Meet our 2024 WSBA Judges!
Meet our 2024 Washington State Book Award (WSBA) Judges! 
We are thrilled to introduce our wonderful panel of 2024 Washington State Book award judges who are currently deep into reading and reviewing hundreds of books (published in 2023) from authors across the state. Our judging panels are made up of academic, public, school, and Tribal librarians, booksellers, and authors. We are so thankful for the many hours and the great care they pour into this process.
2024 Youth Book Judges:
Lauren Kessel
Kent Elementary School
Teacher Librarian Technology Integration Specialist
Kent, WA
Jane López-Santillana
Oak Harbor Library, Sno-Isle Libraries
Managing Librarian
Oak Harbor, WA
Avery Mead
East Valley High School Library
Teacher Librarian
Spokane Valley, WA
2024 Adult Book Judges:
Jennie Diaz
Seattle Public Library
Seattle
Librarian
Marcus Harrison Green
2022 WSBA Finalist, Publisher,
Author, Columnist, Speaker, & Podcaster
Seattle
Sarah Jaffa
Kitsap Regional Library
Kitsap County
Librarian/Adult Fiction Selector
Valerie McBeth
Northwest Indian College Lummi Library
Librarian
Blaine, WA
Alex Yokum
Browsers Bookshop
Owner
Olympia, WA