Award Winning Books

With so many books published every year, it can be hard to know what to read. Let the experts help narrow it down with these award-winning books. Spanning all genres, these are the books and authors deemed the best by associations that know about literature.

Winner of the Nobel Prize in Literature

Featured Author

Louise Glück

The 2020 Nobel Prize in literature was awarded to Louise Glück for her achievements in poetry over the last 50 years. Glück’s first poetry compilation, Firstborn, was published in 1968, and she has been wowing and enchanting the poetic world with her mastery of language ever since.

The International Booker Prize

This prize is awarded to an English-language book and honors not just the book, but the author for outstanding achievement in writing. The 2020 award went to Marieke Lucas Rijneveld for The Discomfort of Evening.

The Discomfort of Evening

Marieke Lucas Rijneveld

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The Booker Prize

Outside of the Nobel and Pulitzer, the Booker Prize is one of the most highly regarded literary awards. One book is chosen every year from a list of nominees. While the 2020 winner will not be announced until later this month, here are the five books that made the coveted short list.

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The Pulitzer Prize

The Pulitzer is one of the most well-known writing awards. Awarding across all genres, a win here shows a true mastery of the craft of writing. Here are the winners for the 2020 Pulitzers in Fiction, Drama, History, Biography, and Poetry. This year's winner for Fiction was Colson Whitehead, and this was his second Pulitzer.

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Sweet Taste of Liberty: A True Story of Slavery and Restitution in America

W. Caleb McDaniel

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Sontag: Her Life and Work

Benjamin Moser

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The Tradition

Jericho Brown

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Women's Prize for Fiction

The Women's Prize for Fiction was created to spotlight women in writing, and spotlights excellence, creativity, and originality. The 2020 awards were its 25th year, and the top prize went to Maggie O'Farrell for Hamnet, a fascinating, fictionalized look into the life of Shakespeare's only son.

Hamnet

Maggie O'Farrell

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Edgar Awards

Named for Edgar Allen Poe and awarded by the Mystery Writers of America, the Edgard award spotlights excellency in Mystery writing and is the most prestigious award in the genre. 2020's best novel honor went to The Stranger Diaries by Elly Griffith, a modern gothic tale of a literary murder.

The Stranger Diaries

Elly Griffiths

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Hugo Awards

For the Sci-Fi fans, there are the Hugo Awards. These awards are administered by the World Science Fiction Convention, so you know they know the best of the best. The honor of Best Novel this year went to Arkady Martine's A Memory Called Empire. This book is a space opera with political sabotage, murder, and intrigue set in the backdrop of an interstellar mining station.

A Memory Called Empire

Arkady Martine

from $15.98

Newbery Award

The Newbery Medal was named for eighteenth-century British bookseller John Newbery. It is awarded annually by the Association for Library Service to Children, a division of the American Library Association, to the author of the most distinguished contribution to American literature for children. This year's top honor went to New Kid by Jerry Craft, a graphic novel about learning to fit in in middle school.

New Kid

Jerry Craft

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Book Critics Circle Awards

The Book Critics Circle Awards (BCCA) are awarded every year to the finest English language books in six genres: Fiction, Nonfiction, Biography, Autobiography, Poetry, and Criticism. While the 2020 BCCA awards will not be awarded until next Spring, here are the 2019 winners.

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The Queen: The Forgotten Life Behind an American Myth

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Wayward Lives, Beautiful Experiments

Saidiya Hartman

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The PEN/Faulkner Award

When a writing award shares its name with William Faulkner, you can bet they are choosing a book that shows complete mastery of the craft of writing. The PEN portion of the name is short for Poetry, Editors, and Novelists, a representation of those who give the award. This year's top prize for fiction went to Chloe Aridjis for Sea Monsters, a fantastic, surreal novel about the journey of a teenage girl to find adventure and her father's journey to find her.

Sea Monsters

Chloe Aridjis

from $6.09

The Caldecott Medal

The Caldecott Medal is named in honor of nineteenth-century illustrator Randolph Caldecott and is award annually by the Children’s division of the American Library Association for excellence in illustration of children's literature. Kadir Nelson earned the honor this year for his illustrations of Kwame Alexander's The Undefeated.

The Undefeated

Kwame Alexander

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Discover Award Winning Books for Every Reader

Explore a curated collection of award-winning books at ThriftBooks and find your next unforgettable read. Whether you’re searching for celebrated fiction, acclaimed nonfiction, or the latest books on award winners, this page helps you browse top picks across genres and age groups. Each title here has earned critical recognition—making it easier for you to choose books that inspire, challenge, and delight.

Why Choose Award-Winning Books?

Award winning books stand out for their storytelling, innovation, and cultural impact. By selecting books recognized by industry leaders—like the Pulitzer Prize, National Book Award, Booker Prize, Caldecott Medal, and more—you’re choosing stories that resonate with readers and critics alike. These titles often spark conversation, expand your worldview, or provide that perfect escape.

Trusted Quality: Awards signal high literary or artistic achievement.
Broad Appeal: From gripping novels to inspiring memoirs, there’s something for every taste.
Timeless Relevance: Many award winners remain favorites year after year.

Browse Award Winning Books by Age Group

Finding the right book is easier when you narrow your search by age or reading level. Here are some tips for discovering award-winning books that suit every reader in your home.

For Kids & Young Readers: Look for picture books and chapter books honored with the Caldecott Medal or Newbery Medal. These awards recognize outstanding writing and illustration in children’s literature, helping young readers fall in love with books from an early age. Titles like The Undefeated by Kwame Alexander, which earned the Caldecott Medal for its powerful illustrations and moving narrative, are perfect for sparking imagination and important conversations.
For Teens & Young Adults: Explore YALSA’s Printz Award winners, which highlight exceptional young adult literature. These books often tackle complex themes, diverse perspectives, and coming-of-age stories that resonate with teens.
For Adult Readers: Dive into fiction and nonfiction honored by the Booker Prize, Pulitzer Prize, or National Book Award. These books offer thought-provoking plots, memorable characters, and masterful prose.

Find Award Winning Books by Genre

No matter your favorite genre, there are award-winning books waiting to be discovered. Use these categories to guide your search for your next great read:

Literary Fiction: Often recognized by the Booker Prize or Pulitzer Prize, these novels explore profound themes and offer beautifully crafted narratives. For example, The Discomfort of Evening by Marieke Lucas Rijneveld—winner of the International Booker Prize—is a haunting and original novel that delves into family, grief, and resilience. This book is perfect for readers drawn to emotionally powerful stories and fresh literary voices.
Nonfiction: Award-winning nonfiction books illuminate history, science, biographies, and personal stories. Look for titles recognized by the National Book Award for Nonfiction or the Pulitzer Prize for General Nonfiction.
Mystery & Thriller: Edgar Award winners showcase the best in suspenseful storytelling, from classic detective fiction to contemporary psychological thrillers.
Science Fiction & Fantasy: The Hugo and Nebula Awards honor innovative tales that push the boundaries of imagination, perfect for fans of speculative worlds.
Children’s & Middle Grade: Besides the Caldecott and Newbery, look for Coretta Scott King Award winners, which celebrate outstanding African American authors and illustrators.

How to Choose the Right Award Winner for You

With so many celebrated titles available, you might wonder how to find the best fit for your reading goals or interests. Consider these strategies:

Reflect on Your Interests: Are you drawn to stories of resilience, like those in The Discomfort of Evening? Or do you want inspiring, beautifully illustrated works such as The Undefeated?
Explore Award Criteria: Different awards honor different achievements. The Caldecott focuses on illustration, while the Pulitzer prizes narrative excellence.
Read Reviews: See what other readers thought about the book—award winners often spark lively discussion and diverse opinions.
Try Something New: Use this collection to step outside your comfort zone. Award winners are a great way to discover genres or authors you might not have considered.

Spotlight: Notable Award Winners in This Collection

The Undefeated by Kwame Alexander is a stunning picture book that celebrates Black history and resilience. Its Caldecott Medal-winning illustrations and stirring poetry make it a must-have for any family or classroom library.
The Discomfort of Evening by Marieke Lucas Rijneveld brings readers a raw, unforgettable glimpse into childhood and loss. As an International Booker Prize winner, it’s a compelling choice for fans of literary fiction seeking a powerful emotional journey.

Frequently Asked Questions About Books on Award Winners

What types of awards are represented?
Our collection includes books honored by prestigious organizations such as the American Library Association, Pulitzer Prize Board, Booker Prize Foundation, and more. You’ll find winners across fiction, nonfiction, children’s literature, and genre fiction.
Are award-winning books appropriate for all ages?
Yes! Our selection spans picture books for young children, captivating middle grade and YA reads, as well as thought-provoking titles for adults.
Can I find both recent and classic winners?
Absolutely. Discover the latest releases alongside enduring favorites that have stood the test of time.

How ThriftBooks Helps You Find Award Winning Books

At ThriftBooks, we make it easy to find award winning books that match your interests and budget. Use filters to narrow by genre, age group, or award type. Our affordable prices let you build your dream bookshelf without breaking the bank—so you can enjoy acclaimed stories for less.

Browse and Compare: Quickly scan book summaries and awards to discover top picks.
Read at Your Own Pace: With fast shipping and great deals, your next award-winning read is just a click away.
Grow Your Collection: Enjoy rotating inventory and new additions, so there’s always something fresh to explore.

Start Exploring Books on Award Winners Today

Ready to dive in? Whether you’re shopping for yourself, your family, or as a gift, our hub of award winning books has something for every reader. From the visually stunning The Undefeated to the deeply moving The Discomfort of Evening, find books that have captivated judges and readers worldwide. Discover your next great read—and see why award winners are always worth a spot on your shelf.