The 2002 MAE award was presented to Paul Zindel. The following books were cited for his lifetime contribution to young adult literature: The Pigman, The Pigman's Legacy, The Pigman & Me, My Darling, My Hamburger, and The Effect of Gamma Rays on Man-in-the-Moon Marigolds.

Born and raised underdifficult circumstances in New York City, Zindel's childhood heavily influenced his movement away from romanticism to a more realistic portrayal of young adult life. His many works examine complex issues such as loneliness, eccentricity, sexual tension, and drug and alcohol abuse.

Even today, as recognized by the MAE committee, characters developed by Zindel four decades ago have the ability to touch the reader.