I have so much to tell you people and I keep not telling it.  This is partly because I can't seem to get the jpgs from iphoto to upload. I don't understand -- I have never had any problem with this before.

Anyway. 

The National Book Award reading and party (two different nights) were really lovely. I was in awe getting to meet Daniel Handler and Angela Johnson, and to chat with Carolyn Mackler and Holly Black (also awe -- but I had met them before) -- all members of the committee. You can see a couple photos on Holly's blog. 

The reading evening started off with a medal ceremony and every finalist got a big honking bronze medal to wear and feel important. I loved hearing everyone read though most people were rather SERIOUS and I was silly silly silly.  I read the bit about bras on all the statues and then Trish, Claudia and Star's analysis of Frankie's prank.

This strategy had worked well at the Teen Press Conference that morning, where an awesome group of teenagers laughed at my  jokes and asked all five Young People's Literature finalists really interesting questions. But it was not as enthusiastically received by the more adult type people. Possibly I was a breath of fresh air, but possibly I was just the silliest person at the National Book Awards.

The next evening was very glam. It took place in this big old renovated bank with beautiful ceilings. I was so proud and pleased to be there, and was sad not to win but also felt the Judy Blundell's honor was very well deserved. I wore my gold dress! WIth gold shoes! I photographed them in the ladies room. 

I need to write about/show you my photos of NCTE (Scott Westerfeld with a pinata on his head!  Me attempting to lick Lauren Myracle!) but that will have to wait.  As usual, the most complete reporting (with lots of photos) comes from Cynthia Leitich-Smith, author of Tantalize. ANd if you're on twitter, WalterGiant twittered all the ALAN panels!