2025 National Book Awards Finalists Announced

The 2025 National Book Awards finalists represent a broad spectrum of literary talent. In Fiction, nominees include Rabih Alameddine, Megha Majumdar, Karen Russell, Ethan Rutherford, and Bryan Washington, each exploring diverse themes and narratives. The Nonfiction category features Omar El Akkad, Julia Ioffe, Yiyun Li, Claudia Rowe, and Jordan Thomas, whose works delve into pressing social and personal issues. Poetry finalists Gabrielle Calvocoressi, Cathy Linh Che, Tiana Clark, Richard Siken, and Patricia Smith offer powerful and evocative verses. Translated Literature nominees Solvej Balle, Gabriela Cabezón Cámara, Anjet Daanje, Hamid Ismailov, and Neige Sinno, along with their translators, bring international perspectives to the forefront. Finally, the Young People’s Literature category celebrates Kyle Lukoff, Amber McBride, Daniel Nayeri, Hannah V. Sawyerr, and Ibi Zoboi, whose works engage with young readers on important topics.

The awards ceremony will be livestreamed, allowing readers worldwide to participate in the celebration of literature. The finalist reading, featuring Michelle Zauner as host, promises to be a highlight, and the Teens Read event, hosted by Casey McQuiston, will connect young readers with the authors in the Young People’s Literature category.

The winners will be announced on November 19, 2025.

The ceremony will be livestreamed on the National Book Foundation’s website at nationalbook.org/awards&ref=yanuki.com.

George Saunders will receive the Medal for Distinguished Contribution to American Letters, and Roxane Gay will receive the Literarian Award for Outstanding Service to the American Literary Community.

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