a massachusetts book award honor!

I had a wonderful day at the Massachusetts State House on October 7 for the 2025 Mass Book Awards ceremony, which is celebrating its 25th year ☺️. Sponsored by the Massachusetts Center for the Book, the award recognizes significant works of fiction, nonfiction, poetry, translated literature, graphic novel/memoir, and children’s/young adult literature written, illustrated, or translated by current Commonwealth residents. An annual “notable contribution to publishing” award recognizes the work of Massachusetts-based presses. 

I was honored to receive an honors award for Kingdom of Dust, which was presented by author Lauren Wolk. The judges citation reads:

"Kingdom of Dust is a fantasy novel inspired by West-African mythology that follows Amara, a young girl who must find her land's lost storytellers in order to save her family and society. Filled with lush prose and accessible text for readers of all ages, Kingdom of Dust has secured its place in modern fantasy canons for children. Amara's journey tackling both climate justice and restoration of her people's stories is unforgettable."

​The winner of the Middle Grade/Young Adult category was Dead Things Are Closer Than They Appear by Robin Wasley (Simon & Schuster BYR) and an honor award was also bestowed on Better Must Come by Desmond Hall (Atheneum). Congratulations to my fellow category honorees!

So many authors spoke about the importance of recognizing the power of books in this moment when librarians, booksellers, and authors are under threat and access to books is being taken away. Though Massachusetts has the reputation of being a progressive state, we are not immune to this trend. In Massachusetts, challenges to materials in libraries have more than doubled over the past three years and in 2022 we experienced the fourth-highest number of reported book challenges nationwide. The Mass Freedom to Read Coalition is working to spread the word on two bills making their way through the State House, H.3594/S.2328 known as "An Act Regarding Free Expression" and asking for support from state lawmakers. 

Again, I thank the Massachusetts Center for the Book, the judges for the middle grade and young adult category, and to my supportive family and friends. I was also so happy to receive a citation from my state representative Brandy Fluker-Reid (pictured) and state senator Liz Miranda, both of whom I will be contacting to express my support for H.3594/S.2328.