NBA Finalists Unveiled

A historical novel set during the American Revolution, a touching tale about a cat and dog in the bayou, and a coming-of-age story are among five finalists for the 2008 National Book Award in the category of Young People's Literature.

The nominees, selected from 271 book submissions published between December 1, 2007 and November 30, 2008, were chosen by a panel of fellow authors.

The nominees are: Laurie Halse Anderson for Chains (S & S), about a 13-year-old named Isabel who is determined to win her freedom after her former owner breaks his promise to set her free. “I am deeply honored and positively giddy,” says Halse Anderson reacting to being a finalist for “this amazing award.”

Kathi Appelt for The Underneath (Atheneum), the tale of a calico cat about to have kittens and her unlikely friendship with a hound, set in the backwaters of the bayou. “The best I can say is that it feels glittery, like I swallowed a star,” Appelt says about her nomination.

Judy Blundell for What I Saw and How I Lied (Scholastic), a novel about a teen named Evie who finds herself in a complicated web of lies when she falls for the handsome young ex-GI who served in her stepfather's company. “I discovered that it's possible to not breathe and yet say 'oh my god' 14 times in a row,” she says upon hearing the news.

E. Lockhart for The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks (Hyperion), about a slightly awkward teen who turns into a knockout during the summer between her freshman and sophomore years.

Tim Tharp for The Spectacular Now (Knopf), about an unambitious partier named Sutter Keely who suddenly has the chance to make a difference in someone else's life.

The winner will be announced at a dinner in New York City on November 19.