I got a phone call yesterday morning from Boston. I didn’t answer it. Who do I know in Boston?

Uh, no one.

But when they called a third time I picked it up. I’m glad I did.

The call was from the folks at the American Library Association’s Mid-Winter Conference.

Why the early-morning call?

Hoodoo won a major award!

I am honored to have received the Coretta Scott King/John Steptoe New Talent Author Award!

This was really exciting news. I knew they gathered every year for this, but I forgot when it took place. This convention awards the big prizes including The Newbery, Caldecott, Printz, Coretta Scott King Awards and several others.

You can see the webcast here and scroll down to see all the recipients.

Suffice to say I didn’t get a lot of work done yesterday!

HAPPY 2016!