In response to the restrictions posed by the ongoing pandemic, and the staffing and financial challenges faced by the University of Minnesota Duluth and the Kathryn A. Martin Library, the NEMBA Committee was unable to hold an in-person awards event honoring our 32nd annual NEMBA nominees and winners.
However, the contest continued and it is our pleasure to announce the winners of the 32nd annual Northeastern Minnesota Book Awards. Awards were presented in five categories: (1) Fiction, (2) Poetry, (3) Children's Literature, (4) Memoir, and (5) Nonfiction. The winner in each category received a $200 cash prize. The Northeastern Minnesota Book Awards are presented by UMD's Kathryn A. Martin Library and Friends of the Duluth Public Library.
Fiction
Winner
In the Night of Memory by Linda Legarde Grover
Honorable Mention
Jack and Ghost by Chan Poling and illustrated by Lucy Michell
Poetry
Winner
Where Your House is Now by Louis Jenkins
Honorable Mention
Hawks on High: Everyday Miracles in a Hawk Ridge Season by Phil Fitzpatrick and illustrated by Penny Perry
Children's Literature
Winner
Forever Sky by Thomas Peacock and illustrated by Annette Lee
Honorable Mention
The Lost Forest by Phyllis Root and illustrated by Betsy Bowen
Memoir
Winner
Tucker Lake Chronicle: Thirteen Months in the North Woods by Joan Crosby
Honorable Mention
Rooted in Rocky Soil: a Mostly Peaceful Life Interrupted by Moments of Something Else Entirely by Ray and Rose Thielbar
Nonfiction
Winner
Walking the Old Road: A People’s History of Chippewa City and the Grand Marais Anishinaabe by Staci Lola Drouillard
Honorable Mention
Grandfather’s Blood Memories and Unbroken Spirit by Sharon Doolittle Shuck
More information will be shared in 2021 about the 33rd NEMBA awards. We realize how much NEMBA means to our communities, and we look forward to sharing more information as it becomes available.
Questions about NEMBA can be directed to [email protected]