2004: Inducted into the Writers Hall of Fame of America, along with John Steinbeck, Constance Levy, and Dale Freeman.

2003: Recipient of Faculty Research Award, Gaylord College of Journalism and Mass Communication, University of Oklahoma.

2002: Recipient of Distinguished Teaching Award, Gaylord College of Journalism and Mass Communication, University of Oklahoma.

1998: The Alien Chronicles: The Golden One named to VOYA’s Best Books for Young Adults list.

1994: Inducted into the Oklahoma Professional Writers Hall of Fame.

1985: Oklahoma Writer of the Year.

1983: The Sign of the Owl named to the Mark Twain Award Master List in Missouri public school libraries.

1981: The Sign of the Owl named to the American Library Association’s Best Books for Young Adults list.

1978: Winner of the Dwight V. Swain Award for Outstanding Graduating Senior in Professional Writing, University of Oklahoma.

1975: Rodeo Queen, Paragould, Arkansas.