“Genesis Begins Again” by Alicia D. Williams has been announced as one of the five finalists competing for the William C. Morris literary award. In October, JARO had the pleasure of speaking with Williams about her debut novel through our podcast offering, where she touched on her early writing process and the book’s crucial message about colorism.
The annual award, instituted in 2009, spotlights young adult literature written by a first-time author. Ben Phillippe’s “The Field Guide to the North American Teenager,” David Yoon’s “Frankly in Love,” Nafiza Azad’s “The Candle and the Flame,” and Katy Rose Pool’s “There Will Come a Darkness” are the other esteemed nominees.
In a statement, awards committee chair Terry Young noted that “the selected finalists will captivate and enthrall readers all the way through with a diversity of characters that readers will want to connect with.”
The winner will be announced on January 27th. Stay up to date by visiting ala.org.
