Overview of the 2024 Kirkus Prize

The highly anticipated winners of the 2024 Kirkus Prize were officially announced on October 16 during the 11th annual Kirkus Prize awards held at the Tribeca Rooftop in New York City. This prestigious award, presented by Kirkus Reviews, recognizes outstanding authors across the genres of fiction, nonfiction, and young people’s literature, celebrating the significance of literature in our contemporary society.

Highlights from the Award Ceremony

During the event, Kirkus editor-in-chief Tom Beer commented on the importance of this year’s selections, stating, “Our fiction finalists reimagine the art of storytelling while addressing the vital concerns of our day. The nonfiction finalists cast new light on misunderstood historical events and offer affecting personal narratives. Our young readers’ finalists present powerful narratives for children and teens through a combination of prose, verse, and art.” These insights reflect the quality and depth of this year’s prize contenders.

Selection Process and Finalists

The winners were meticulously chosen from an impressive list of thousands of titles that received starred reviews from Kirkus. These eligible works were published between November 1, 2023, and October 31, 2024, showcasing the literary excellence produced within that timeframe. Each award-winning author will receive a specially crafted trophy designed by the renowned design team, Vezzini, further emphasizing the honor of the Kirkus Prize.