In conjunction with American Library Association, the Young Adult Library Services Association, or YALSA was formed in 1957 to advocate, promote and strengthen services to young adults as part of the continuum of total library service, and to support those who provide service to this population.
Attending 30 library events every year, with a quarterly newsletter and active committees, YALSA is a leader in youth participation at all levels, from local libraries to the national level.
YALSA is the fastest growing division of the American Library Association. In 2007 it created a recommended list of Great Graphic Novels for Teens. The list, to be prepared annually, was released for the first time during the ALA Midwinter Meeting in Seattle, Washington, held January 19-23, 2007.
The 11-member committee worked hard to narrow its 141 official nominations down to the final list of 67 excellent adult and young adult graphic novel titles. The books, recommended for ages 12-18, meet the criteria of both good quality literature and reading appeal for teens.
This year, two Dark Horse titles below were chosen as ALA/2007 Great Graphic Novels for Teens:
Powell, Eric, Kyle Hotz, and others. Billy the Kid's Old-Timey Oddities. 2006. Dark Horse Comics, paper, $13.95. (978-1-59307-448-7).
Rubio, Kevin, Lucas Marangon, and others. Star Wars: Tag and Bink Were Here. 2006. Dark Horse Comics, paper, $14.95. (978-1-59307-641-2).
The YALSA Picks for 2007 are announced annually. For more information, click on the direct link for the award site at ALA/YALSA http://www.ala.org/ala/yalsa/booklistsawards/greatgraphicnovelsforteens/07GGNT.htm