2016 Judge: Padma Venkatraman

Padma Venkatraman is an oceanographer by training and an author by choice. Her latest novel, A TIME TO DANCE (Nancy Paulsen Books, Penguin) was released to 5 starred reviews (Kirkus, Booklist, SLJ, VOYA and BCCB) and received numerous awards: ALA Notable, IRA Notable, Kirkus Best Book, NYPL Top 25, IBBY outstanding, etc. Her two earlier novels, ISLAND’S END and CLIMBING THE STAIRS, were also released to multiple starred reviews (7 altogether), were both ALA/Yalsa Best Books, Amelia Bloomer, CCBC and Booklist Editor’s Choices and won several other honors. She has spoken at Harvard and other universities and schools; participated on panels at venues such as the PEN World Voices Festival; provided keynote addresses at numerous conferences and commencement speeches; and has been the chief guest at international literary festivals. Padma Venkatraman is American, has a doctorate in oceanography and lives in Rhode Island. Visit her at www.padmasbooks.com and www.padmasbooks.blogspot.com

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