“Hey, I know Gary! He’s the YA Fiction chair.” Yes, he was. And during the COVID CYBILS, he was co-chair for both YA Fiction and YA Speculative Fiction!
Introducing Gary Anderson, CYBILS Board Member
Gary served as a judge for a number of CYBILS Awards categories before becoming YA Fiction Chair. His panels are as diverse as his reading: graphic novels, nonfiction (elementary through high school), and YA speculative fiction. We were sad when Gary asked to step aside, but thrilled that (a) he’s still reading widely and recommending lots of great books; (b) shares a few baseball books [his favorite sport]; and (c) he said “yes,” when we invited him to be a Board member.
Gary’s Picks for #CYBILS2023 Nomination
Eligible in YA Fiction | Ab(solutely) Normal: Short Stories That Smash Mental Health Stereotypes edited by Nora Shalaway Carpenter and Rocky Callen
Through powerful prose, verse, and graphics, the characters in this anthology defy stereotypes as they remind readers that living with a mental health condition doesn’t mean that you’re defined by it.
Each story is followed by a note from its author to the reader, and comprehensive back matter includes bios for the contributors as well as a collection of relevant resources.
Each story is followed by a note from its author to the reader, and comprehensive back matter includes bios for the contributors as well as a collection of relevant resources.
Eligible in YA Fiction | Chaos Theory by Nic Stone
Scars exist to remind us of what we've survived. When Shelbi sees Andy at his lowest, she can relate. So she doesn't resist reaching out. And there's no doubt their connection has them both seeing stars ... but the closer they get, the more the past threatens to pull their universes apart.
Eligible in Elementary Nonfiction | Contenders: Two Native Baseball Players, One World Series by Traci Sorell, Arigon Starr (illustrator)
Charles Bender grew up on the White Earth Reservation in Northwestern Minnesota. John Meyers was raised on the Cahuilla reservation in Southern California. Despite their mutual respect for each other's talents, the media was determined to pit them against each other. Their dream was to play professional baseball.
Neither let the supposed rivalry or the racism they faced within the stadium stop them from their dreams of native representation in "the Bigs."
Neither let the supposed rivalry or the racism they faced within the stadium stop them from their dreams of native representation in "the Bigs."
Eligible in Poetry: Novels in Verse | Enter the Body by Joy McCullough
In the room beneath a stage's trapdoor, Shakespeare’s dead teenage girls compare their experiences and retell the stories of their lives, their loves, and their fates in their own words. Bestselling author Joy McCullough offers a brilliant testament to how young women can support each other and reclaim their stories in the aftermath of trauma.
Eligible in YA Fiction | Fault Lines by Nora Shalaway Carpenter
Ever since her aunt died four months ago, Vivian (Viv) Spry (17) is aching to figure out where she belongs. Nobody in her rural West Virginia town has time for an assertive, angry girl, with the moniker of “Ice Queen” for refusing to sleep with her popular boyfriend. Enter Dex Mathews. a new kid whose mom lands a job laying pipeline.
Their worlds collide and friendship slowly blossoms ... until. Viv’s plan to sabotage the pipeline could result in Dex’s mom losing her job. Now two teens have to decide what’s worth fighting for—their families, their principles, or each other.
Their worlds collide and friendship slowly blossoms ... until. Viv’s plan to sabotage the pipeline could result in Dex’s mom losing her job. Now two teens have to decide what’s worth fighting for—their families, their principles, or each other.
Eligible in EMG Speculative Fiction | The Rhythm of Time by Questlove, with S. A. Cosby
Seventh grader Rahim Reynolds loves testing out the gadgets his best friend Kasia Collins invents. Her latest is the cell phone she built for his birthday [even though his parents won’t let him have one].
Rahim is excited to use the phone, but he didn't know there was a special battery. One that transports him back to 1997. Almost immediately, he learns what every time traveler before him has: Actions in the past jeopardize the future. With Kasia as his only lifeline to the present, Rahim works with her to get home unscathed, all the while dodging bullies (on his end) and suspicious government agents (on hers).
Rahim is excited to use the phone, but he didn't know there was a special battery. One that transports him back to 1997. Almost immediately, he learns what every time traveler before him has: Actions in the past jeopardize the future. With Kasia as his only lifeline to the present, Rahim works with her to get home unscathed, all the while dodging bullies (on his end) and suspicious government agents (on hers).
Eligible in YA Fiction | Those Pink Mountain Nights by Jen Ferguson
Berlin, Cameron, Jessi. Overachiever, high school dropout, rich girl (and HS tease). Different lives, different secrets unshared. Until that weekend at Pink Mountain Pizza takes several unexpected turns. All three teens will have to acknowledge the various ways they’ve been hurt—and how much they need each other to hold it all together.
Eligible in Fiction Picture Books | The Umbrella by Beth Ferry, Tom Lichtenheld (illustrator)
In a dreary town where it always rains, a little girl and her dog discover an unexpected way to spread the light. Told with surprise and humor, here is a story of generosity, perseverance, and the way that happiness can be contagious—all it takes is one person and a bright idea.
Eligible in HS Nonfiction | You: The Story: A Writer's Guide to Craft Through Memory by Ruta Septys
Masterfully weaving in humorous and heartfelt stories from her own life that illustrate an aspect of the craft of writing (such as plot, character development, or dialogue), Sepetys then inspires readers with a series of writing prompts and exercises.
This is a how-to book for aspiring writers that encourages you to look inward and excavate your own memories in order to discover the authentic voices and compelling details that are waiting to be put on the page.
This is a how-to book for aspiring writers that encourages you to look inward and excavate your own memories in order to discover the authentic voices and compelling details that are waiting to be put on the page.