The rules of SFWA’s Andre Norton Award for young adult fiction have been amended. Initially it was governed under the same eligibility as the Nebula Awards.

The late Andre Norton, for whom the Award was named, wanted the award to be open to any book published in English, She had been published in so many countries, and she wanted writers in those countries to have their chance at wider recognition.

Beginning with the calendar year 2006, any book will be eligible upon its first publication in the English language.

Andre Norton was a SFWA Grand Master and author of more than 100 novels, including the acclaimed Witch World series, many of them for young adult readers. Ms. Norton's work has influenced generations of young people, creating new fans of the fantasy and science fiction genres and setting the standard for excellence in fantasy writing.

Andre passed away March 17, 2005, shortly after the new award was announced. The first presentation of the Award will take place at the Nebula Awards ceremony at the Tempe Mission Palms Hotel on May 6, 2006.

Posted March 15, 2006