I am so grateful WHAT I CARRY is included on two wonderful finalists lists for 2021/22 book awards season. The Kentucky Bluegrass Book Award’s master lists are chosen for this state award by committees made up of school and public librarians, classroom teachers, and voted by students. This is such an honor! And the BLACK EYED SUSAN BOOK AWARD finalists are chosen by the Maryland Association of School Librarians and voted by student readers as well. What an honor for WHAT I CARRY to be recognized by librarians, teachers and readers in Maryland and Kentucky, two beautiful states that I cannot wait to visit as soon as this ridiculous pandemic is under control. Thank you so, so much to the Maryland Association of School Librarians and to the Kentucky state teachers and librarians, all of whom are making the world a better place by instilling in their students a love of books, stories, and sharing our lives with words. I am humbled, and deeply grateful. And to the student readers, thank you, thank you, thank you! I Love you all!