Carol Award YA Semi-finalists and Winners 2023
At CCA, we spend a lot of time focusing on picture books. But the children’s book category includes chapter books, middle grade, and young adult categories too. Let’s peek at ACFW’s 2023 young adult novels nominated for the Carol Awards.
- Wishtress by Nadine Brandes
What if your tears granted wishes… and brought about your death? This Carol Award winning YA fantasy book dives into a world of magic, a curse, and the precarious emotional balance the main character, the Wishtress, must maintain to stay safe from those who would use and abuse her. Set in a fantastic world full of secrets, power struggles, and danger, this beautiful, fast-paced novel will leave the reader begging for more.
- The Wonderland Trials by Sara Ella
This finalist YA fantasy is a reimagined version of Alice in Wonderland. Readers experience a mashup of dystopian society and a magical land as they go on adventure with Alice. So many creative aspects of this story will draw the reader into the Wonderland world and have them rooting for Alice and her sister to succeed. A fresh perspective on a familiar tale.
- Zip, Zilch by Paul H. Maitland Jr.
Another YA finalist for the Carol Awards, Zip, Zilch is geared more for middle grade (they don’t have a MG category.) This quirky and humorous contemporary fiction follows Corey (Zip), who discovers he has a knack for running. The fast-moving plot focuses on friendship and fitting in—elements that make it an engaging read for the MG age group.
- Inside the Ten-Foot Line by Lori Z. Scott
Semi-finalist Inside the Ten-Foot Line introduces drama, danger, and faith to today’s teen. Readers quickly get pulled into plots unfolding both on and off the volleyball court—trouble with a toxic teammate and the predator who seeks her death. As readers discover the driving force behind the main character’s motivation to succeed, they see how real-life struggles can lead to hope and healing. There’s lots of laughs, tons of tension, and a satisfying ending to this contemporary fiction novel.
- The Star That Always Stays by Anna Rose Johnson
Directly inspired by the author’s experience, this semi-finalist follows the life of a Native American heroine as she assimilates into her world. Topics include heavy hitters, like racism and divorce, as well as everyday struggles, like making friends, family relationships, and first crushes. With nods from reviewers for the sometimes funny, often heartbreaking writing, this book is sure to touch the heart of readers.
- Addy of the Door Islands by Judy DuCharme
This semi-finalist historical fiction (the third book in the series) follows the life of a young orphan girl in 19th century Door County. Readers are immersed in a world with danger from the environment, lost and found love, and broken dreams. The book has a clear tie-in to Isaiah 43:2.
- Reaching into Silence by Linda Sammaritan
Set in 1964-65 during the Vietnam War, a twelve-year-old girl faces two challenging situations. Her sister is born with disabilities, and her father must report for duty in the war. While the heroine fights protect her younger sibling, she must also deal with normal middle school issues, such as bullying and friendship.
Congratulations to these writers. And if you decide to pick up one of these books, please leave a review for the author!
By Lori Z. Scott
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