National Book Foundation, presenter of the National Book Awards

Description

The National Book Foundation’s mission is to celebrate the best of American literature, to expand its audience, and to enhance the cultural value of good writing in America. The Foundation accomplishes its mission by presenting national and educational literary programs and the prestigious National Book Awards, for which it is best known.

The Awards are given to recognize achievements in four genres: Fiction, Nonfiction, Poetry, and Young People’s Literature. The Winners, selected by five-member, independent judging panels for each genre, receive a $10,000 cash award and a sculpture.

The Foundation’s programs include: 5 Under 35, a celebration of emerging fiction writers selected by former National Book Award Finalists and Winners; the National Book Awards Teen Press Conference, which serves as an introduction to literary culture for middle and high school students; NBA on Campus, brings National Book Award authors to college and university campuses; the Innovations in Reading Prize, given to individuals and institutions that have developed innovative means of creating and sustaining a lifelong love of reading; and BookUp, a writer-led, after-school reading club for underserved middle school students.