California Young Readers Medal - Laurie Ann Thompson https://lauriethompson.com Inspiring and empowering young readers Fri, 15 Jan 2021 22:29:22 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://lauriethompson.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/cropped-05_lauriethompson_PhotoByMaryBalmaceda-thumbnail-square-150x150.jpg California Young Readers Medal - Laurie Ann Thompson https://lauriethompson.com 32 32 Emmanuel’s Dream wins CA Young Reader Medal! https://lauriethompson.com/2019/11/17/emmanuels-dream-wins-ca-young-reader-medal/ https://lauriethompson.com/2019/11/17/emmanuels-dream-wins-ca-young-reader-medal/#respond Sun, 17 Nov 2019 16:52:44 +0000 https://lauriethompson.com/?p=3483 Read more]]> A few weeks ago I was honored to travel to Pasadena, CA, to the California Library Association conference to receive the California Young Reader Medal for Emmanuel’s Dream. This is a very special award because the winning book in each category is chosen by the kids themselves.
First, the award tea itself. There were teas and sandwiches and all kinds of yummies, and look at the lovely decorations:

stage decorations
The edge of the stage, with the book covers and other images inspired by the stories.

cup and saucer with tiny bicycle and horse
Bicycles for Emmanuel’s Dream, horses for The War that Saved My Life.

It was fun hearing the other speakers and getting to chat with the librarians during the book signing. And it all came with an honest-to-goodness medal!

front of medal
The front of the medal.

back of medal
The back of the medal.

After the ceremony, I had some time to walk around and explore the city. The weather was perfect, and Pasadena is lovely.

Quote on electrical box
I loved the quotes painted onto the electrical boxes!

I stumbled upon a street fair in honor of Day of the Dead. There were many talented artists selling their wares, vendors, music, dancing, a puppet show, and chalk art! There were a lot of people out and about enjoying the festive atmosphere.
chalk artist at work
A chalk artist at work during the street fair.

A bearded dragon named Robert, enjoying the street fair with his pet boy.

I, of course, had to visit the local independent bookstore, Vroman’s!

bookstore shelves
A nice display at Vroman’s

The nice young women working there recommended Trejo’s Cantina for dinner, and it was so delicious!
Mexican rice bowl
Delicious dinner at Trejo’s Cantina!

The Vroman’s gals also told me not to miss the new ice cream shop in town, Wanderlust, which features flavors based on exotic travel destinations. They had me at ice cream! It was well worth the walk. I chose honey lavender, and it was divine.
So many interesting flavors!

As you can see, it was an amazing trip. Thank you so much, California young readers! 🙂 ]]> https://lauriethompson.com/2019/11/17/emmanuels-dream-wins-ca-young-reader-medal/feed/ 0