Five debut novels are finalists for the American Library Association's William C. Morris award for young adult writers who have never published before.

The nominees were announced Monday. They include Rae Carson's "Girl of Fire and Thorns," Jenny Hubbard's "Paper Covers Rock," Guadalupe Garcia McCall's "Under the Mesquite," Ruta Sepetys' (ROO'-tuh seh-PEH'-tees) "Between Shades of Gray" and John Corey Whaley's "Where Things Come Back."

The winner will be announced Jan. 23 at the library association's midwinter meeting in Dallas. There is no cash prize.