By Cynthia Leitich Smith

Thank you to the Austin Public Library Friends Foundation for recognizing my work in young adult writing at the 2013 Illumine benefit gala on Friday night at the downtown Hilton.

My appreciation to author-illustrator Mark G. Mitchell for his gracious introduction!

Thanks also to the Austin youth literature community, Austin SCBWI, and the Writers’ League of Texas as well as my mentor, Kathi Appelt, and my husband, Greg Leitich Smith. I was surprised and touched by how many of our children’s-YA book community members turned out–cheers to you all.

Congratulations to fellow honorees Steven Weinberg (nonfiction), Stephen Harrigan (fiction) and Carmel Borders (luminary) as well as the young writers from Badgerdog!

How lovely to be feted in such distinguished and inspiring company!

With authors Sarah Bird and Jennifer Ziegler

Austin SCBWI ARA Shelley Ann Jackson and RA Samantha Clark

With author Julie Lake, Shelley, Sam

With authors Hamilton Beazley & Kathi Appelt (my mentor!)

Author Brian Yansky & author-illustrator Frances Hill Yansky

University of Texas library prof. Loriene Roy & author Greg Leitich Smith

Mark & Julie

With author Ruth Pennebaker

Posing with the Illumine Award

Author Chris Barton with Kathi & Brian

With my date

Thanks again!