The National Book Award has highlighted some truly outstanding reads over the past decade, showcasing a range of voices and genres that have shaped the literary world. From powerful fiction to thought-provoking nonfiction, these winners stand out not just for their writing but for the impact they’ve had on readers everywhere. Whether you’re a fan of emotional narratives or groundbreaking storytelling, there’s something for everyone in this list of must-read books. As we dive into the last 10 years of winners, you’ll discover titles that have sparked conversations, challenged norms, and left lasting impressions. Ready to find your next great read? Let’s get into it!
Winners of 2023
Fiction: Blackouts by Justin Torres
Blackouts by Justin Torres, the best fiction book of 2023, is a haunting, inventive story set in the desert where a young man cares for a figure at the point of death from his past, Juan Gay. Together, they explore forgotten queer histories through Sex Variants: A Study of Homosexual Patterns, a censored book with hidden stories. Torres’ novel is a masterful blend of story, history, and art, unearthing silenced voices and questioning the gaps in memory. Its bold storytelling and imaginative form resonated deeply with readers and critics alike. This powerful exploration of identity and legacy earned it the National Book Award for Fiction.
Nonfiction: The Rediscovery of America: Native Peoples and the Unmaking of U.S. History by Ned Blackhawk
The Rediscovery of America by Ned Blackhawk won the best nonfiction book of 2023 for its transformative reiteration of American history. Blackhawk highlights Native Americans’ vital role in shaping the U.S. over five centuries, from colonial times to modern activism. The book challenges traditional histories, showing that Indigenous peoples have always influenced key events, from the American Revolution to the Civil War. This extensive unification of Native and non-Native stories reshapes our understanding of U.S. history. Its groundbreaking perspective and deep research made it perfect for the National Book Award for Nonfiction.
Poetry: from unincorporated territory [åmot] by Craig Santos Perez
from unincorporated territory [åmot] by Craig Santos Perez was chosen as the 2023 National Book Award for Poetry for its powerful exploration of Guam, Perez’s home. Through exploratory and vivid poetry, Perez weaves together the history and culture of the Chamoru people, using storytelling as a form of healing, or “åmot.” The collection, part of Perez’s continuous series, confronts the damage from colonialization, armed forces, and injustices affecting the Guam community and land while honoring traditional Chamoru healing practices. Perez’s poetic voice resonates deeply, offering both personal and communal reflection. Its inventive structure and emotional depth landed it the best poetry collection of the year.
![from unincorporated territory [åmot] by Craig Santos Perez, book cover. The cover is split into two sections. The top section shows an image of white plumeria flowers paired with other burgundy flowers. Over the leaves is a black, rectangular border with the title written in white inside and the word [åmot] written in burgundy. The bottom section shows an elderly woman's hand holding a blue bingo marker over two marked bingo cards. A similar black, rectangular border is over that image with the author's name written in white inside.](https://images-us.bookshop.org/ingram/9781632431189.jpg?height=500&v=v2-abc0c619ee288a3213d17b50d78987f0)
Translated Literature: The Words That Remain by Stênio Gardel, translated by Bruna Danatas Lobato
The Words That Remain by Stênio Gardel, translated by Bruna Dantas Lobato, won the best-translated literature of 2023 for its poignant exploration of love, literacy, and survival. The story follows Raimundo, who has carried an unread letter from his past love, Cícero, for over 50 years. Raised in rural Brazil and can’t be able to read, Raimundo’s life is haunted by the missed connection. Now, he finally learns to read at 71, unlocking the emotions buried in the letter. The novel’s beautiful depiction of suppression, longing, and resilience struck a deep chord with readers and earned it the National Book Award for Translated Literature.
Young People’s Literature: A First Time for Everything by Dan Santat
A First Time for Everything by Dan Santat was named the best young people’s literature of 2023 for its touching and relatable storytelling. This middle-grade graphic memoir follows a young Dan on a transformative class trip to Europe, where he experiences several “firsts” that help him come out of his shell. From trying new foods to falling in love, Dan’s journey through tricky middle school years resonates with anyone who has ever felt unseen. Santat’s mix of humor, vulnerability, and vibrant illustrations made this coming-of-age story stand out, earning it the National Book Award for Young People’s Literature.
Winners of 2022
Fiction: The Rabbit Hutch by Tess Gunty
The Rabbit Hutch by Tess Gunty won the Best Fiction of 2022 for its moving exploration of life in a forgotten American town. The story centers on Blandine Watkins, a smart and mysteriously complex girl living in a decaying apartment complex known as the Rabbit Hutch in Vacca Vale, Indiana. Alongside a cast of characters trying to find a way out of their circumstances, Blandine seeks freedom from a world that has fallen short for her. The novel’s raw emotional depth, culminating in brutal, ferocity-filled scenes, captivated readers. Its unique blend of sensitivity and intelligence earned The Rabbit Hutch the National Book Award for Fiction.
Nonfiction: South America: A Journey Below the Mason-Dixon to Understand the Soul of a Nation by Imani Perry
South to America by Imani Perry was chosen as the best nonfiction book of 2022 for its insightful exploration of the South’s deep influence on the U.S. Perry, a native of Alabama, embarks on a path to rediscover her roots, painting an intricate portrait of the region. Through encounters with diverse communities and reflections on Southern history, she reveals how the South shapes America’s identity. Perry’s keen analysis of race, culture, and the nation’s soul made the book a standout. Its ability to combine personal experience with historical context made South to America the National Book Award for Nonfiction.
Poetry: Punks by John Keene
Punks by John Keene, the best Poetry collection of 2022, richly explores identity, love, and loss. This collection spans decades, blending historical and individual narratives that resonate with themes of desire, oppression, and grief. Keene’s powerful use of diverse voices — from Black historical figures to friends and lovers — creates an emotional tapestry that speaks to universal struggles. His mastery of form and depth of expression set Punks apart as a landmark work. The collection’s ability to confront both intimate and societal experiences made it the standout poetry collection of 2022.
Translated Literature: Seven Empty Houses by Samanta Schweblin, Translated by Megan McDowell
Seven Empty Houses by Samanta Schweblin was named the 2022 Best Translated Literature award for its haunting, unreal exploration of acceptance. Schweblin masterfully unveils hidden truths in these seven eerie stories and unsettles readers with missing people, memories, and rattling encounters. Each story twists unexpectedly, digging deep into our sense of connection and the fragility of relationships. Schweblin’s ability to blend the familiar with the uneasy and her precise storytelling made this collection stand out as a modern literary perfection. The book’s bizarre, visionary nature captivated readers and judges alike.
Young People’s Literature: All My Rage by Sabaa Tahir
All My Rage by Sabaa Tahir won the 2022 Best Young People’s Literature award for its powerful portrayal of care, misfortune, and strength. The story follows Salahudin and Noor, two best friends torn apart by tragedy, as they navigate the challenges of family, grief, and finding their place in the world. Set between Lahore and Juniper, California, Tahir’s novel explores deep themes of friendship, understanding, and survival. Its emotional depth and raw honesty struck a chord with readers and critics alike, earning it the top spot for young people’s literature.
Winners of 2021
Fiction: Hell of a Book by Jason Mott
Hell of a Book by Jason Mott was awarded the 2021 Best Fiction award for its brilliant blend of humor, sorrow, and social commentary. The novel follows a Black author on a chaotic book tour, weaving in the stories of Soot, a young Black boy, and The Kid, a mysterious figure. Through these characters, Mott explores themes of identity, race, and the trauma of police violence. The book’s unique storytelling, emotional depth, and timely reflection on being Black in America made it an unforgettable and award-winning read.
Nonfiction: All That She Carried: The Journey of Ashley’s Sack, a Black Family Keepsake by Tiya Miles
All That She Carried by Tiya Miles, the 2022 Best Nonfiction book of 2022, is a deeply moving exploration of family, love, and survival. Miles tells the story of Ashley’s sack, passed down through generations, starting with Rose, an enslaved woman who prepared the sack for her daughter. Through meticulous research and powerful storytelling, Miles pieces together the history of these women despite limited archival evidence. This book’s emotional resonance and innovative approach to understanding the legacy of slavery set it apart, making it a must-read.
Poetry: Floaters by Martín Espada
Martín Espada’s Floaters, winner of the 2021 Best Poetry Collection, weaves powerful poems of protest, grief, and resilience. The title poem addresses the heartbreaking photo of Óscar and Valeria, migrants who passed during their crossing the Río Grande, challenging the cruelty of xenophobia. Espada’s verses honor the marginalized, from Central American youth in detention camps to his father’s Puerto Rico post-Hurricane María. With a blend of documentary poetics and personal reflection, Floaters stands out for its fierce wokeness and driving calls for justice.
Translated Literature: Winter in Sokcho by Elisa Shua Dusapin, Translated by Aneesa Abbas Higgins
Winter in Sokcho by Elisa Shua Dusapin, translated by Aneesa Abbas Higgins, won Best Translated Literature of 2021 for its haunting exploration of selfhood and isolation. Set in a chilly, desolate South Korean town, the novel follows a French-Korean woman who works in a guesthouse and builds a troubled bond with a French cartoonist. Through their interactions, she grapples with the complexities of cultural identity and being seen. Dusapin’s evocative prose and themes of isolation captivated readers, making it a standout debut with stunning emotional depth.
Young People’s Literature: Last Night at the Telegraph Club by Malinda Lo
Last Night at the Telegraph Club by Malinda Lo was named Best Young People’s Literature of 2021 for its heartfelt portrayal of forbidden love in 1950s America. Seventeen-year-old Lily Hu, navigating her identity as a Chinese-American girl, falls in love with Kathleen Miller, a bold move amidst Red Scare paranoia. As Lily’s father faces deportation, the stakes for her love life grow even higher. Lo’s vivid storytelling and emotional depth captivated readers, making this a standout novel about love, identity, and courage in a time of fear.
Winners of 2020
Fiction: Interior Chinatown by Charles Yu
Interior Chinatown by Charles Yu, which was the Best Poetry Collection of 2020, offers a sharp, creative look at identity and representation. Willis Wu, stuck in stereotypical roles like “Generic Asian Man” in a TV show, longs to be more — specifically “Kung Fu Guy.” As he breaks through his background role, Willis uncovers deeper truths about Chinatown’s history, his family, and his place in the world. Yu’s unique storytelling, blending script format and novel, explores themes of race, immigration, and pop culture, making this a standout book that earned high praise for its originality and heart.
Nonfiction: The Dead Arising: The Life of Malcolm X by Les Payne and Tamara Payne
The Dead Are Arising: The Life of Malcolm X by Les Payne and Tamara Payne was awarded Best Nonfiction of 2020 for its unparalleled depth and detail. Les Payne’s thirty-year investigation uncovers new revelations about Malcolm X, from his early life during the Great Depression to his tragic assassination in 1965. This biography goes beyond the myth, highlighting Malcolm’s influence on the civil rights movement and American history. Completed by Payne’s daughter, Tamara, after his passing, this work offers an essential, fresh perspective on a vital American figure.
Poetry: DMZ Colony by Don Mee Choi
DMZ Colony by Don Mee Choi, winner of Best Poetry Collection of 2020, is a bold, multi-layered exploration of battle and imperialism. This collection blends poems, prose, and images to tell the stories of those affected by the Korean War. Choi uses translation and personal narratives to navigate the tangled histories of Korea and the U.S., offering a powerful critique of colonization. With its inventive style and deep emotional resonance, DMZ Colony stands as a fierce call to witness and resist injustice, capturing the judges’ attention for its artistry and political urgency.
Translated Literature: Tokyo Ueno Station by Yu Miri, Translated by Morgan Giles
Tokyo Ueno Station by Yu Miri, translated by Morgan Giles, won Best Translated Literature of 2020 for its haunting, poignant portrayal of Japan’s marginalized. The story follows Kazu, a homeless ghost tied to Tokyo’s Ueno Station, reflecting on his life marked by tragedy, societal inequality, and historical events like the 1964 and 2020 Olympics. Yu Miri’s lyrical prose brings depth to Kazu’s inner world, weaving themes of loss, memory, and destiny. The novel captivated readers with its delicate exploration of urban alienation, revealing the unseen lives in a bustling megacity.
Young People’s Literature: King and the Dragonflies by Kacen Callender
King and the Dragonflies by Kacen Callender was awarded Best Young People’s Literature of 2020 for its heartfelt, powerful exploration of sorrow, identity, and friendship. The story follows twelve-year-old Kingston, who believes his brother Khalid has become a dragonfly after his sudden death. Struggling with loss, King reconnects with his former best friend, Sandy, who is also grappling with his own identity and abusive home life. Together, they find solace and courage while creating a secret world by the bayou. Callender’s tender writing resonated with readers, offering a moving and timely reflection on navigating grief and self-discovery.
Winners of 2019
Fiction: Trust Exercise by Susan Choi
Trust Exercise by Susan Choi earned Best Fiction of 2019 for its inventive narrative and exploration of truth, memory, and power. Set in a 1980s performing arts high school, the novel follows two students, Sarah and David, whose intense relationship is manipulated by their enigmatic acting teacher, Mr. Kingsley. The story twists unexpectedly as time jumps forward, revealing layers of deception and questioning the reliability of what readers have been told. Choi’s captivating prose and thought-provoking structure make Trust Exercise a masterful reflection on youth, authority, and the blurred line between reality and fiction.
Nonfiction: The Yellow House by Sarah M. Broom
The Yellow House by Sarah M. Broom was named the 2019 Best Nonfiction award for its powerful exploration of family, home, and history. Broom’s memoir recounts her family’s life in a shotgun house in New Orleans East, tracing decades of struggle and resilience, especially after Hurricane Katrina erased the house from the landscape. Broom captures her mother, Ivory Mae’s fight against the house’s deterioration, as well as her complicated relationship with her hometown. The book’s rich storytelling and focus on race, societal standing, and inequity in America make it a standout memoir, praised for its depth and emotional resonance.
Poetry: Sight Lines by Arthur Sze
Sight Lines by Arthur Sze, the 2019 Best Poetry Collection award, is a profound reflection on nature, life, and modern fragmentation. Sze’s poems effortlessly connect the every day with the extraordinary, blending the outside world with human experiences of loss, beauty, and renewal. His work resonates with readers through vivid imagery, showing how we’re constantly broken and rebuilt by life’s narratives. The collection stands out for its thoughtful exploration of the delicate balance between chaos and harmony, which struck a chord with readers and critics alike, making it a top poetry pick.
Translated Literature: Baron Wenckheim’s Homecoming by László Krasznahorkai, Translated by Ottilie Mulzet
Baron Wenckheim’s Homecoming by László Krasznahorkai won the Best Translated Literature award in 2019 for its masterful storytelling. The novel follows Baron Bela Wenckheim as he returns to his hometown in Hungary, seeking a connection with his past and his old teenage love, Marika. Amidst the backdrop of a small town filled with whispers and intrigue, Krasznahorkai paints a vivid picture of life’s chaos. As the Baron navigates his old haunts, the town’s darker sides emerge, revealing the emerging phantom of ruin. This captivating exploration of human folly and fate solidifies Krasznahorkai’s reputation as a significant literary voice of the twenty-first century.
Young People’s Literature: 1919 The Year That Changed America by Martin W. Sandler
1919: The Year That Changed America by Martin W. Sandler won Best Young People’s Literature in 2019 for its insightful exploration of a pivotal year. In 1919, America grappled with the aftermath of World War I, facing the harsh realities of racism during the Red Summer. Women achieved a significant victory with the right to vote, marking a milestone in the suffrage movement. Labor protests surged as workers demanded better conditions, while a wave of nationalism fueled fears of communism. Sandler’s compelling narrative connects these historical events to today’s ongoing social issues, showing that progress is often nonlinear and highlighting the continuous fight for change.
Winners of 2018
Fiction: The Friend by Sigrid Nunez
The Friend by Sigrid Nunez is a poignant exploration of grief and companionship, earning Best Fiction Book in 2018. The story follows a woman coping with the sudden death of her best friend and mentor. Left with his beloved Great Dane, she faces the dog’s silent sorrow and profound loss. As she navigates her grief, she grapples with the potential of eviction due to the dog’s presence. Alone, she becomes increasingly consumed by her bond with the dog, leading her to profound insights. This mournful narrative beautifully captures the complexities of loss and the healing power of love between humans and animals.
Nonfiction: The New Negro: The Life of Alain Locke by Jeffrey C. Stewart
The New Negro: The Life of Alain Locke by Jeffrey C. Stewart is an essential biography that made Best Nonfiction in 2018. It tells the story of Alain Locke, a pivotal figure in the Harlem Renaissance. Hailing from Black Philadelphia, Locke mentored artists like Langston Hughes and Zora Neale Hurston. As the first African American Rhodes Scholar, he achieved his goal of graduating with a PhD from Harvard. Stewart highlights Locke’s travels through Europe, where he discovered its art and culture. Locke redefined Black identity, promoting the idea that urban Black communities could foster innovation. This biography delves into his public contributions and personal struggles, including seeking love from another man.
Poetry: Indecency by Justin Phillip Reed
Indecency by Justin Phillip Reed, awarded Best Poetry Collection of 2018, is a fierce and thought-provoking work. Reed delves into systemic injustice, fearlessly addressing the realities of white supremacy and social inequality. His poetry merges the political with the deeply private, offering raw and valiant perspectives. With sharp language, Reed challenges misogyny, an abused society, and the harsh truths of the prison system. His distinct style and unflinching honesty push readers to reflect on uncomfortable societal truths, making Indecency a powerful critique and a personal reckoning.
Translated Literature: The Emissary by Yoko Tawada, Translated by Margaret Mitsutani
The Emissary by Yoko Tawada, translated by Margaret Mitsutani, was chosen as the Best Translated Literature of 2018. Set in post-disaster Japan, the novel explores a world where the elderly are vibrant, while children like Mumei are feeble but show great knowledge. Through Mumei’s relationship with his grandfather, Yoshiro, Tawada masterfully balances nightmarish bleakness with humor and warmth. Despite frailty, Mumei represents hope and resilience. The novel’s clever twist on dystopia and its lighthearted tone made it stand out as a uniquely cheerful take on survival and generational care.
Young People’s Literature: The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo
The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo, winner of Best Young People’s Literature in 2018, is an amazing coming-of-age story. Xiomara Batista feels unseen in her Harlem neighborhood, but she’s got a lot to say. She pours her emotions into her notebook, using poetry to express her struggles with body image, family expectations, and first love. When invited to join the school’s slam poetry club, Xiomara faces a tough decision – how to follow her passion without defying her strict mother. Acevedo’s poetic storytelling resonates with readers, making Xiomara’s voice unforgettable and impossible to ignore.
Winners of 2017
Fiction: Sing, Unburied, Sing by Jesmyn Ward
Sing, Unburied, Sing by Jesmyn Ward won Best Fiction 2017 for its spooky, poetic storytelling. The novel follows 13-year-old Jojo as he navigates the complexities of fatherhood, race, and family. Jojo’s Black grandfather, Pop, and his absent White father shape his understanding of masculinity, while his mother, Leonie, struggles with addiction and her role as a parent. The story intensifies when the family embarks on a journey to Parchman Farm, where Jojo encounters a ghostly inmate who unearths the painful stories of the old South. Ward’s lyrical prose captures generational trauma and resilience, making it memorable.
Nonfiction: The Future Is History: How Totalitarianism Reclaimed Russia by Masha Gessen
The Future Is History by Masha Gessen was named the 2017 National Book Award for Nonfiction due to its strong portrayal of Russia’s political shift. Gessen follows four individuals who grew up during what seemed like the end of people’s choices. As their lives unfold, Gessen reveals how the return of authoritarianism truly let them down. The book paints a vivid picture of how Soviet-era control reemerged, transforming the leadership of Russia into a mafia. Gessen’s insightful analysis and storytelling offer a compelling forewarning about the fragility of freedom and democracy.
Poetry: Half-Light by Frank Bidart
Half-Light by Frank Bidart, awarded Best Poetry Collection of 2018, is a masterwork that spans decades of powerful writing. Bidart dives deep into the individual’s mind, exploring the voices of deviants, mischief-makers, and misunderstood souls with striking rawness. His poems — featuring characters like a child-murderer Herbert White and anorexic Ellen West — push boundaries of sensitivity and self-reflection. The collection captures raw human emotions, turning chaotic inner worlds into unforgettable verses. With Half-Light, Bidart reshapes contemporary poetry, baring his soul and daring readers to confront life’s darkest complexities.
Young People’s Literature: Far from the Tree by Robin Benway
Far from the Tree by Robin Benway, chosen for Best Young People’s Literature of 2017, is an emotional exploration of family and identity. The story follows Grace, Maya, and Joaquin — three biological siblings with vastly different upbringings — who reconnect after being separated at birth. Grace, who just placed her child up for adoption, seeks answers from her newly found siblings. Maya, her fiery younger sister, navigates her own family’s unraveling while Joaquin, their older brother, wrestles with trauma from the foster care system. This heartfelt novel resonates deeply, showing how family can be found in unexpected places.
Winners of 2016
Fiction: The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead
The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead, winner of Best Fiction Book of 2016, reimagines the historic escape network as a literal railroad. Cora, a slave from Georgia, takes a life-threatening journey with Caesar to flee her brutal life. Whitehead’s inventive storytelling blends historical and fantastical elements, making every stop along Cora’s escape a haunting reflection of America’s racial violence. The novel masterfully tackles slavery’s horrors, oppression, and resilience. It’s captivating and heartbreaking and forces readers to confront painful truths about America’s past and present.
Nonfiction: Stamped from the Beginning: The Definitive History of Racist Ideas in America by Ibram X. Kendi
Stamped from the Beginning by Ibram X. Kendi, named Best Nonfiction of 2016, traces the engraved origin of systemic racism in America. Kendi reveals how prominent figures like Jefferson and Du Bois played roles in sustaining these ideas. By exploring five intellectuals’ lives, Kendi shows how racism was designed to defend policies, not from foolishness, but to maintain power. This well-researched book unpacks centuries of racist ideology and its ongoing effects today. Kendi provides readers with guidance to recognize and dismantle a racist society.
Poetry: The Performance of Becoming Human by Daniel Borzutzky
The Performance of Becoming Human by Daniel Borzutzky, awarded Best Poetry Collection of 2016, explores the impact of nation-states on communities. Combining Valparaiso and Lake Michigan, he examines political and economic violence in Chicago and Chile. Borzutzky delves into how people cross difficult borders and systemic abuses. His poetry captures the harsh realities of denationalization and overbuilding, revealing deep societal wounds. This collection raises critical questions about identity and the human experience in a fractured world.
Young People’s Literature: March: Book Three by Nate Powell, Andrew Aydin, and John Lewis
March: Book Three wraps up the powerful MARCH trilogy, highlighting Congressman John Lewis’s pivotal role in the Civil Rights Movement. Co-written with Andrew Aydin and illustrated by Nate Powell, this graphic novel resonates deeply with today’s struggles, making it the perfect choice for 2016 Best Young People’s Literature. By the fall of 1963, the movement has gained traction, but dangers from Jim Crow laws grow stronger. Lewis and a team of eager activists start the Freedom Vote and Mississippi Freedom Summer, emphasizing “One Man, One Vote.” The book reveals the flaws within the movement and the challenges faced by an erratic president. This compelling conclusion showcases the enduring fight for justice and equality.
Winners of 2015
Fiction: Fortune Smiles: Stories by Adam Johnson
Fortune Smiles by Adam Johnson is a collection of six thought-provoking stories that explore how politics, love, and grief affect individual lives. In Nirvana, a man creates a virtual version of the president to cope with his wife’s illness. Hurricanes Anonymous follows a man navigating a disaster-stricken Louisiana, searching for his child’s mother. In George Orwell Was a Friend of Mine, a former Stasi prison warden avoids addressing his dark past. The title story centers on two North Korean defectors adjusting to life in South Korea. With powerful storytelling and strong character depth, Johnson’s collection was awarded the best fiction book of 2015.
Nonfiction: Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates
Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates is a moving letter from a father to his son, exploring what it means to live in a Black body in America. Coates unpacks the nation’s history of racial violence, from slavery to segregation to modern-day police brutality. Through personal reflections and historical insight, he confronts the deep-rooted struggles of Black Americans while urging a way of thinking about this harsh reality. This honest, heartfelt work resonated with readers and was named the best nonfiction book of 2015 for its powerful message and emotional depth.
Poetry: Voyage of the Sable Venus by Robin Coste Lewis
Voyage of the Sable Venus by Robin Coste Lewis explores race, identity, and desire through a powerful blend of personal and historical poems. The collection’s centerpiece is the title poem, crafted entirely from the titles of artworks involving Black women, unraveling how they’ve been viewed through history. By comparing these parts with her autobiographical reflections, Lewis examines the problematic, often damaging portrayal of Black female bodies in Western art. The collection was chosen as the best poetry of 2015 for its innovative structure and insightful cultural commentary, celebrating lure and confronting racial stereotypes.
Young People’s Literature: Challenger Deep by Neal Shusterman
Challenger Deep by Neal Shusterman dives into the complex world of mental illness through the journey of Caden Bosch. Split between two realities — one where he’s on a ship going toward the Marianas Trench and another where he navigates high school — Caden’s mind is a maze of competing thoughts and emotions. Shusterman blends vivid imagery with sincere storytelling to reflect the confusion and isolation that comes with mental illness. This novel won best young people’s literature of 2015 for its compassionate and gripping portrayal, making the struggle with mental health relatable and real for young readers.
Winners of 2014
Fiction: Redeployment by Phil Klay
Redeployment by Phil Klay takes readers into the cruel and emotive realities of soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan. Through a series of fascinating short stories, Klay explores the trauma of war, and the complex transitions soldiers face when they come home. Characters deal with themes of regret, survival, hope, and loss in both battle and everyday life. Klay’s raw, detailed portrayal of these experiences earned Redeployment the 2014 Best Fiction award. Its deep emotional affliction and unflinching honesty have cemented it as a modern war classic.
Nonfiction: Age of Ambition: Chasing Fortune, Truth, and Faith in the New China by Evan Osnos
Faithful and Virtuous Night by Louise Glück is a mesmerizing collection that takes readers on a fantastical journey through life, death, and identity. Glück’s poems shift between perspectives, blurring the lines between male and female, adventure and the familiar. The collection explores the unknown with an otherworldly, yet intimate tone, making readers question their place in life’s plans. Its deep reflection on mortality and self-discovery earned it the Best Poetry Collection of 2014. With her signature lyricism, Glück transforms everyday moments into enchanting, surreal experiences that stay with you long after reading.
Poetry: Faithful and Virtuous Night by Louise Glück
Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson is a powerful memoir told through vivid, accessible poems, chronicling her childhood in the 1960s and 1970s. Growing up in South Carolina and New York, Woodson shares her experiences navigating race, identity, and the Civil Rights movement. Her poems capture the mindset of being connected to two places, as well as the challenges with reading. Despite this, Woodson discovers the joy of storytelling, which ultimately shapes her into a remarkable writer. Its lyrical, heartfelt narrative was chosen as the Best Young People’s Literature of 2014.
Young People’s Literature: Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson
Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson is a powerful memoir told through vivid, accessible poems, chronicling her childhood in the 1960s and 1970s. Growing up in South Carolina and New York, Woodson shares her experiences navigating race, identity, and the Civil Rights movement. Her poems capture the mindset of being connected to two places and the challenges with reading. Despite this, Woodson discovers the joy of storytelling, which ultimately shapes her into a remarkable writer. Its lyrical, heartfelt narrative was chosen as the Best Young People’s Literature 2014.
In the past decade, the National Book Award winners have given us stories that resonate and stay with us. From unforgettable characters to groundbreaking ideas, these books continue to inspire readers. If you’re looking for your next favorite, these titles won’t disappoint.
Want to find out who the 2024 National Book Award Finalists are? Check out this article.
Be sure to browse our New Year, New Lease on All Things Books – 2024 Releases bookshelf on Bookshop.org for 2024 recommendations!
