3 SMP Books Named Finalists in National Book Competition!

Big News.

Guess what we just learned?  3 Shout Mouse Press books have been named as FINALISTS for 4 awards in 2 categories in a nation-wide book contest for independent presses!

This is a lot to Shout about:

1. Our Lives Matter is a finalist for 2015 Book of the Year for "YA Nonfiction" -- in competition with authors across the country from university and independent presses! 
2. Our authors from Reach Incorporated and Ballou High School also claimed 3 of the nominees for 2015 Book of the Year in the "Child Author (17 and under)" category!
3. Our books are currently being judged by booksellers, librarians, and publishing industry experts across the country to determine national winners, to be announced at the American Library Association Conference in Orlando in June.

Wow. What a powerful sign to ALL of our authors of how much their stories can inspire and engage readers of all ages, as well as open hearts and minds. We couldn't be more proud of them for putting in the hard work it takes to tell meaningful stories, and we couldn't be more excited that they are being recognized for that leadership and talent. 
If you'd like to see for yourself why the judges selected these books as tops in the competition, you can order all books here. 

Please join me in congratulating the following folks who made these award-winning books such a tremendous success:

Our Lives Matter (Ballou High School)

FINALIST in YA Nonfiction    *    FINALIST in Child Author

Authors: 
Chris Allen, Tyandra Ames, Iyana Ames, Jermiyah Baker, Amira Bean, Tajuan Boomer, Erica Branch, Carl Brown, Elexus Brown, Sade Burrell, Dimontre Davis, K.F., MH Jordan, RIckkia Jackson, Nina Kitt, De'Azia Lewis, Sharhonda Lewis, Levon Livingston, Gerald McBrayer, Lawrencia Odoms, Diantae Roach, Aijah Roberts, Randy Sams, Brandon Scott, Anthony Simpson, Triony Valdivia, Darne'sha Walker, China Warren, Shaquon Wells, Ayonna Williams

Photography:
Lana Wong

Cover Design:
Zoe Gatti

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A Little Girl in a Big, Big World  (Reach Incorporated)

FINALIST in Child Author

Authors: 
Daijha Cain
Ashley Cooper
Makayla Harris

Illustrator:
Nathaniel Oliver

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The Blue Spark (Reach Incorporated)

FINALIST in Child Author

Authors: 
Aderemi Abosede
Taijah Evans
Makayla Sutton

Illustrator:
Cassie Paris