Earlier this year I received an email that stunned me. The Pennsylvania School Librarian Association (PSLA) had named me the 2025 Outstanding Pennsylvania Author!

PSLA is an organization I am long-familiar with. I first attended their annual conference as a an author in 2019. I’ve attended several more times since then. They also nominated my book, Whooo Knew? The Truth About Owls to the Pennsylvania Young Readers’ Choice Award for 2022-2023. (This award has just been renamed the Mountain Laurel Award!) 

Though a librarian had previously told me about the nomination, I still sat shocked. (If you look at previous winners--including last year's--you'll understand why!) It wasn't just a book, but my collective work recognized in this award! I cried and cried. (It was to the point that my husband thought something was seriously wrong. He was rather confused when I mentioned an award.)

For a long time I couldn’t wrap my head around the award. As the day of the award ceremony approached, I finally sat down to write an acceptance speech—something I had never done before. 

On Friday, April 4, 2025 PSLA hosted their Awards Breakfast during their annual conference. The award and criteria were introduced as well as why I was chosen. Honestly, it was rather strange to hear my work summarized and celebrated in such a big way. 

In my acceptance speech, I recognized the important work of librarians (including my elementary librarian Mrs. Rhinehart), as well as some who have supported me as an author. This includes publishers/editors, critique partners/writing friends, and my family. (My older sister is my biggest cheerleader.) And I thanked God for preparing me to write books long before I had the desire to do it!