University News Release—January 28 , 2009

At A Glance

'Oxford Project' wins award for its appeal to teens

"The Oxford Project," a book by University of Iowa Journalism Professor Stephen G. Bloom and retired UI Art Professor Peter Feldstein, is appealing to an even broader audience than its authors expected.

The Young Adult Library Services Association, a division of the American Library Association, selected "The Oxford Project" for an Alex Award, an honor bestowed to adult books that interest teens. Only 10 books received the 2009 award, announced Monday.

The book, published in 2008 by Welcome Books, chronicles the lives of the townspeople of Oxford, Iowa. Feldstein photographed residents in 1984 and again 20 years later. More than 100 residents sat down with Bloom, revealing intimate details of their lives. He wrote vignettes to accompany the photos.

The award is named for the late Margaret Alexander "Alex" Edwards, a pioneer in providing library services to young adults. She worked at the Enoch Pratt Free Library in Baltimore, using adult books to broaden young adults' reading experience and enrich their understanding of the world.

A committee of librarians selected the Alex Award titles, which will be highlighted to young adults at libraries across the country.

For more information on the Oxford Project, visit http://www.news-releases.uiowa.edu/2008/September/090808oxford_project.html.