Odyssey Award Selection Committee - 2026

Charge

To annually select the best audiobook produced for children and/or young adults, available in English in the united states during the preceding year and, if desired, to also select honor titles.

Roster

Eva Thaler-Sroussi
(Chair, February 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026)
Adrienne Almeida
(Member, February 1, 2025, to January 31, 2026)
Kate Brunner
(Member, February 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026)
Dr. Rebecca Caufman
(Member, February 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026)
Mrs. Amy Hailey
(Member, February 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026)
Mr. Jeremiah Henderson
(Member, February 1, 2025, to January 31, 2026)
Heidi Marie Knuth
(Member, February 1, 2025, to January 31, 2026)
Mrs. Wendy MacArthur
(Member, February 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026)
Ms. Allison McGuire Staley
(Member, February 1, 2025, to January 31, 2026)
Rebecca Weber
(Member, February 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026)
Sarah Wilson
(Member, February 1, 2025, to January 31, 2026)
Heather M. Booth
(Consultant, February 1, 2025, to June 30, 2029)
Rachel Fryd
(Consultant, July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2026)
Ana Cackley
(Staff Liaison, July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2029)
Maggie Reagan
(Staff Liaison, February 1, 2025, to June 30, 2029)

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Composition

The Odyssey Award Selection Committee consists eleven members: five members appointed by ALSC; five appointed by YALSA; a chair whose appointment alternates between ALSC and YALSA, with a non-voting consultant from the staff Booklist. Members serve a one-year term beginning immediately after Midwinter and ending after Midwinter of the announcement year. (Chair + 10, plus Booklist consultant)

Origin

Established in 2006 at the request of the ALSC Board of Directors.

The 2026 Committee reviews audiobooks published between November 1, 2024, and October 31, 2025, for the 2026 awards.

The 2026 award winners will be announced in early 2026.

Staff Liaison

ALSC Awards Coordinator
312-280-2163

Get Involved

Vital professional associations are the result of engaged and committed member leaders! If you are interested in serving ALSC on a committee, please read and complete the online volunteer form.

  • Process committees (non-award committees) are appointed in early spring (Jan-May)
  • Award and evaluation committees are appointed in early fall (July-Oct)
  • Replacement positions pop up and are filled throughout the year (ongoing)

The Vice-President/President-Elect begins making his/her process committee appointments in February/March. In August/September, after being seated as President, he/she will then begin filling fall appointments.

Learn More about ALSC Committees and Volunteering

Volunteering and the Appointments Process
“What Does That Committee Do”