National Book Award Week is held from November 7 to November 13 each year. It focuses on America’s future authors, books, and literature in general. The National Book Award is a set of annual literary awards in the United States. At the last ceremony of the annual National Book Award in November, the National Book Foundation presents the National Book Award and two-lifetime achievement awards to the authors. Books for the National Book Award are nominated by publishers only, but participants in the discussion may require specific nominations from publishers.
Right now, technology is trying to displace the print world, and the number of readers is declining. However, Americans are still reading both digital and printed books. Indeed, absolutely all writers and readers are waiting for the National Book Award Week. Everyone wants to know who will dictate the fate of American literature.
History of National Book Award Week
The National Book Award was established in 1936 by the American Booksellers Association (A.B.A.). In May 1936, the first National Book Awards were presented at the annual convention of the American Booksellers Association, a month after the New York Times reported the establishment of a “new annual award.” The winners were the authors of four books from 1935, selected by a vote of A.B.A. members. A novel, a biography, and general documentary literature were named “The most outstanding of 1935.” Another novel was awarded “the most original.”
After being abandoned during World War II, it was then restored by three book industry organizations in 1950. Only during the pre-war era were authors outside the U.S. eligible for awards. They are now awarded to American authors for books published for about a year. Currently, the National Book Award is presented to one book (author) annually in each of the five categories: fiction, documentary, poetry, translation, and youth literature.
Before, there were awards in many other categories, but they were removed or included in the current five. The National Book Foundation also awards two-lifetime achievement awards each year: the Medal for Outstanding Contribution to American Literature and the Literary Award for Outstanding Achievement to the American Literary Community.
National Book Award Week timeline
Pre-war awards are announced in the winter, usually in February, and are named after the year of publication.
The “National Book Award” is canceled and replaced by the “American Book Awards” based on the film industry model (Oscar).
The “National” part is re-added to the name.
The non-profit National Book Foundation is established to manage and sponsor the National Book Prize.
National Book Award Week FAQs
How prestigious is the National Book Award?
In 2017, the “New York Times” named the National Book Prize with the Booker Prize and the Nobel Prize in Literature, “the world’s most prestigious literary prizes.”
What is the highest book award?
It is the Nobel Prize in Literature, which is awarded annually in Stockholm, Sweden, to an outstanding author of any country.
Who has won the National Book Award twice?
Authors who have received the award twice or more include well-known figures, such as William Faulkner, John Updike, William Gaddis, Jasmine Ward, and Philip Roth.
How to Observe National Book Award Week
Check out the list of nominees
By viewing the list of nominees for this award, you can discover a new wonderful author, who could even become your favorite writer! It is a great time to “meet” a new favorite author.
Read a book
During the week, you can enjoy the experience of fully immersing yourself in the literary world. See what nominated authors you know, and those you don’t!
Share the story
If you do not want to spend this week alone, then spread the word on social networks. You will be amazed at the number of people who will join that celebration with you.
5 Facts About Books That Will Blow Your Mind
There are over 129 million books
Now, this number of books is much bigger.
The longest printed sentence is 823 words
This sentence exists in “Les Miserables” by Victor Hugo.
The first typewritten book was Mark Twain’s
The book was called “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer” and was very popular among school children.
One book a day
President Theodore Roosevelt used to read one book per day.
Icelandic people are the greatest bookworms
Maybe it’s because of the weather, or maybe they were just taught to love books.
Why National Book Award Week is Important
A significant cause
To expand the readership and ensure that books have a prominent place in American culture, this is a cause truly worthy of support. Join in today!
We love books
Even in the internet era, knowledge still remains within books. Take some time out to revisit your favorite book.
Author appreciation
Awarded authors have gone through a lot to fulfill such a significant accomplishment. Being awarded means that their books have not only reached the readers’ hearts but also publishers’.
National Book Award Week dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | November 7 | Friday |
| 2026 | November 7 | Saturday |
| 2027 | November 7 | Sunday |
| 2028 | November 7 | Tuesday |
| 2029 | November 7 | Wednesday |
