In case you haven’t heard me talk about it, I’m a big fan of the Cybils — The Children’s and Young Adult Bloggers’ Literary Awards.  As described by the organizers the purpose of the awards are:

” Reward the children’s and young adult authors (and illustrators, let’s not forget them) whose books combine the highest literary merit and “kid appeal.” What’s that mean? If some la-di-dah awards can be compared to brussel sprouts, and other, more populist ones to gummy bears, we’re thinking more like organic chicken nuggets. We’re yummy and nutritious.

[and]

Foster a sense of community among bloggers who write about children’s and YA literature, highlight our best reviewers (and shamelessly promote their blogs) and provide a forum for the similarly obsessed.”

Who wouldn’t want to be part of that?  I mean, seriously?  It’s a boatload of awesomeness for a lover of young adult and children’s literature!

That’s why I’m super excited to announce that I’ve been selected to serve on the panel for the Young Adult Fiction category of the awards.  Speaking of awesomeness, look at who I get to work with:

Panel Organizer: Jackie Parker, Interactive Reader

Panelists (Round I Judges):

Cherylynne W. Bago, View from Above and Beyond
Justina Ireland, The YA 5
Kelly Jensen, Stacked
Ami Jones, Three Turtles and Their Pet Librarian
Jackie Parker (see panel organizer)
Amanda Snow, A Patchwork of Books
Melissa Wiley, Here in the Bonny Glen

Round II Judges:

Karen Ballum, Sassy Monkey
Kathy M. Burnette, The Brain Lair
Michelle Franz, Galleysmith
Alice Pope, SCBWI
Tasha Saecker, Kids Lit

I’m grateful that the organizers wanted to include me and I can’t wait to get started working with all of the wonderful panelists.

So how can you get involved?

Starting October 1, 2010 you can nominate titles in a variety of categories from young adult to picture books, from middle grade to easy readers.  You can also publicize the awards.  Throw some bling on your blog, post about the process and keep tabs on how things are progressing, the sky’s the limit.

Interested?  Well then head on over to the Cybils website and learn more. They have a wealth of information about the awards and the process.

Be prepared to hear more about the Cybils Awards on this here blog as I continue to encourage you all to get involved!