Stephanie Oakes, Tod Marshall honored at 2018 Washington State Book Awards

Congratulations are in order for two Spokane writers, Stephanie Oakes and Tod Marshall, who were both honored at the 2018 Washington State Book Awards, which were held Saturday at the Seattle Central Library.

In the Books for Youth category, Oakes’ “The Arsonist” was named the best book for young adult readers, ages 13-18.

Gonzaga University professor and former Washington State Poet Laureate Marshall, and the poets featured in his “WA 129,” were given a special award during the ceremony. “WA 129” is a collection of 129 poems by Washington poets, including current Washington State Poet Laureate Claudia Castro Luna, whose “Killing Marias: A Poem for Multiple Voices” was nominated in the poetry category.

The Washington State Book Awards are a program of the Washington Center for the Book, a partnership of the Seattle Public Library and Washington State Library. Two panels of judges read 230 books for awards consideration. Authors must have been born in Washington state or be a current resident and have maintained residence in Washington for at least three years.