The Library of Virginia recently announced the 12 finalists for its 27th Annual Virginia Literary Awards.. This year’s finalists represent a broad range of genres, highlighting the Commonwealth’s vibrant literary culture.

Chosen from over 200 submissions by an independent panel of judges, the finalists will be honored at a gala ceremony Sept. 21 at the Library of Virginia. Each winner will receive a $2,500 prize and distinguished recognition for their work.

“We are thrilled to honor literary excellence within our state and celebrate Virginia’s contributions to literature,” said Librarian of Virginia Dennis T. Clark. “The Virginia

Literary Awards Celebration not only showcases exceptional writers but also brings together a community of readers and authors.”

In fiction, the finalists are Rachel Beanland for “The House Is on Fire,” Sadeqa Johnson for “The House of Eve,” and Angie Kim for “Happiness Falls.”

For nonfiction, the finalists are Edward L. Ayers for “American Visions: The United States, 1800–1860,” Ashley Shew for “Against Technoableism: Rethinking Who Needs Improvement,” and Elizabeth R. Varon for “Longstreet: The Confederate General Who Defied the South.”

In poetry, the finalists are Ariana Benson for “Black Pastoral: Poems,” Bob Hicok for “Water Look Away,” and Janine Joseph for “Decade of the Brain: Poems.”For the Children’s Virginia Literary Award, the finalists are Kwame Alexander for “An American Story,” Andrea Beatriz Arango for “Something Like Home,” and Vashti Harrison for “Big.”

 Kwame Alexander
 

Finalists for the Library’s People’s Choice Awards in fiction and nonfiction also will be recognized during the event. The gala will include the presentation of the honorary Patron of Letters degree to poet and lawyer Reginald Dwayne Betts, founder and CEO of Freedom Reads.

Presented by Dominion Energy and supported by Carole and Marcus Weinstein, the Virginia Literary Awards gala will feature a cocktail reception, dinner,and awards ceremony. Proceeds from the ticketed event and silent auction will benefit the Library’s conservation, education and community outreach programs.

For more information on tickets, sponsorship opportunities or ways to support the 27th Annual Virginia Literary Awards Celebration, visit lvafoundation.org or call (804) 692-3813.