An Unexpected Honor

How shocked were we when we opened our email that summer day in 2024 and were informed that our new novel, Katy the Little Rose from Ukraine, had been nominated by the South Dakota Library Association for a Prairie Pasque Award?

The South Dakota Prairie Pasque Award, first given in 1987, is a children’s choice library award for grades 4 - 5, sponsored by the South Dakota Library Association. It honors books deemed popular by students from a nominated masterlist. The Book Award Committee will read the books suggested by South Dakota teachers and librarians and compile a master list of titles for the book award.

This award was established to foster a love of reading and encourage children to become enthusiastic, discriminating readers. It is one of South Dakota’s premier children’s book awards, selected by students and teachers in 4th and 5th grades.

If you know a fourth- or fifth-grade student or teacher who enjoyed our book, please encourage them to vote for Katy: The Little Rose from Ukraine. Voting runs from October through April 1st of this school year. Use the link below to cast your vote:

https://www.sdlibraryassociation.org/page/ChildrensAwards

Thank you to everyone who has supported us on our writing journey and has encouraged us to continue the story of Katy and her sisters!