BookNut’s 20th Anniversary: The Cybils

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.

5 thoughts on “BookNut’s 20th Anniversary: The Cybils

  1. 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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  2. Helen Murdoch says:

    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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  3. 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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