The New York State Writers Institute revealed the winners of its state author and state poet honors, the Times Union reports.
Jacqueline Woodson, known for her books for younger readers (Brown Girl Dreaming) and adults (Another Brooklyn) was named the winner of the state author honor. It’s the latest in a string of awards and honors for Woodson, who has won four Newbery Honors, two Coretta Scott King Awards, and a National Book Award. She also served as the Young People’s Poet Laureate and the National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature of the Library of Congress.
Patricia Spears Jones was named the state poet honoree. Jones’ poetry collections include The Weather That Kills, Femme du Monde, and Living in the Love Economy; in 2017, she was honored by Poets & Writers magazine with its Jackson Poetry Prize.
Paul Grondahl, the institute’s director, said in a statement, “These two outstanding writers with New York roots are worthy recipients of these prestigious honors. We celebrate their singular literary excellence and how each embodies the vitality of the literary arts in New York State.”
The biennial state author and state poet honors were established in 1985. Previous state authors have included Grace Paley, Kurt Vonnegut, and Colson Whitehead, while state poets have included Audre Lorde, Billy Collins, and Yusef Komunyakaa.
Michael Schaub, a journalist and regular contributor to NPR, lives near Austin, Texas.
