Friends, it’s been a helluva summer. My fatigue has kicked my backside, but I STILL turned in a book – on time, thankyouverymuch – and now for my reward is taking part in the second round judging for the CYBILS Award. Every time I think I don’t have time, I find that it is just one of my singular joys to be a part of the crew. I am SO happy to be back. I try and hold back, as a Board member, because I participated seven years in a row, and it’s always nice to have Other People get a chance, but when I’m needed I am OVERJOYED to be there. And look: we have new badges this year!!!!
And here’s the POETRY badges:
I’m a 2nd Round Poetry Judge, and I couldn’t be prouder. I feel quasi-qualified this time, too, since I have a poem being published in 2026 in an anthology from Lerner! Woot! But, even if I didn’t have that, I know that my only qualification needs to be that I love poetry, and I’m willing to speak about my opinion, and listen to the opinions of others. Together we’ll celebrate what we love the best – and that’s the joy of the CYBILS.
Friends – especially poetry, nonfiction, and speculative fiction friends – when you have a chance to nominate books, DO IT. Being a part of this singularly nerdy award which started all the way in 2006 is proof positive that we – average ordinary librarians, teacher, and readers – can make our voices heard about the work we love to read. Join the fun, please!
