The Margaret A. Edwards Award, established in 1988, honors an author, as well as a specific body of his or her work, for significant and lasting contribution to young adult literature. The annual award is administered by YALSA and sponsored by School Library Journal magazine. It recognizes an author's work in helping adolescents become aware of themselves and addressing questions about their role and importance in relationships, society, and in the world.

Tamora Pierce is the recipient of the 2013 Margaret A. Edwards Award, honoring her significant and lasting contribution to writing for teens for Song of the Lioness quartet, which includes ALANNA: The First Adventure, IN THE HAND OF THE GODDESS, THE WOMAN WHO RIDES LIKE A MAN and LIONESS RAMPANT; and The Protector of the Small quartet, which includes FIRST TEST, PAGE, SQUIRE and LADY KNIGHT.