In the Margins Committee Announces 2025 Book Award Winners

 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

In the Margins Committee Announces 2025 Book Award Winners

Newport News, VA – February 24, 2025 – At a time when stories of resilience, justice, and survival are more important than ever, the In the Margins Book Award committee proudly announces its 2025 award selections. These books provide powerful, unfiltered narratives that reflect the experiences of youth navigating systemic barriers, incarceration, urban violence, and social injustice—stories often overlooked in mainstream publishing. This year’s top selections push boundaries, challenge assumptions, and ignite critical conversations, making them must-reads for librarians, educators, and young readers alike.

2025 IN THE MARGINS TOP AWARD WINNERS

Top Fiction: The Accomplice: A Novel, written by Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson with Aaron Philip Clark. Published in September 2024 by Amistad Press, an imprint of Harper Publisher, a division of HarperCollins Publishers. Ages 17-Up. A gripping crime thriller featuring Nia Adams, the first Black female Texas Ranger, who takes on a dangerous case involving an elite crime syndicate. This high-stakes novel explores corruption, power, and the pursuit of justice..

Top Nonfiction: Nephew: A Memoir in 4-Part Harmony, written by MK Asante. May 2024. Amistad Press, an imprint of Harper Publisher, a division of HarperCollins Publishers. Ages 12-18. Through intimate letters to his unconscious nephew, Asante’s memoir is a lyrical, deeply personal exploration of generational trauma, incarceration, and the redemptive power of music and family bonds. 

Top Social Justice: The Rent Collectors: Exploitation, Murder, and Redemption in Immigrant LA, written by Jesse Katz. July 2024. Astra Publishing House. Adults. A chilling true crime account of the dangers faced by undocumented street vendors in Los Angeles, caught between gang extortion and indifference to city policies. The book exposes the hidden injustices shaping urban life today.

2025 IN THE MARGINS TOP 10 BOOKS

In addition to the award winners, the committee is proud to highlight the following Top Ten Titles, which provide compelling perspectives on urban life, justice, and perseverance:

1. The Accomplice: A Novel, written by Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson with Aaron Philip Clark (see brief summary above).

2. Better Must Come, written by Desmond Hall (a searing YA novel about survival and loyalty in the streets of Jamaica).

3. Dear Dad: Growing Up with a Parent in Prison -- and How We Stayed Connected, written by Jay Jay Patton, Antoine Patton, and Kiara Valdez. Illustrated by. Markia Jenai (a powerful graphic memoir on the impact of incarceration on families).

4.  Little by Little Yout can Change the  World, written by Sonya Ballantyne. Illustrated by Rhael McGregor and Letterer Toben Racicot (a beautifully illustrated book that empowers young changemakers).

5. Marty’s Kid, written by Hannah K. (a raw coming-of-age story that tackles addiction, family bonds, and self-discovery).

6. Nephew: A Memoir in 4-Part Harmony, written by MK Asante (see summary above).

7. The Second Chance of Darius Logan, written by David Walker (a gripping YA thriller blending action, second chances, and self-redemption).

8. Sito: An American Teenager and the City that Failed Him, written by Laurrence Ralph (a gut-wrenching true story of youth caught in the cycle of gun violence and systemic failure).

9. One Pill Killed: Fentanyl Poisoning. Are You Next?, written by Normandy D. Piccolo (a gripping account of the fentanyl crisis targeting today’s teens).

10. What Kind of Bird Can’t Fly: A Memoir of Resilience and Resurrection, written by Dorsey Nunn (a raw, deeply personal memoir from a formerly incarcerated activist who turned his life around).

These selections embody In the Margins' mission to uplift literature that speaks to youth navigating challenging realities. This year’s list includes a dynamic mix of fiction, nonfiction, and graphic narratives, tackling issues like mass incarceration, addiction, urban violence, and racial injustice.  The awards are divided into 3 groups incompassing Top Ten Titles, Fiction and Nonfiction YA Recommendations,  and Social Justice & Advocacy. 

Complete lists and full annotations for each title are available on our website: https://inthemarginssite.blog/awards-list/. The website and full award lists will go live on Monday, February 24.

We appreciate your support in highlighting stories that matter—stories that often exist in the margins but deserve to be front and center.

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WHY THIS MATTERS NOW

In an era where youth voices are often silenced, these books provide a platform for stories that need to be told. From the criminalization of Black and Brown youth to resistance against systemic oppression, the 2025 In the Margins selections challenge readers to confront injustice and empower them to take action.

For Journalists and Educators: These titles spark critical conversations around topics like youth activism, social justice, and the power of literature in shaping change.

For Libraries and Bookstores: These books provide diverse, high-interest selections that will engage reluctant readers and those looking for stories that reflect their lived experiences.

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HOW TO FEATURE THESE TITLES

✅ Review Copies, Book Events & Signings: Check with individual publishers.

✅ Media Inquiries: Please contact the committee at inthemarginsbookaward@gmail.com.

\✅ New Book Submissions: Please contact the committee at https://inthemarginssite.blog/submissions/

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ABOUT IN THE MARGINS

The committee is comprised of juried and non-juried members, librarians, library supervisors, and library educators currently working with youth who experience the challenging circumstances of marginalized issues represented in the selected titles. The 2025 juried committee members are:

Sabrina Carnesi, Past SL Practitioner, Independent LS Educator, Newport News, VA 

Amy Cheney, Founding Member, Past Director of Oakland Unified Schools, Oakland, VA

Marvin DeBose Sr., Free Library of Philadelphia, Philadelphia.PA

Jennifer Parker-Haas, Echo Glen Children’s Center, Washington State Library, Snoqualmie, WA

Jess Snow, Boston Public Library, Boston, MA

Kiera O’Shea, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC.

Power Up! Civic Awareness with the Free Library - Hosted by Dr. Aaron Smith !

Power Up! Civic Awareness with the Free Library - Hosted by Dr. Aaron Smith!

Image generated with artificial intelligence to represent a person at a Power Up event

This fall, the Free Library of Philadelphia is teaming up with Temple University’s Dr. Aaron Smith, an Assistant Professor of Africology and African American Studies, to present an enlightening six-part series titled “Power Up!”

These six workshops aim to equip Philadelphians with the knowledge and tools to become more involved in their communities. From understanding citizenship rights to exploring the workings of democracy, each session is designed to spark meaningful discussions and inspire action.

Dr. Aaron Smith, photo credit to The Philadelphia Tribune.

Here’s a glimpse of what you can expect:

Citizenship: Privileges, Rights, and Responsibilities

Kick off Civic Awareness Month by learning about the fundamentals of citizenship. Learn about your rights and responsibilities and how you can play an active role in shaping your community.
When: Saturday, September 7 at 11:00 a.m.
Where: Lillian Marrero Library

Democracy is an Action Word

Discover how you can be a force for change in local, state, and federal governments. This session will explore ways to become politically empowered and engaged.
When: Tuesday, September 10 at 5:30 p.m.
Where: Joseph E. Coleman Northwest Regional Library

We the People

Elections matter—especially local ones. In this session, discuss how local elections impact our daily lives and how you can make your voice heard.
When: Saturday, September 14 at 11:00 a.m.
Where: Lucien E. Blackwell West Philadelphia Regional Library

Let Freedom Ring

Learn how laws at all levels—local, state, and federal—affect you and how you can navigate them for your benefit.
When: Tuesday, September 17 at 5:30 p.m.
Where: South Philadelphia Library

Your Call to Civic Action

This workshop focuses on how you can leverage your unique talents to make a positive impact in Philadelphia.
When: Saturday, September 21 at 11:00 a.m.
Where: Northeast Regional Library

2024 Philly Civics Fair and Speakers Panel

Meet local community organizations, learn about their work, and discover how you can get involved. This event is a must-attend for anyone looking to make a difference in Philadelphia.
When: Saturday, September 28 at 9:00 a.m.
Where: Parkway Central Library

The Free Library’s “Power Up!” is a call to action. The civic awareness initiative’s overall goal is to increase local citizen’s understanding of the systems that govern us while actively participating in processes that shape society. Whether attending a workshop, joining a discussion, or simply learning something new, every effort contributes to building a stronger, more connected Philadelphia.

The Free Library of Philadelphia is creating spaces for learning, dialogue, and community building. Together, we can forge a shared vision for the future that is inclusive, informed, and driven by the power of collective action.

In The Margins Book Awards for 2024

 February 6, 2024

2024 Press Release ITM Awards

Contact:  Sabrina Carnesi, In the Margins Book Awards Committee Chair

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 

February 6, 2024 

SEATTLE, WA. – The In the Margins Book Awards (ITM) committee plays a crucial role in recognizing and promoting literature that addresses the unique experiences and challenges faced by marginalized youth, and is pleased to announce their selection for overall Top Titles for each 2024 category and their Top Ten fiction and nonfiction list. By including social justice titles in their overall top ten list this year, the committee emphasizes the importance of narratives that tackle issues such as cultural irrelevance, structural exclusion, and disproportionality of injustices experienced by BIPOC youth. The age range of 9 to 21 suggests a broad spectrum of literature catering to various developmental stages, ensuring that the selected titles are relevant and engaging for a diverse audience within the specified age group. The focus on fiction, nonfiction, and social justice advocacy reflects a comprehensive approach to storytelling, encompassing different genres and perspectives.

The committee’s commitment to inclusivity is evident not only in the selection process but also in the involvement of young adults who have first-hand experience with the themes addressed. By actively seeking input from those who have lived through the challenges discussed in the literature, the committee ensures authenticity and relevance in their annual reading list. This approach not only enriches the selection process but also highlights the significance of direct engagement with the target audience.

Top Titles for 2024 are:

Dreams: Visions of the Crow, Volume 1 (ages 12-Up) written by Wanda John-Kehewin and illustrated by Nicole Marie Burton and Kielamel Sibal, published by Highwater Press (2023), won the Top Title for Fiction.

 

Damon’s life has never been easy. Isolated from his Native culture, with his mother’s alcoholism and daily harassment from school bullies, he isn’t sure if he can make it through his senior year. When a crow appears in his dreams and daily reality, Damon finds himself swept into an Indigenous cultural connection that can become a pathway to family and healing. This first in a series is based on the author’s true life experiences. Trigger Warnings: Loneliness, alcohol abuse, poverty, parental anger, school bullying, anti-indigenous sentiment, depression.

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Akim Aliu: Dreamer (Ages 10-14), written by Akim Aliu and Greg Anderson Elysée and illustrated by Karen de la Vega and Marcus Williams, published by Graphix, an imprint of Scholastic Press, a division of Scholastic Publishing, Inc. (2023), won the 2024 Top Title for Nonfiction.

In this graphic memoir, Ukrainian-Nigerian-Canadian hockey player Akim Aliu, better known as Dreamer, shares the challenges he endured with players, coaches, and officials from childhood to age 20 in order to succeed in the league. Told in retrospect, this novel shines a light on the African and Ukrainian immigration crisis and the depth of systemic racism throughout the world. Trigger Warnings: Racial slurs and profanity (blurred out visually), hazing, racial microaggressions, violence and blood (on-page), colorism, and emotional abuse.

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Can we Please Give the Police Department to the Grandmothers? (All Ages) written byJunauda Petrus, illustrated by Kristen Uroda, published by Dutton Books for Young Readers, an imprint of Penguin Young Readers, a division of Penguin Random House (2023), won Top Title for Social Justice Advocacy. 

Author Junauda Petrus wrote this poem in 2014, shortly after Michael Brown’s death in Ferguson, MO. The poem, along with picture book artist Kristen Uroda’s wonderful drawings, is a radical call to action towards community-based policing that provides safety, compassion, accountability, humanity, and respect for all. Trigger Warnings: References to police aggression, school bullying, disconnected and disengaged youth.

This year’s Top Ten List highlights all the titles that comprise the fiction, nonfiction, and advocacy and social justice lists posted on the book award’s website.  In the Margins Official 2024 Top Ten titles are as follows:

1. Abdur-Rahman, Kevin H. The Eruption of Possible. May 2023. Page Publishing, Inc. $15.95 Paperback. 120 pages. 9798887936116. Adult.
2. Aliu, Akim, Greg A. Elysée, Karen de la Vega, and Marcus Williams. Akim Aliu: Dreamer. May 2023. Graphix, an imprint of Scholastic Press, a division of Scholastic Publishing, Inc. $24.99 Hardback. 140 pages. 9781338787603. Ages 10-14.  
3. Baptist, Kelly J. Eb and Flow. March 2023. Crown Books for Young Readers, an imprint of Random House Children’s Books, a division of Penguin Random House. $16.99 Hardback. 224 pages. 9781593429136. Ages 9-12.
4. Grant, Katy. Three Shots. West 44 Books, an imprint of Enslow Publishing. May 2023. $16.35. Paperback. 191 pages. 9781978596528. Ages 13-17. 
5. Hannaham, James. Didn’t Nobody Give a Shit What Happened to Carlotta. August 2022. Little brown and company, a division of Hachette. $17.99 Hardback, 352 pages. 9780316285278. 17- Up.
6. Ice-T, Spike, and Douglas Century. Split Decision: Life Stories. July 2022. Gallery Books, an imprint of Gallery Publishing Group, a division of Simon and Schuster. $28.99. Hardcover. 304 pages. 9781982148775. Adult.
7. John-Kehewin, Wanda, Nicole Burton, and Kielamel Sibal. Dreams: Visions of the Crow, Volume 1. April 2023. Highwater Press. $21.95 Paperback. 80 pages. 9781774920459, ages 12-Up.
8. Johnson, Kim. Invisible Son. Random House Books for Young Readers, an imprint of June 2023. Random House Children’s Books, a division of Penguin Random House. 416 pages. 9780593482100. Ages 13-Up.
9. Petrus, Junauda and Kristen Uroda. Can we Please Give the Police Department to the Grandmothers? April 2023. Dutton Books for Young Readers, an imprint of Penguin Young Readers, a division of Penguin Random House. $18.99. Hardback. 32 pages.  9780593462331. Ages 5-9.  
10. Wheattle, Alex. Sufferah: The Memoir of a Brixton Raggae-Head. July 2023. Akashic Books, Ltd. $28.95 Hardback. 248 pages. 9781636140933. Ages 16-Up. 

The complete set of lists with annotations is located on the Award’s Website.  Click here for new book submissions.  For additional information, please contact the committee at inthemarginsbookaward@gmail.com.

The 2024 committee comprises juried and non-juried members, librarians, library supervisors,  and library academics currently working with youth who experience the challenging circumstances of marginalized issues represented in the selected titles. Members of the 2024 juried committee are:

Molly Bassford, Colorado State Library,  Denver, CO

Sabrina Carnesi, University of Washington, Seattle, WA (Chair)

Amy Cheney, Founding Member, Dir. of Oakland Unified Schools, Oakland, CA

Marvin DeBose, Philadelphia Free Libraries, Philadelphia, PA

Isaiah Hurtado, Oakland Public Library, Oakland, CA

Jennifer Parker-Haas, Echo Glen Children’s Center, Washington State Library, Snoqualmie, WA

Jess Snow, Boston Public Library, Boston, MA

Kiera Vargas, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC