Overview

• The ten-title list spans fiction, nonfiction, graphic work, and novels in verse drawn from 325 publisher submissions.
• The judges are Cathy Berner, David Bowles (chair), candice iloh, Jung Kim, and Maulik Pancholy.
• Previous finalists Derrick Barnes, Kyle Lukoff, Amber McBride, and Ibi Zoboi return to the longlist.
• Several selections engage themes of grief and loss, including works reflecting on the disruptions of the COVID-19 era.
• Finalists will be named October 7, with winners announced November 19 at the 76th National Book Awards ceremony.