CHILDREN'S BOOK AWARDS

2017 Awards Announcements

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.

Deadly Flowers: A Ninja’s Tale
Written by Sarah L. Thomson

Kata, a fifteen-year-old orphan, has trained many years alongside other young girls to become a “deadly flower” – feudal Japan’s female ninjas. She is the most promising student of Madame Chiyome, but when she embarks on her first mission, a dangerous twist complicates her assignment. Kata is tasked with sneaking into a warlord’s estate and assassinating a young boy, Ichiro. However, she fails to complete the mission, and by doing so throws herself, Ichiro and his older sister, Saiko, into an epic adventure. Kata struggles with knowing who she can trust as the trio fight demons, dark ninjas and samurai in this unique coming-of-age tale.

Thomson’s timely, middle-grade novel successfully pairs two girls at either end of the Feudal Japan social spectrum; each using their strengths and knowledge to gain precious control over their lives. Kata’s struggle to balance the inherently solo nature of being a ninja with the need to build friendship and trust with her companions plays out realistically on the page. With fun, sparking dialogue and an action-driven plot, Kata’s story will leave readers ready to practice their ninja and their friendship skills.

Published by Boyds Mills Press, 2016