The Paul Zindel First Novel Award is presented annually to unpublished novelists for a work of contemporary or historical fiction aimed at 8-12 year olds and set in the United States ‘that reflects the diverse ethnic and cultural heritage of our country’.

... this is an important award for encouraging the emergence of new talent and promoting multicultural books for independent young readers.

• The Award was established in 2002 in honor of Paul Zindel (1936-2003), the author of ‘some of the most seminal and groundbreaking works of fiction for young readers’, who always offered support and encouragement to aspiring writers.
• It is sponsored by Hyperion Books for Children and its imprint Jump at the Sun, which celebrates black culture ‘for all children’.
• The Award is open to U.S. writers who have not previously published a novel.
• The prize includes a book contract as well as a cash prize of $1500.
• The deadline for entries is the end of April and winners are announced by the end of July.
• Past winners include Little Cricket by Jackie Brown and Blue Jasmine by Kashmira Sheth.

Address for submissions:

Paul Zindel First Novel Award
Hyperion Books for Children
PO Box 6000
Manhasset, NY 11030-6000