I started blogging in 2004, and the Cybils started in 2006. I think by then, I was aware enough of the Kidlitosphere (as we called ourselves back then) that I caught the first batch of winners. I know I applied to be a judge the next year, 2007 and was turned down. (In fact, the first time I mention Cybils on my blog is this one, in October of 2007.) I remember being very determined to make the Cybils happen, so I did everything I could – I read more kidlit books and I actively commented on the blogs of the people who were involved – I desperately wanted to be a part of this community. And, in 2008, I was on my first round 1 panel for Middle Grade Fiction.
Over the years, I’ve been on both Round one and Round two panels, I’ve read for Middle Grade Fiction, Elementary/Middle Grade Speculative Fiction, YA Speculative Fiction (I think? One year?), and Graphic Novels. My name was floated to be the blog editor at some point (maybe 2012/2013?), and I happily did that for 10 years. When a spot opened up on the board, again my name was floated, and I joined that in 2015. I’ve currently come full circle, taking the position of Middle Grade Fiction chair for this past cycle, and really enjoying it. I had an amazing group of panelists and judges, and I’m proud of the books they (we; I read for Round 1) chose.
All this to say, that even after all this time, I am passionate about the Cybils, I love participating, and I’ll keep coming back as long as they’ll have me. In fact, about 8.5 years ago, I wrote something pretty similar about why I keep coming back.
In short, I’m incredibly grateful my blog led me to this community of people and this award. It’s one of the best parts of my year.
Happy blogiversay! Your blog is like the big sister of my blog (just turned 18!). I’m glad you’ve been enjoying the Cybils, although I was a little surprised by the choices this year. Here’s to lots more years of both your blog and the Cybils.
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CYBILS are so awesome (we served on a panel together one year, right?) and it felt really strange for me to not participate this year. I knew my reading time would be severely limited in January/February so it wasn’t right to sign up again.
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Happy Blogiversary!! And huge congratulations to Cybils on another successful year of highlighting wonderful books.
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Happy blogiversary!! I think we’re blogging twinsies- it’s also my 20th blogging anniversary today, although I didn’t get involved with the Cybils for another decade. Here’s to more joy with both!
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Happy blog birthday! I’m so glad you started blogging!
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