The Assembly on Literature for Adolescents (ALAN) of the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE) has announced that the 2014 Amelia Elizabeth Walden Award Winner is Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell (St. Martin’s Griffin, 2013). Established in 2008 to honor the wishes of young adult author Amelia Elizabeth Walden, the award grants $5,000 to be presented annually to the author of a young adult title demonstrating a positive approach to life, widespread teen appeal, and literary merit.
Set in 1986, Eleanor & Park is the story of two decidedly mismatched teens, from drastically different families. It doesn’t seem possible that they could fall in love–and stay in love—despite these differences. Eleanor & Park received starred reviews from Booklist, Kirkus, The Horn Book, and School Library Journal.
The winning title and finalists will be honored at the 2014 ALAN Workshop on Monday, November 24 in Washington, D.C. and will be invited to participate in a panel discussion.
The 2014 Amelia Elizabeth Walden Award Committee considered nearly 300 young adult titles throughout the process. The committee was comprised of 11 members representing the university, K-12 school, and library communities.