Introduction to the 2024 Finalists

The announcement of the 2024 National Book Awards finalists has generated excitement in the literary community. Among the finalists in the Young People’s Literature category, five compelling stories stand out. Each book not only showcases exceptional storytelling but also addresses profound themes that resonate with today’s youth.

Highlighted Books and Their Themes

Violet Duncan’s Buffalo Dreamer captures the journey of 12-year-old Summer, who grapples with unsettling dreams about an indigenous girl escaping a residential school. This story is deeply rooted in Duncan’s family history, providing a poignant perspective on identity and resilience. In an equally impactful narrative, Josh Galarza’s debut novel, The Great Cool Ranch Dorito in the Sky, explores themes of self-acceptance and navigating social pressures as the protagonist, Brett, deals with his viral journal.

More Noteworthy Finalists

Other finalists include Erin Entrada Kelly’s The First State of Being, which intertwines the Y2K crisis with a time-traveling twist, and Shifa Saltagi Safadi’s novel-in-verse, Kareem Between, detailing the struggles of a Syrian American Muslim teen. Angela Shanté’s The Unboxing of a Black Girl reflects on the personal aspects of growing up while challenging societal expectations of young black girls.

In conclusion, the 2024 National Book Awards finalists for Young People’s Literature represent a diverse array of voices and experiences, inviting readers to engage with complex narratives that reflect both personal and societal themes.