Anisfield-Wolf Book Awards

Founded in 1935 by poet and philanthropist Edith Anisfield Wolf and administered by the Cleveland Foundation, the Anisfield-Wolf Book Awards is the nation’s only juried prize devoted to literature that deepens our understanding of race and diversity. For nearly a century, the awards have elevated books that confront injustice, illuminate history and broaden how readers understand one another. AWBA honors international writers whose work embodies courageous storytelling in nonfiction, fiction, memoir, poetry and a lifetime achievement category. Every September, AWBA brings writers to Cleveland for a world-class ceremony and author talks. At these free events, readers meet and hear from the authors behind the year’s honored books.

AWBA is a community of authors, readers, educators and supporters committed to advancing our understanding of race and human diversity. Support the awards to ensure powerful ideas and voices continue to reach new audiences.

Read this year’s winners or explore the full AWBA canon. Choose an award-winning book for your book club or classroom. Share what you read and help these powerful voices reach new audiences.