Discover the 5 Under 35 Honorees

2012

honorees

The 5 Under 35 program honors five young fiction writers selected by past National Book Award Winners and Finalists, or previous 5 Under 35 Honorees.

In 2006, the National Book Foundation established the 5 Under 35 prize to recognize young, debut fiction writers whose work promised to leave a lasting impression on the literary landscape. 5 Under 35 has identified some of the most celebrated young writers working today. Honorees include Brit Bennett, Angela Flournoy, Phil Klay, Nam Le, Valeria Luiselli, C.E. Morgan, Téa Obreht, ZZ Packer, Karen Russell, Justin Torres, Claire Vaye Watkins, Tiphanie Yanique, and Charles Yu.

5 Under 35 Honorees are writers from around the world, under the age of 35, who have published their first and only book of fiction—either a short story collection or a novel—within the last five years. In addition to being recognized at an invite-only ceremony in November, the honorees are presented with a $1,000 prize. Championing young authors at the beginning of their careers is part of the Foundation’s efforts to celebrate books, promote inclusivity, and engage more readers. 

5 Under 35 Honorees are selected by authors previously recognized by the National Book Foundation—either by National Book Awards or 5 Under 35 itself. Selectors maintain confidentiality until the Honorees are announced in mid-September. As Honorees are selected at the discretion of the selection committee, publisher cannot nominate an honoree or submit a book for consideration.

Moderator/Emcee

Media

Neko Case
Neko Case
Anya Ulinich
Anya Ulinich
Author
Thomas Sayers Ellis
Thomas Sayers Ellis

Neko Case, 2012 5 Under 35 Celebration’s Host
Neko Case, 2012 5 Under 35 Celebration’s Host

Claire Vaye Watkins at the 2012 National Book Foundation 5 Under 35 Celebration
Claire Vaye Watkins at the 2012 National Book Foundation 5 Under 35 Celebration

Interview with Téa Obreht and Haley Tanner's Vaclav & Lena read at the 2012 5 Under 35 Celebration
Interview with Téa Obreht and Haley Tanner's Vaclav & Lena read at the 2012 5 Under 35 Celebration

Jennifer duBois reading at the 2012 5 Under 35 Celebration
Jennifer duBois reading at the 2012 5 Under 35 Celebration

Justin Torres and Jessica Hagedorn at the 2012 5 Under 35 Celebration
Justin Torres and Jessica Hagedorn at the 2012 5 Under 35 Celebration

Stuart Nadler and Edith Pearlman at the 2012 5 Under 35 Celebration
Stuart Nadler and Edith Pearlman at the 2012 5 Under 35 Celebration

Thomas Sayers Ellis, Guest DJ at NBF’s 5 Under 35 Celebration, 2012
Thomas Sayers Ellis, Guest DJ at NBF’s 2012 5 Under 35 Celebration

2012 5 Under 35 Panel Discussion (part 1 of 2)
2012 5 Under 35 Panel Discussion (part 1 of 2)

2012 5 Under 35 Panel Discussion (part 2 of 2)
2012 5 Under 35 Panel Discussion (part 2 of 2)

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