WNBA Announces 2010 Pannell Winners

The Women's National Book Association has announced the winners of the 2010 WNBA Pannell Awards, given annually since 1983 to two bookstores that excel in contributing to their communities in ways that bring books and young people together.

This year's General Bookstore winner is The Green Toad Bookstore in Oneonta, New York. The Children's Specialty Store winner is Little Shop of Stories in Decatur, Georgia.

Honorable Mention in the General Bookstore category was awarded to Third Place Books in Lake Forest Park, Washington.

A jury of five book industry professionals selected the winners based on creativity, responsiveness to community needs, and an understanding of young readers. The jurors recognized Green Toad for, among other things, reaching out to young people with special needs, as well as for its "substance mixed with a little flash."

Helping Little Shop of Stories garner the specialty award was its wide-ranging summer camp concept.

In awarding Third Place Books honorable mention, the jury cited the store's efforts to help counter the effects of shrinking school budgets by bringing authors to kids in schools, as well as its giveaway of journals and pens to homeless teens.

Each winning store will receive a check for $1,000 and framed original art donated this year by David Diaz and Gianna Marino. The awards presentation will be at the Children's Book and Author Breakfast on May 26 at BookExpo America. The Pannell Award is underwritten by a gift from Penguin Young Readers Group.