The California Young Reader Medal winners have been announced for the 2011-2012 year.   Books considered for the award are nominated by children, teens, teachers, librarians, parents and others who work with young people.  Nominees must have a strong appeal for the age group, be often read or requested by children or teens, must have been published in the last four years and still be in print, must be written by a living author, and must be a work of fiction available in English.  The winners are selected in specific age categories.

Here are the winners for 2011/2012:

PRIMARY

I Need My Monster by Amanda Noll

INTERMEDIATE

Violet Raines Almost Got Struck by Lightning by Danette Haworth

MIDDLE SCHOOL

Every Soul a Star by Wendy Mass

YOUNG ADULT

Graceling by Kristen Cashore

PICTURE BOOK FOR OLDER READER

Henry’s Freedom Box by Ellen Levine