by Brenda Scott Royce, SCBWI-L.A. Contest Coordinator

We’re thrilled to announce this year’s winner of the Sue Alexander Grant, Sherry Shahan, whose middle-grade adventure got our judges’ hearts racing!

“My middle-grade work-in-progress, The Icy Wilds, was inspired by my many treks to Alaska as a photojournalist,” Sherry says. “In particular, visiting a small town where 95 percent of the residents live in a building that also houses a post office, church, general store, etc.” 

Here’s what the judges had to say: 

“The Icy Wilds expertly set up an intriguing scenario: a young boy stuck in the middle of a divorce, set against the thrilling backdrop of the Alaskan wilderness. I was immediately drawn in by the emotional conflict and the urgency of the setting, which is ultimately relatable and exciting to middle grade readers.”

“I was drawn into this story from the first sentence. I loved how the setting is as much a character as the well-written, three-dimensional protagonist. And if it continues in this terrific vein, I could easily see this book in bookstores everywhere.”

As the winner of the Sue Alexander Grant, Sherry will receive a guaranteed spot and free tuition to SCBWI-L.A.’s Working Writers Retreat, which will be held at the Holy Spirit Retreat Center in Encino, September 27–29, 2024. She expresses “heartfelt gratitude to SCBWI-L.A. and the Sue Alexander Grant award committee for this honor!”  

Runners-Up

Congratulations are also in order for Karol Ruth Silverstein, who took second place with an inventive, lyrical middle-grade excerpt. One judge commented, “The Crushing Weight of Ugly deftly tackles the internal turmoil that accompanies growing up larger than your peers. Through delicate verse, the author portrays how small, mundane actions like eating can have big emotional consequences.”

A beachside setting and strong voice help set Trouble Beneath the Waves apart. The middle-grade excerpt by PB Rippey snagged third place. A judge wrote, “I was intrigued by this unique plot and the unusual, well-defined characters—and would have liked to read more of this story.”

SCBWI-L.A. extends its deepest appreciation to our judges (who serve anonymously) for their time and careful consideration. And kudos to everyone who entered for putting their work out there.

Read more about Sherry Shahan’s writing at her website. 

For more fantastic content, community, events, and other professional development opportunities, become a member today! Not sure if there is a chapter in your area? Check here.

---

Brenda Scott Royce is the Contest Coordinator for SCBWI-L.A.  She has authored more than 30 books for children. Her latest, Angela & Lulingu: Two Gorillas, A World Apart, came out in September 2023, from Blue Sneaker Press.

Photos provided by Sherry Shahan and Brenda Scott Royce.