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:
The Accomplice: A Novel, written by Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson with Aaron Philip Clark (see brief summary above).
Better Must Come, written by Desmond Hall (a searing YA novel about survival and loyalty in the streets of Jamaica).
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).
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).
Marty’s Kid, written by Hannah K. (a raw coming-of-age story that tackles addiction, family bonds, and self-discovery).
Nephew: A Memoir in 4-Part Harmony, written by MK Asante (see summary above).
The Second Chance of Darius Logan, written by David Walker (a gripping YA thriller blending action, second chances, and self-redemption).
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).
One Pill Killed: Fentanyl Poisoning. Are You Next?, written by Normandy D. Piccolo (a gripping account of the fentanyl crisis targeting today’s teens).
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.
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.
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/
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.
