William C. Morris YA Debut Award

The William C. Morris YA Debut Award recognizes the strongest first book by an author writing for teens. It carries the name of William C. Morris, a longtime marketing leader in children's and young adult publishing, and is presented by the Young Adult Library Services Association, a division of the American Library Association. The first award was given in 2009.

A nine-member committee reads debut titles published for readers ages 12 to 18 and, each December, releases a shortlist of up to five finalists. The winner is named in January or February at the ALA Youth Media Awards. Novels, nonfiction, poetry, short story collections and graphic works can all be considered.

A first book for readers ages 12 to 18, by an author with no previously published book for any audience, released in the United States between November 1 and October 31.