Woodson Named Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award Laureate

American author Jacqueline Woodson was named laureate of the Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award, which is given annually to authors, illustrators, oral storytellers and reading promoters "to promote interest in children's and young adult literature." The winner receives five million Swedish kronor (about $608,514).

In praising this year's honoree, the jury's citation said Woodson "introduces us to resilient young people fighting to find a place where their lives can take root. In language as light as air, she tells stories of resounding richness and depth. Jacqueline Woodson captures a unique poetic note in a daily reality divided between sorrow and hope."

Woodson is the author of more than 30 books, including novels, poetry and picture books. Earlier this year, she was named the National Ambassador for Young People's Literature. Woodson is a four-time Newbery Honor Medalist, Coretta Scott King Book Award-winner, former Young People's Poet Laureate and winner of the National Book Award in 2014 for Brown Girl Dreaming.

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