National Book Award Week

National Book Award Week, celebrated from November 7 to 13, shines a spotlight on the power of storytelling and the diversity of voices in American literature.

This special week marks a time to honor and discover the incredible works of authors that shape our understanding and enjoyment of books.

From vivid fiction and insightful nonfiction to pioneering poetry and translated works, this week celebrates outstanding literary achievements that enrich our culture and broaden our perspectives.

The National Book Awards, established in 1950, are at the heart of this celebration. They recognize the best in American literature, spotlighting top writers and their contributions across multiple categories.

These awards aim to acknowledge great books and, increase readership, and ensure literature’s prominent place in American culture.

This week involves activities such as reading events, book discussions, and promotions that help foster a love for reading and support the literary community.

Why do we celebrate this week? It’s about more than just handing out awards. National Book Award Week helps to promote literacy and a love for reading across diverse communities. It encourages readers to explore new genres and authors, thereby fostering a greater appreciation for the literary arts.

Through this celebration, the National Book Foundation, which administers the awards, seeks to make literature accessible to all and to highlight the cultural value of great writing.​

History of National Book Award Week

National Book Award Week has a storied history intertwined with the broader narrative of American literature and its recognition.

Originally established in 1950, the book industry introduced the awards to honor outstanding literary achievements.

The initiative was relaunched after a brief discontinuation during World War II, with the American Booksellers Association, American Book Publishers Council, and the Book Manufacturers Institute playing pivotal roles in its revival.

The week-long celebration we know today was structured to recognize books in several categories, including fiction, non-fiction, poetry, young people’s literature, and translated literature.

This structure allows for a broad recognition of literary diversity and talent. Over the years, the National Book Awards have undergone several changes in terms of categories and criteria, reflecting the evolving landscape of American literature and publishing.

Initially, the awards recognized a wide range of categories, but in the 1980s, there was a significant shift. The format was temporarily changed to the “American Book Awards,” mimicking the Oscars, which significantly expanded the number of categories.

However, this format was revised due to various challenges, and the awards reverted to a more focused approach. Now, it highlights fewer categories but maintains a deep commitment to literary excellence.

National Book Award Week sparks nationwide interest in reading and literacy today, encouraging readers to engage and share. The week reminds us of the power of literature to open minds and hearts to new ideas and experiences.

How to Celebrate National Book Award Week

Host a Literary Costume Party

Why not kick off National Book Award Week with a bang? Throw a literary costume party where everyone dresses up as their favorite book character from a National Book Award winner.

From the haunting figures of “Sing, Unburied, Sing” to the intricate personalities of “The Underground Railroad,” the possibilities are endless and sure to spark lively conversations!

Arrange a Blind Date with a Book

Set up a blind date with a book by wrapping up National Book Award winners or nominees in plain paper. Write intriguing clues on the outside, hinting at the plot or the characters within.

This mysterious matchmaking can lead participants to discover their next favorite read while celebrating the spirit of literary surprise.

Create a Book-Themed Art Contest

Channel the inner artist by organizing a book-themed art contest. Participants can create artwork inspired by their favorite scenes, themes, or characters from books.

To blend visual arts with literary appreciation, display these masterpieces in a local library or community center.

Dive into a Readathon

Why not spend the week reading as much as possible? Host a readathon where participants aim to read as many National Book Award-listed titles as possible. Spice it up with mini-challenges, like reading a book by an author from a different state or trying out a genre they’ve never explored before.

Write Your Ending

For a twist on traditional book discussions, why not have a “Write Your Own Ending” workshop? Pick a National Book Award-winning book; after discussing it, each participant writes an alternative ending.

Share these unique spins with the group, exploring the diverse creative directions for a story.