Courtesy of the American Library Association
Posted December 11, 2018
Big congrats to Vesper Stamper, who’s gorgeous YA novel What the Night Sings has just been nominated for the prestigious William C. Morris YA Debut Award! First given in 2009, the award honors a book published by a first-time author writing for teens and celebrating impressive new voices in young adult literature. The award’s namesake is William C. Morris, an influential innovator in the publishing world and an advocate for marketing books for children and young adults. Bill Morris left an impressive mark on the field of children’s and young adult literature. He was beloved in the publishing field and the library profession for his generosity and marvelous enthusiasm for promoting literature for children and teens.
What the Night Sings is a haunting, first-person account of Gerta, a musically talented teenager, who learns of her Jewish heritage only after being sent to Auschwitz and, later, Bergen-Belsen. Torn from her father, she clings to his viola and discovers her own voice and strength after the liberation. Lovely, lyrical prose and ethereal illustrations make Stamper’s unusual story sing.
The winner will be announced at the ALA Youth Media Awards, on January 28, 2019.
