The William C. Morris YA Debut Award celebrates the achievement of a previously unpublished author, or authors, who have made a strong literary debut in writing for young adult readers. The work cited illuminates the teen experience and enriches the lives of its readers through its excellence, demonstrated by compelling, high-quality writing and/or illustration, the integrity of the work as a whole, and its proven or potential appeal to a wide range of teen readers. The award's namesake is William C. Morris, an influential innovator in the publishing world and an advocate for marketing books for children and young adults.

-The winner of the William C. Morris YA Debut Award is WHERE THINGS COME BACK by John Corey Whaley.

-Four other books were finalists for the award: BETWEEN SHADES OF GRAY by Ruta Sepetys, GIRL OF FIRE AND THORNS by Rae Carson, PAPER COVERS ROCK by Jenny Hubbard, and UNDER THE MESQUITE by Guadalupe Garcia McCall.