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A best-selling author of novels that depict the struggles and triumphs of teenagers has been honored with a Distinguished Young Alumni Award by the General Alumni Association of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

A best-selling author of novels that depict the struggles and triumphs of teenagers has been honored with a Distinguished Young Alumni Award by the General Alumni Association of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Sarah Dessen, whose 10th book “What Happened to Goodbye” will be published in May, received the award Friday (April 8) for bringing credit to the University through her achievements.

“The remarkable accomplishments of many of Carolina’s younger alumni such as Sarah are truly inspiring,” said Douglas Dibbert, association president.

Dessen, who grew up in Chapel Hill, graduated from the University in 1993 with a degree in English after studying creative writing. Her first book, “That Summer,” was published in 1996. That novel and her second, “Someone Like You,” were the basis for the 2003 movie “How to Deal,” starring Mandy Moore and Allison Janney.

Dessen’s themes address issues facing teenagers as they grow into young adults. Many of her books have won awards or received top recommendations from such prominent literary organizations as the American Library Association and appeared on major best-seller lists including those of The New York Times.

Dessen also taught creative writing at UNC for eight years before leaving to write full time.

Since 1989, the General Alumni Association’s Distinguished Young Alumni Awards have recognized alumni age 40 or younger. A roster of past recipients is available at http://alumni.unc.edu/awards.

Dessen’s website: http://www.sarahdessen.com
Photo URL: http://urxserve.ur.unc.edu/netpub/server.np?find&catalog=catalog&template=detail.np&field=itemid&op=matches&value=10081&site=Luminosity

GAA contact: Douglas Dibbert, (919) 962-7050, doug_dibbert@unc.edu
News Services contact: LJ Toler, (919) 962-8589

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