Introduction to the Finalists

The announcement of the 2024 National Book Awards finalists has generated excitement among literary enthusiasts and scholars alike. This year, 25 outstanding works were recognized in the categories of fiction, nonfiction, poetry, translated literature, and young people’s literature. The finalists were selected by a distinguished panel of judges who meticulously reviewed a longlist revealed in September.

Notable Achievements of the Honorees

Diving deeper into this year’s selections, it is noteworthy that several finalists have previously been honored by the National Book Foundation. Among them, Leri Price and Samar Yazbek were both finalists in 2021 for their work, “Planet of Clay.” Leri Price was also recognized in the past for her translations of Khaled Khalifa’s works, including being longlisted in 2023 for “No One Prayed Over Their Graves.” This year marks a significant milestone as all finalists in the categories of fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and young people’s literature are debut honorees.

Finalist Reading Event and Engagement

The 2024 National Book Awards Finalists will participate in a reading event on Tuesday, November 19, at NYU Skirball, hosted by Brittany Luse, a renowned journalist and cultural critic. This event, which is both in-person and livestreamed, invites readers from all over to engage with the finalists’ work. Additionally, on the same day, young people’s literature finalists will connect with middle and high school students in a special program hosted by National Book Award winner Jacqueline Woodson. The program aims to present the finalists’ insights while fostering a love for reading among students.