Discover the 5 Under 35 Honorees

2015

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

LeVar Burton
LeVar Burton
Ben Greenman
Ben Greenman

Colin Barrett reading at 5 Under 35
Colin Barrett reads at the 2015 5 Under 35 Celebration

Angela Flournoy reads at the 2015 NBF 5 Under 35 Celebration
Angela Flournoy reads at the 2015 NBF 5 Under 35 Celebration

Megan Kruse reads at the 2015 5 Under 35 Celebration
Megan Kruse reads at the 2015 5 Under 35 Celebration

Tracy O’Neill reads at the 2015 5 Under 35 Celebration
Tracy O’Neill reads at the 2015 5 Under 35 Celebration

Azareen Van der Vliet Oloomi reads at the 2015 5 Under 35 Celebration
Azareen Van der Vliet Oloomi reads at the 2015 5 Under 35 Celebration

Q&A with the 2015 NBF 5 Under 35 Honorees
Q&A with the 2015 NBF 5 Under 35 Honorees

LeVar Burton delivers a speech at 5 Under 35
LeVar Burton hosts the 2015 National Book Foundation 5 Under 35 Celebration

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