The CYBILS are Coming!

Dear savvy readers:

Many of you have not only heard of the CYBILS, but have served as panelists or judges yourselves. But for those among us for whom the term conjures images of Sally Field in made-for-tv movies, let me set the record straight.

For over four spins around the sun, the CYBILS awards have been given yearly by bloggers to the year’s best children’s and young adult titles.  I am thrilled to be serving as a round 2 judge for the middle grade fiction category with an impressive and dedicated group of writers, reviewers and librarians.

What does this mean?  This means that it's almost time for you to nominate some books for us to read!

From October 1st through October 15th, we are seeking nominations for 9 categories:

• Easy Readers/Short Chapter Books
• Fantasy/Science Fiction
• Fiction Picture Books
• Graphic Novels
• Middle Grade Fiction (I'll be judging this one.)
• Nonfiction (MG/YA)
• Nonfiction Picture Books
• Poetry
• Young Adult Fiction

 Anyone can nominate books, but here are some guidelines.


 Once you start making nominations, round 1 panelists start reading! They will read all the nominated books and finely whittle down that huge list into excellent shortlists.  They'll then present that shortlist to second-round judges (including me). We will then take that shortlist and come up with a winner.  This process happens with 9 different categories and panels of judges.

What Can You Do?

• Spread the word!  If you are a librarian or a teacher, get your students to nominate their favorite books for the CYBILS.
• Beginning October 1st  and ending October 15th- NOMINATE your favorite  book published in the last year in the nine different categories. Titles must be published from Oct. 16, 2009 and Oct. 15, 2010. Books must be published in English or bilingual with English.  Anyone can nominate a title, but only one nomination per genre per person, please.
• Subscribe to the Cybils feed.
• Follow @cybils on Twitter.
• Get some Cybils bling for your blog if you have one.
• Buy Cybils bling for your home or office.
•  Get pumped! Follow the nominations, read your favorites, make predictions, and check in when the shortlists and winners are announced.

Dates to Remember

• October 1-15th:  Nominations open to the public
• New Year’s Day:  Shortlists announced
• St. Valentines Day:  Finalists announced

Are you pumped yet? I am! Join me to follow the nominations, read your favorites, make predictions!