'Godless' Wins National Book Award

Author Pete Hautman receives top prize for his young adult novel; Judy Blume also honored

By Kathy Ishizuka -- School Library Journal, 1/1/2005

At age 14, author Pete Hautman underwent a life-altering event. "Reading The Lord of the Rings was a transcendent experience, one that I'm not likely to have again," he recently told an audience upon accepting the National Book Award for his young adult novel Godless (S & S). To be a part of that again—the powerful experience of reading as a teenager—"is what drives me as a writer," Hautman said.

Hautman's novel about a teenage boy who invents his own religion with a new god—the local water tower—captured top honors for young people's literature at this year's awards ceremony at the Marriott Marquis Hotel in New York City.

Writer Judy Blume was also honored as this year's recipient of the Medal for Distinguished Contribution to American Letters. The ever-popular Blume is the first author of young adult literature to receive the medal in the 16-year history of the award. National Book Foundation executive director Harold Augenbraum credits Blume's work as having influenced and inspired countless children since the early '70s. He also lauds Blume's struggles against censorship. Hautman concurs. "She's a gutsy woman. Her books have broken ground and made a difference," he says.

Given the hot-button topic of religion, will Godless attract the attention of censors? "I'm sure someone will object to it at some point," says Hautman. While his book doesn't promote a particular religious point of view, he says it does raise questions, which he hopes will encourage a dialogue about faith.