The Utah School Library Association (USLA) is pleased to announce that author Shannon Hale has been chosen by its membership to receive the Utah Ambassador for Young People’s Literature Medal.
As the Utah Ambassador for Young People’s Literature, Hale will travel the state over the next two years presenting to and visiting with young readers and writers to inspire a love of reading. USLA recognizes Shannon Hale for her award-winning contributions to literature for children and teens and for her longstanding commitment to encouraging creativity, confidence, and literacy among young people.
Shannon Hale is a New York Times bestselling and Newbery Honor–winning author whose work spans picture books, middle-grade novels, young adult fantasy, and graphic novels. A native and resident of Utah, Hale grew up filling notebooks with stories and dreaming of becoming a writer. She graduated from the University of Utah with a degree in English and later earned a master’s degree in Creative Writing from the University of Montana.
Hale’s breakthrough came with The Goose Girl, the novel that launched her acclaimed Books of Bayern series. She has since written numerous beloved works, including the Newbery Honor book Princess Academy and its companions, the bestselling Real Friends graphic-novel series (with illustrator LeUyen Pham), Dangerous, Book of a Thousand Days, Ever After High, and the popular Princess in Black series co-authored with Dean Hale. Her books have received multiple awards and state honors and have been translated into many languages, inspiring readers around the world with their warmth, humor, and empowering themes.
Throughout her career, Hale has distinguished herself as a champion of young readers, encouraging them to see themselves as creators and heroes in their own stories. Her writing is known for its emotional depth, memorable characters, and thoughtful explorations of courage, and community. Shannon Hale’s dedication to storytelling and her vigorous promotion of literacy continue to make her an influential voice for young readers and aspiring writers.
The Utah Ambassador for Young People’s Literature Medal recognizes a respected author and/or illustrator either born or living in Utah, chosen by the USLA membership, whose creative work represents the aspirations, imaginations, and stories of and for young people. Like the Library of Congress’s National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature, the Utah Ambassador is appointed to “raise [state] awareness of the importance of young people’s literature as it relates to lifelong literacy, education, and the development and betterment of the lives of young people.”
The Utah Ambassador for Young People’s Literature program was made possible by a grant from the Utah State Library Division. Funds are provided by the Institute of Museum and Library Services through the Library Services and Technology Act. Over the next two years, public and charter schools throughout the state will be invited to apply for a free school visit by Ambassador Hale as she shares her inspiring message about the power of story and the love of reading.
Contact USLA President Erica Owens erica.owens@utahsla.org