It’s October which must mean it’s…National Book Month! Since 2023, this annual, month-long celebration has shined a light on the importance of reading, writing and literature. It is also the perfect opportunity to honor the nation’s best books and top authors at the National Book Awards.

Established in 1950, the National Book Awards are American literary prizes which celebrate the best writing in the United States, and are administered by the National Book Foundation. 15 Finalists, announced today, will be honored in November at the Medal Ceremony and Finalist Reading. The five Winners in Fiction, Nonfiction, Poetry, Translated Literature, and Young People’s Literature are announced at the National Book Awards Ceremony and Benefit Dinner.

Each Winner receives a $10,000 prize and a bronze sculpture. Once an author has been honored by the National Book Awards, they become a permanent member of the National Book Foundation pantheon.

Instantly recognizable authors from William Faulkner, John Cheever, Philip Roth, and John Updike, to Katherine Anne Porter, Norman Mailer, Toni Morrison, and Alice Walker have all been the recipients of National Book Awards.

Visit the National Book Awards website to learn more about this year’s honorees. And, maybe pick up a copy of their latest work at your local library!

About Success Won’t Wait

Founded in 2002, Success Won’t Wait is a not-for-profit literacy organization based in Wilmington, Delaware. To learn more about Success Won’t Wait’s literacy projects, how to donate used children’s books in Delaware, or volunteer your time, please click on the About Us tab above.

And, if your program, school or center needs assistance with books, please Contact Us to learn more.

Read now, because success won’t wait!