By Kim McDarison
A book written by Fort Atkinson resident and author of children’s novels Karla Manternach is among 10 titles recently recognized with an Outstanding Achievement Award “noteworthy honor” by the Wisconsin Library Association, according to information released by the organization earlier this month.
Among books awarded in 2024 is “Team Meena,” by Manternach, which was released in hardcover early last year.
Beginning in 2019, Manternach has penned and published a series of books about a 9-year-old girl named “Meena.” The series, which is published by Simon and Schuster, has been heralded within the world of children’s literature, with the first book, “Meena Meets her Match,” winning accolades from the New York Public Library, the second in the series, “Never Fear, Meena’s Here!” was selected as an Amazon Editor’s Pick, and the third, “Meena Lost and Found,” was named Outstanding Book of the Year by the Wisconsin Library Association. The fourth and final book in the series, “Team Meena,” was released in hardcover early last year. The full series can be found at the Dwight Foster Public Library.
According to information released by the Wisconsin Library Association this month, the association’s awards recognize outstanding books for youth by Wisconsin-connected authors and illustrators.
The organization gave its Elizabeth Burr/Sheridan Worzalla Award to a book titled: “What Happened to Rachel Riley,” by Claire Swinarski.
The award is named in recognition of Wisconsin librarian Elizabeth Burr (1908-1996) and made possible by Sheridan Worzalla, the release stated, adding that the annual award is bestowed upon the most distinguished work in children’s and young adult literature written and/or illustrated by a Wisconsin book creator.
The organization gave its Wisconsin Notable Children’s Author/Illustrator Award to author Miranda Paul.
According to the release, the annual award honors Wisconsin authors, past and present, for their literary contributions.
Along with Team Meena, titles receiving noteworthy honors include:
• “How to Catch a Polar Bear,” by Stacy DeKeyser
• “The Wishing Machine,” by Jonathan Hillman
• “Dogs: A History of Our Best Friends,” by Lita Judge
• “How Mr. Silver Stole the Show,” by Kate Klise and M. Sarah Klise
• “Starlings,” by Amanda Linsmeier
• “Full Moon Pups,” by Liz Garton Scanlon
• “Always the Almost,” by Edward Underhill
• “What Rosa Brought,” illustrated by Eliza Wheeler
• “The Cartographers,” by Amy Zhang
An earlier story about Manternach, and her journey as an author of children’s books, is here: https://fortatkinsononline.com/fort-author-shares-inspiration-releases-fourth-final-meena-book/.
Fort library receives book cart donation
In other library-related news, The Fort Atkinson High School Class of 1962 has donated a book cart to the Dwight Foster Public Library. Representing the class, Pamela Claussen and Joanne Belstner recently arrived at the library to make the presentation.
Fort Atkinson resident and children’s author Karla Manternach sits in a sunlit writing nook in her home. She is the creator of a series of books about a 9-year-old girl named “Meena,” the most recent of which has been named in 2024 as an Outstanding Achievement by the Wisconsin Library Association. The recognition was received earlier this month. The book was published in hardcover early last year. File photo/Kim McDarison.
Fort Atkinson High School Class of 1962 representatives Pamela Claussen, from left, and Joanne Belstner, gather with Dwight Foster Public Library Director Minetta Lippert at which time the representatives presented the library with a donated book cart. Contributed photo.
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