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CHILDREN'S BOOK AWARDS2020 Awards AnnouncementsThe Children’s Book Award Committee of the Wisconsin Library Association’s Youth Services Section annually selects outstanding books for youth by Wisconsin-connected authors and awards the Elizabeth Burr/Worzalla Award, Outstanding Books of the Year, and Notable Wisconsin Authors/Illustrators.
Elizabeth Burr/Worzalla Award
Awarded to the most distinguished work in children’s and young adult literature written and/or illustrated by a Wisconsin book creator. The Elizabeth Burr/Worzalla Award is made possible by the Worzalla Publishing Company, Stevens Point, through a grant to the WLA Foundation.
Notable Wisconsin AuthorFor her incredible body of work in children’s literature, Wisconsin resident Kashmira Sheth was selected as the 2020 Wisconsin Notable Children’s Author. Sheth has written a variety of stories for kids and teens featuring relatable characters and well-crafted storylines. She has received much acclaim for her writing, including starred reviews, honors, and awards for her works. The Children’s Book Award Committee is delighted to present this award to such a masterful storyteller. About the AuthorKashmira Sheth is the author of such highly regarded young-adult novels as Blue Jasmine and Koyal Dark, Mango Sweet, as well as the picture book My Dadima Wears a Sari and the new Nina Soni chapter book series. Born in Bhavangar, India, Sheth often incorporates memories of her homeland into her works. "My own journey from India to America and the need to tell that story in order to come full circle with the immigrant experience was a catalyst for my writing," the author stated in an interview on the Debbie Michiko Florence Web site. "I believe it is emotionally exhausting to leave one country and make a home in another. Writing about it has made me a stronger person." Sheth came to the United States at age seventeen to attend Iowa State University, where her uncle taught. After graduating with a degree in microbiology, she landed a job with the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection. Following the birth of her daughters, Sheth developed an interest in children's literature and began recording her life experiences. Sheth published her debut work of fiction, Blue Jasmine, in 1994, which earned the Paul Zindel First Novel Award. Since her debut novel, Kashmira has written a highly acclaimed collection of picture books, chapter books, and young adult novels including Keeping Corner, Boys Without Names, Tiger in My Soup, and more. Her wide-range of award-winning and critically acclaimed writing highlights Indian culture, immigrant stories, sheds light on social justice issues, and emphasizes the power of self-discovery. Kashmira lives in Madison, Wisconsin, with her family. Outstanding Books of the YearNoteworthy honor titles are selected for Outstanding Achievement in children’s literature, written and/or illustrated by Wisconsin book creators.
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