Young People’s Literature Award, 2024

Alicia D. Williams was awarded the Young People’s Literature Award (YPLA) for her book, “Mid-Air”, at the annual ceremony of the NC Literary and Historical Association in Raleigh on December 6th.  This annual award has been given by AAUW of North Carolina since 1953,  Below is the short biographical information from the author’s website.  Read more about the author.

Alicia D. Williams is the award-winning author of “Genesis Begins Again”, which received the Newbery and Kirkus Prize honors, a William C. Morris finalist, and won the Coretta Scott King–John Steptoe Award for New Talent. Alicia D also debuted a picture book biography, “Jump at the Sun: The True Life Tale of Unstoppable Storycatcher Zora Neale Hurston” and followed up with Jane Addams Peace Award winning “Shirley Chisholm Dared: The Story of the First Black Woman in Congress”. Her latest picture book, “The Talk”, won both Coretta Scott King and Golden Kite Honors. Alicia celebrates her verse novel, “Mid-Air”, a 2024 National Book Award longlist title.

• Alicia is an award-winning author of books that offer understanding, empathy, hope, and inspiration.
• Her website highlights her books, Mid-Air, The Talk, Genesis Begins Again, Jump At The Sun, Shirley Chisholm Dared, and Recognize!.  Her books have earned numerous awards.  Read more about these titles and literary recognitions.

Alicia shares a passion for writing which stems from conducting artist residencies in schools as a Master Teaching Artist of arts-integration. Alicia D infuses her love for drama, movement, comedy, and storytelling to inspire students to write their own narratives.