The winner: Kathy Erskine takes National Book Award

By Lisa Provence |
Published online 3:10pm Thursday Nov 18th, 2010
and in print issue #0947 dated Thursday Nov 25th, 2010
facetime-erskine-cropKathy Erskine before the National Book Award seal went on her book, Mockingbird.
PHOTO BY JEN FARIELLO

Charlottesville writer Kathryn Erskine now possesses one of the most prestigious literary awards in the country: the 2010 National Book Award in young people's literature for her book, Mockingbird.

Erskine was one of 20 finalists at the awards dinner at Cipriani Wall Street last night in New York. Also in the winners' circle was singer Patti Smith in nonfiction for her memoir, Just Kids, about her youth in New York in the '60s with her buddy, photographer Robert Mapplethorpe; Jaimy Gordon in fiction for Lord of Misrule, and Terrance Hayes in poetry for Lighthead.

Richmond native Tom Wolfe received an honorary lifetime achievement award.

Mockingbird is the story of an 11-year-old girl with Asperger's Syndrome whose brother is killed in a school shooting. The book, Erskine told the Hook a few weeks ago, was "part of my processing the Virginia Tech shootings."

Erskine edged out 229 other authors of young people's fiction, and was named one of five finalists in that category in October. The award carries with it a $10,000 prize.

Read more on: kathy erskinenational book award

5 comments

Tim FJ Tolson November 19th, 2010 | 2:22pm

Ms. Nina Gregory, our local public library, Jefferson-Madison Regional library (JMRL) has copies of the book and just ordered more! Visit: www.jmrl.org

And congratulations to Ms. Erskine; quite an honor and accomplishment.

Janis Jaquith November 18th, 2010 | 10:56pm

I've read the book, and it's terrific. It's not just for kids -- any adult would find it engaging and moving. It'll open your eyes to what it's like to be a person with Asperger's.

Nina Gregory November 18th, 2010 | 4:44pm

I can't wait to find a copy of this book somewhere. I think I will truly enjoy it!! I think it's also fabulous that one of the main characters has Asperger's Syndrome. I am definitely putting this one on my must read list!!

Emma Jayne November 18th, 2010 | 7:14pm

This is so awesome! As the parent of a teen with Asperger's, I find it so wonderful to have an Aspie character for young people to get to know and care about. They are often so misunderstood.
Congratulations, Kathy! And Thank you...

Sarah Collins Honenberger November 20th, 2010 | 11:06am

We can say we knew her when. Cvlle Words posted my review of Mockingbird some months ago. It's charming, profound and memorable. (and a wonderful Christmas gift for any reader). Congratulations on a well-deserved award.