Discover the 5 Under 35 Honorees

2016

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. Previous 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.

Story
LA Times announces the 2016 5 Under 35 Honorees

Read more >

Moderator/Emcee

Media

Ben Greenman
Ben Greenman
B.J. Novak
B.J. Novak

B.J. Novak hosts the 2016 5 Under 35 Celebration
B.J. Novak hosts the 2016 5 Under 35 Celebration

5 Under 35 Celebration, 2016, Author Panel Discussion
5 Under 35 Celebration, 2016, Author Panel Discussion

Benjamin Samuel Introducing B.J. Novak and Ben Greenman at 2016 5 Under 35 Celebration
Benjamin Samuel Introducing B.J. Novak and Ben Greenman at 2016 5 Under 35 Celebration

Ben Greenman emcee and moderator for the 2016 5 Under 35 Celebration
Ben Greenman emcee and moderator for the 2016 5 Under 35 Celebration

Brit Bennett reads from The Mothers, 2016 5 Under 35 Celebration
Brit Bennett reads from The Mothers, 2016 5 Under 35 Celebration

Greg Jackson reads from Prodigals, 2016 5 Under 35 Celebration
Greg Jackson reads from Prodigals, 2016 5 Under 35 Celebration

Lisa Lucas welcomes attendees at the 2016 5 Under 35 Celebration
Lisa Lucas welcomes attendees at the 2016 5 Under 35 Celebration

S. Li reads from Transoceanic Lights, 2016 5 Under 35 Celebration
S. Li reads from Transoceanic Lights, 2016 5 Under 35 Celebration

Thomas Pierce reads from Hall of Small Mammals, 5 Under 35 2016
Thomas Pierce reads from Hall of Small Mammals, 5 Under 35 2016

Yaa Gyasi reads from Homegoing, 2016 5 Under 35 Celebration
Yaa Gyasi reads from Homegoing, 2016 5 Under 35 Celebration

More information

For more details about 5 Under 35, email the Foundation at nationalbook@nationalbook.org.

Bio Name

no content

Top
X