspiration. She made me giggle (as she often does), but mostly she made me think. I’m so grateful to her and the Oklahoma kidlit writing community for all they’ve taught me.
*slight exaggeration
Please join me in a happy dance for all the finalists and the friends who cheered them on. Hooray for the bookish people of Oklahoma!
[cross-posted from Livejournal]
