The Associates of the Boston Public Library announces Janaea Eads of Hanson, MA, as the 2026-27 Alan Andres Writer-in-Residence and Jade Hawes of Burlington, VT, as the 2026-27 Alan Andres Picture Book Writer Fellow. Thanks to an anonymous investor, Janaea and Jade will receive stipends of $70,000 and $25,000, respectively.

An Indian-American adoptee pursuing a master's in Gastronomy at Boston University, Janaea’s submission, THE UNTOUCHABLES, proposed a YA historical fantasy inspired by Frankenstein. The novel follows a young Indian woman who becomes a Creature after attempting to change her caste and is drawn into the fight for India’s independence. Janaea’s submission was selected from 187 applications in a blind judging panel of authors, publishers, and literary agents. “The premise is fascinating; her take on India’s caste system is fresh and potent. I love the matter-of-fact way she describes horrific moments, and I think certain teen readers would too,” said Stephanie Owens Lurie, retired publisher of books for young readers and member of the judging panel.

Jade's The Mango Seed, selected from 95 submissions, follows two siblings who must say goodbye to their beloved tree and journey to a safer place. Jade was inspired by her work in the humanitarian field and her desire to create safe spaces for children processing grief, trauma, and displacement. “One of the most important lessons they taught me was about the healing power of story,” said Jade about the power of representation in picture books. Jade is a clinical mental health counseling intern providing psychotherapy to children and is pursuing an M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of Vermont. “There has never been a better time for a book like this - and this is the right book at the right time,” said Rick Richter, Senior Partner at Aevitas Creative Management and member of the blind judging panel.