Peter Gizzi, Crystal Maldonado Win 2024 Massachusetts Book Awards

Peter Gizzi, professor of English, and Crystal Maldonado, director of marketing and communications for the College of Humanities and Fine Arts, have each been named recipients of 2024 Massachusetts Book Awards by the Massachusetts Center for the Book (MCB).<_o3a_p>

Gizzi was selected as the winner of the Poetry Award for "Fierce Elegy" (Wesleyan University Press), which the judges called "a powerful, brave and hopeful collection of lament and love."<_o3a_p>

Maldonado was bestowed the Middle Grade/Young Adult Literature Award for "The Fall of Whit Rivera" (Holiday House). "With humor and tenderness, this teen romance addresses family, friendship, chronic illness and the challenges of high school," the judges said of the book.<_o3a_p>

"Every year, judges from the writing, academic, publishing, bookselling, and library communities come together to select the best of the best-books that haunt and inspire, books that motivate us to think, feel, and learn," MCB executive director Courtney Andree said in the announcement of the award winners. "This year's awards recognize both established and debut authors from across Massachusetts, showcasing a depth of creativity and insight."<_o3a_p>

MCB will host a Celebration of the 2024 Massachusetts Book Awards at the State House on Oct. 8th, featuring Award, Honors and Longlisted authors. Judges, legislators, fellow authors and members of the Commonwealth's reading community, including publishers, arts and cultural organizations, librarians, and bookstore owners will also be invited. <_o3a_p>

Program Manager Karolina Zapal notes that submissions are open for the 2025 Mass Book Awards through mid-December and adds, "For its 25th anniversary, we've expanded the Mass Book Awards with two new categories - a biannual award for the best graphic novel or memoir and a 'Notable Contribution to Publishing' award to recognize the quality and productivity of Massachusetts presses." <_o3a_p>

Founded in 2000, MCB is the Commonwealth affiliate of the Center for the Book in the Library of Congress charged with developing, supporting and promoting cultural programming to advance the cause of books, reading and libraries across Massachusetts. <_o3a_p>

MCB runs youth and family literacy programs, operates the Massachusetts Book Awards and the student writing initiative 'Letters About Literature,' represents the Commonwealth at the National Book Festival and partners with community organizations on literary initiatives and events across the Commonwealth.<_o3a_p>

More information about the Massachusetts Book Awards, including a complete list of awardees, honor recipients and longlisted authors, can be found at www.massbook.org/mass-book-awards.<_o3a_p>

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