"Teenagers are the innovators whose imaginations we must value. We will not succeed without their vision and energy, and they will not become library users without our skill and passion." Frances Jacobson Harris
8th Grade-Truman Award 
The Truman Readers Award encourages students in the early teen years to express their unique voice through exploring new literary genres, communicating with their peers about young adult literature, and honoring authors writing for young teens.
9th Grade-Gateway Award 
Because reading is the gateway to knowledge and lifelong learning, because the teen years are the gateway to adulthood, and because Missouri was the Gateway to the West, the Gateway Readers Award is for the authors of books chosen by students in 9-12th grades in Missouri. Librarians serving young adults in school and public libraries recognize the need for books written for this audience. We know the quality of this writing is imperative so that as adults our patrons will continue to seek knowledge and recreation through well-written books.