The Hunger Games trilogy author Suzanne Collins won a Christopher Award for her autobiographical childrens' picture book Year of the Jungle (Kindergarten and up, Scholastic Press). Illustrated by James Proimos, the book recalls her attempts as a first-grader to stay brave while her father fought in Vietnam, and explores the effect of war on young children.
Created in 1949, The Christopher Awards are presented to writers, producers, directors and illustrators whose work affirms the highest values of the human spirit. Tony Rossi, The Christophers’ Director of Communications, says, “In a culture where hope can be in short supply, we joyfully celebrate the creative artists behind these winning works.”
The honorees were announced on April 2. The 65th annual presentation of the awards is scheduled to take place in New York on May 15.