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What is the Alex Award?

In recognition that many young adults read, and often prefer, books written for adults, the Alex Award Committee selects ten adult books that will "intrigue and challenge" young adults.  The committee seeks a variety of titles in diverse subjects and genres. .

Who decides the winner?

The Alex Award Committee of the Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA,) a division of the American Library Association (ALA.) determines the ten books.  YALSA Vice President/President-Elect selects nine YALSA members for a two-year term with possibility of reappointment. One will be appointed as Chair for one-year term.  The tenth member is from Booklist. Books may be nominated by members, publishers and from readers.  Only nominated books will be considered. Selected books are announced during National Library Week and published in Booklist in the closest issue to National Library Week, usually mid-April.  In addition, the award, may be announced at the ALA Annual Conference Awards Program.

When did the award begin?

The Alex Award began in 1998.  It was originally funded by the Margaret Alexander Edwards Trust that set up a Task Force to develop criteria and selection process as well as to select the books. Changes were made In 2002 when the Alex Awards were approved as an official ALA award.  The Task Force was superseded by the Alex Awards Committee.  In addition to the sponsorship by the Margaret Alexander Edwards Trust, Booklist is also a sponsor.

What special criteria are used to select this award?

Books considered will be:

• Published in calendar year prior to announcement

• Come from a publisher's adult list

• Works or fiction and nonfiction will be considered

• Works of joint authorship and editorship are eligible

• Books published in another country in English are eligible

• Books translated into English are eligible

• Selected from genres that have special appeal to young adults

• Potentially appealing to teens age 12-18

• Well written and very readable

Why is it called the Alex Award?

The award is named in honor of Margaret Alexander Edwards, known to her close friends as "Alex," who was the young adult specialist at the Enoch Pratt Free Library in Baltimore.  Margaret Edwards extensively used adult books with young adults to enhance their experiences and understandings of themselves and their world. She describes her work in her book Fair Garden and the Swarm of Beasts.

What does the award look like?

The Alex Award features the name "ALEX" in large blue letters. Interspersed in circled red letters is the word "award."

 (AAWLAERXD)

 Above the name is "Teen Readers" and below is "and Adult Books.," both in blue letters.  Surrounding the printed symbol is a circle of stylized leaves, similar to laurel leaves.