Nobody can ask a question like a teenager can.

This year, for the first time ever, we’re asking teens from across the country to play the role of reporter as they pepper the five 2011 finalists for the National Book Award in Young People’s Literature with questions. So, for all the teen readers, teachers (especially for grades 6 and up), and librarians out there – if children’s lit is your thing, you’ll want to save the date (Tuesday, November 15, 12:30pm ET) and register at nationalbook.org – this is an event not to be missed!

Acclaimed YA author and editorial director David Levithan will host the event, which you can watch online – whether from your classroom or your home. The teens will then take turns asking the authors questions about their work, their influences, their process, and more. And just who are the nominated authors? Well, drumroll please…

• Franny Billingsley, Chime
• Debby Dahl Edwardson, My Name Is Not Easy
• Thanhha Lai, Inside Out and Back Again
• Albert Marrin, Flesh and Blood So Cheap: The Triangle Fire and Its Legacy
• Gary D. Schmidt, Okay for Now

Here’s what you’ll want to do to prepare:

Step 1: Read. (Every Day!)
Step 2: Read any or all of the nominated books.
Step 3: In between reading, jot down some questions you’d like to ask the authors. Maybe you want to know what inspires them, or their favorite part of the writing process. Maybe you want to know what they like to eat for breakfast. It’s up to you. And then, during the streaming press conference, ask your question!

Registration is now open at nationalbook.org for the big event on Tuesday, November 15, at 12:30pm ET.

Tell us…whom are you rooting for?

Edit: You may have heard about the mix-up over the final nominees, which went from five to six and then back to five again. The Washington Post has a summary of what happened here. We’ve amended this blog post the reflect the accurate five finalists.