Finalists For Minnesota Book Awards Are Announced!

Saint Paul Public Library has declared the skillful editor and debut writers were belong on the finalists in all nine categories for the 29th Annual Minnesota Book Awards. For the first time, two self-published authors were among the finalists.

Louise Erdrich has been named a finalist for a Minnesota Book Award for her novel "LaRose," which is also in the running for a National Book Critics Circle award. According to Star Tribune, the finalists for 29th annual Minnesota Book Awards were announced last Saturday and it was a mixture of experienced authors and debut writers.

Also included in the list was the two-time winner Kao Kalia Yang who is also a finalist for an NBCC award.Caren Stelson whose book, "Sachiko," was longlisted for a 2016 National Book Award, Benjamin Percy, Peter Geye and David Housewright.

According to the Twin Cities, chosen by 27 judges who are writers, teachers, librarians, and other members of Minnesota's literary community, 36 finalists made it this year contending in nine categories. This is Children's Literature, Genre Fiction, General Nonfiction, Memoir and Creative Nonfiction, Middle-Grade Literature, Novel and Short Story, Minnesota Nonfiction, Poetry, and Young Adult Literature.

The Minnesota Historical Society Press and the University of Minnesota Press each have four finalists and two self-published titles. The winners will be announced at the 29th Annual Minnesota Book Awards Ceremony on Saturday, April 8, at the InterContinental Hotel Saint Paul Riverfront tickets, cost $40-$55. Reception begins at 6:30 p.m., followed by the awards ceremony at 8 p.m.

Friends of the Saint Paul Public Library, a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting the Saint Paul Public Library, created the Minnesota Book Awards in1988. Minnesota Book Awards offers programs and events around the state throughout the year, including author readings, discussions, pub quizzes and food events aside from its award ceremony.

TagsNational Book Award, Minnesota Book Award, 29th Annual Minnesota Book Award, Minnesota Historical Society Press, University of Minnesota Press, NBCC award, Nine Books Categories