Narrative Nonfiction Par Excellence

Generally speaking, I gravitate toward fiction if given the choice. However, after years of working with kids of all ages and a stint on the YALSA EXCELLENCE IN NONFICTION FOR YOUNG ADULTS COMMITTEE plus having encountered more than a few terrific examples of nonfiction, I am a convert. The 2012 winner of the YALSA EXCELLENCE IN NONFICTION AWARD is THE NOTORIOUS BENEDICT ARNOLD by Steve Sheinkin (Roaring Brook, 2011). I knew little about the life of Benedict Arnold. Most of what I knew was that his name was synonymous with treason and traitorous actions. What I learned in the reading, though, was the backstory, the important details that compelled Arnold to act as he did. And is that not the power of nonfiction: to give us the big picture instead of the snippet that goes into the history books in this case? Thanks Jennifer Huber Swan and committee for selecting this incredible book as your winning title. <426>