Erin Entrada Kelly, a professor in the graduate program in creative writing at Rosemont College in suburban Philadelphia, is the recipient of the John Newbery Medal from the American Library Association. The award for the outstanding children’s book of 2017, is the highest honor awarded by the association for a children’s book.
Professor Kelly was honored for her book Hello, Universe (Greenwillow Books, 2017). The book relates a story about a diverse group of friends who form an alliance to take down a school’s bully. The award judges stated that “even while following signs and portents, the characters are the definition of creative agency. Masterfully told through shifting points of view, this modern quest tale shimmers with humor and authentic emotion.”
The daughter of a Filipino immigrant, Professor Kelly was raised in Louisiana. She holds a bachelor’s degree in women’s studies and liberal arts from McNeese State University in Louisiana and a master of fine arts degree in creative writing from Rosemont College.
Professor Kelly’s newest book – You Go First (Greenwillow Books, 2018) – will be published next month.