The 2009 Nene Award winner will be announced May 14 at the Paliku Theater. Hawai'i's Nene Award started in 1959 at the University Elementary Lab School. Now, elementary and middle school students statewide vote for their favorite fiction book. This year's contenders include:

"NIGHT OF THE HOWLING DOGS" by Graham Salisbury

On Nov. 29, 1975, six Boy Scouts and four adult leaders from Hilo's Troop 77 were camping at Halape on Kilauea volcano's south side. Just before dawn, a magnitude 7.2 earthquake struck, causing that part of the Big Island's south coast to drop nearly 12 feet into the ocean. Then the tsunami hit, washing away the camp, the campers and everything else in its path. Miraculously, nearly everyone survived. Hawai'i author Graham Salisbury's cousin, Tim Twigg-Smith, was one of the Scouts who nearly died that day. One of the adult leaders was, in fact, killed by a quake-generated rockslide. Based on the true story, this is a compelling tale of survival, adventure and leadership.

"THE TAIL OF EMILY WINDSNAP" by Liz Kessler

Twelve-year-old Emily Windsnap lives on a boat, but oddly enough, her mother seems nervous about the water. When Emily takes swimming lessons for the first time, a number of mysteries begin to unfold about her own identity, and the father she's never met, eventually shedding light on her mother's fears. A memorable mermaid fantasy about family, friendship and love.

"REVOLUTION IS NOT A DINNER PARTY" by Ying Chang Compestine

Ying Chang Compestine recounts her experience of surviving the Cultural Revolution in China. When Ling is 9 years old, her life is comfortable. Both her parents are surgeons working in a Wuhan hospital. Then Comrade Li, one of Mao's political officers, moves into a room in their apartment. Ling's life begins to disintegrate into increasing mistrust as she comes to fear for the safety of her neighbors, herself and her family.

Last year's Nene winner was "The Lightning Thief" by Rick Riordan. Riordan's work will be celebrated at the May 14 announcement ceremony with student essay, poster, digital arts and performance contest winners.

Jolie Jean Cotton is a Honolulu freelance writer. Her reviews of children's books appear here on the first Sunday of the month.