While researching small presses and young adult book awards, I concluded independent press awards would be awarding more diverse young adult literature than large, well-known book awards. To find data-backed support for this conclusion, I investigated the diversity of fiction young adult book awards by comparing demographic data between three well-known book awards and three independent book awards from 2010 to 2019. Ultimately, my dataset did not prove my original thesis correct and instead the data showed large awards awarded more diverse young adult fiction than independent awards. By exploring the rise of young adult literature and its importance to the literary marketplace, classrooms, and librarians, I show the need for increased awareness and scholarly engagement with independent presses and their book awards.