A Roaring Success: Celebrating Dinosaurs Roamed Arizona’s Recognition!

I’m very excited to announce Dinosaurs Roamed Arizona! has been selected as a Pick in the Children and Young Adults category in Pima County Public Library’s 2025 Southwest Books of the Year.

Here is a quote about the book from a panelist on the selection committee:

Powers, a former laboratory biologist and citizen scientist known for her rhyming, science-based picture books for children, brings her talents to dinosaurs in this engaging and educational read. January 27, 2025

From the announcement:

(TUCSON, Ariz.) – With every new year comes the Library’s perennially-popular Southwest Books of the Year. The 2025 edition marks the 48th year of publication. It is now available online (books for adults and books for children and young adults), and at libraries and local bookstores.  

About Southwest Books of the Year:

Southwest Books of the Year considers titles published during the calendar year that are about Southwest subjects, or are set in the Southwest.

The Southwest Books of the Year panel of reviewers—subject specialists and voracious consumers of Southwest literature—are pleased to offer up their personal favorite titles of the year, complete with brief reviews to entice readers.

Southwest Books of the Year: Best Reading 2025 is published by Pima County Public Library in partnership with the Arizona Center for the Book at the Arizona State Library.

Southwest Books of the Year is made possible through funding from the Arizona State Library, Archives, and Public Records, a division of the Secretary of State, with federal support from the Institute of Museum and Library Services. For more information, email the library at [email protected] or visit www.library.pima.gov/southwestbooks.

Southwest Books of the Year 2025 for Children and Young Adults

I was honored to be among the other books selected in the Children and Young Adults category. The other books include:

Cruzita and the Mariacheros by Granillo, Ashley Jean, 1987-

Hurdles in the Dark by Gonzalez, Elvira K.

The Great Cool Ranch Dorito in the Sky by Galarza, Josh

The Deep Dark by Ostertag, Molly Knox

A Bridge Home by Frazier, Mona Alvarado

49 Miles Alone by Richards, Natalie D.

Abuelita’s Gift (a Día De Muertos Story) by Ríos Ramírez, Mariana

What Color Is Your Hand? ¿De Qué Color Es Tu Mano? By Rivera-Ashford, Roni Capin

Tamales for Christmas by Briseño, Stephen

Free to Learn How Alfredo Lopez Fought for the Right to Go to School by Levinson, Cynthia

The other books have important messages about people and relationships. Then there’s mine on dinosaurs. But dinosaurs and science are essential subjects, too.

Once again, I am thankful to the Pima County Public Library for the opportunities it has presented to me. I enjoyed every moment as the writer-in-residence, and now I am honored to have my book selected for this wonderful award.

You can check out my book from the library or buy your copy on either soft or hardcover. Find out how Dinosaurs Roamed Arizona! And how they still do today.