It’s my distinct pleaure to be one of many that you will see announce that the second annual Nerds Heart YA tournament for under represented young adult literature is now officially in the works.  On behalf of the awesome organizing committee — Jodie (Book Gazing), Trish (Hey Lady! Whatcha Readin?), Amy (My Friend Amy) and myself — I’d like to express how excited we are to be taking over the reigns from the tournament’s wonderful birth mother Renay of YA Fabulous! fame.  As many of you may (or may not) know, Renay was unable to move forward with planning and organization of the tournament this year so she asked for volunteers to take over in her stead.

Now you’re stuck with us!

This year Nerds Heart YA is hoping to go bigger than ever!  For the 2010 tournament we have loads of great stuff planned for everyone to enjoy and hope to build on the amazing foundation Renay built.  In particular, we’re adding in an extra bracket, meaning we’ll get to showcase 32 books. Further, the central focus of the tournament will be diversity. We’ll be seeking to build dynamic long and short lists of books that represent one of a series of relatively under publicized categories.

Specifically, the lists will consist of books that:

  • Were published in 2009
  • Have received minimum press on blogs
  • Feature characters, or are penned by authors, who fall within the following categories:
    • Person(s) of Color (POC)
    • GLBT
    • Disability/Mental Illness
    • Religious Lifestyle
    • Lower Socioeconomic Status

Nerds Heart YA has always tried to involve those in the blogging world who love young adult literature. In 2010 you will be able to get involved by nominating titles or applying to judge a bracket once the shortlist is created.  In the coming weeks The Nerds Heart YA blog will be updated to provide more information regarding time lines, nomination and judging criteria as well as other fun stuff.   We will need your help! 

For now, keep an eye out and make Nerds Heart YA 2010 all that it can be!  Follow our handy dandy communication devices: Nerds Heart YA Twitter, Facebook Page, and subscribe to the RSS feed of the Nerds Heart YA Blog for continuous updates and content.