In case anyone doesn't know what the Michael L. Printz Award is, it's one of the annual awards given by the American Library Association. Lots of people have heard of the Caldecott (outstanding illustration for children's books by an American artist) and the Newbery (outstanding fiction for children by an American author). The Printz is awarded for outstanding fiction for young adults by an American author.

This year's winner is John Green, for his novel Looking for Alaska. "Alaska" doesn't refer to the state, but to a teenaged girl.

Ever want to see someone get a major award as a surprise, while it's happening? Please visit Mr. Green's blog at sparksflyup.com. His dad was taking pictures of him and his fiancee when he got the call from ALA Printz chair Michael Cart on his cell phone. He has posted the photos in his blog's first ever photoessay.