2019 Book Awards
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A False Report follows parallel rape cases through the criminal justice system: one that was solved, another that was determined to be a "false report." With a keen eye for sociologically-focused narrative journalism, Armstrong and Miller paint an incredibly timely portrait of how the legal system and society as a whole view women's truths and how, going forward, we can stop silencing women's voices in a post #MeToo era.—PNBA Awards Committee
"A chilling, in-depth story revealing the psychology of rape from multiple angles. The intertwining accounts and outcomes are both shocking and insightful, providing answers at a time when taking a closer look at why sexual assault happens, and what we can do about it, is vital to society’s way forward." —Aubrey W., Powells.com Penguin Random House / Crown Publishing Group Shelftalker |
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This stunning book begins on a sugar plantation in Barbados when 11-year-old slave Wash is plucked from his unrelenting work by his master's brother to be his personal assistant. Titch is a scientist, and Wash's life is about to dramatically change. Probing themes of prejudice, cruelty, freedom, abandonment, family, home, love, and forgiveness, Esi Edugyan's meticulously rendered story is full of complex, layered characters, edge-of-your-seat suspense, and the essence of what it means to be a human being. Wash's determination to have the questions of his life answered is a profound roadmap to living a meaningful life. You will never forget Washington Black.—PNBA Awards Committee
Penguin Random House / Alfred A. Knopf Shelftalker |
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In Buzz, Thor Hanson takes us through the fascinating lives and history of bees, from the time the first bees made the advantageous split from wasps to the desperate importance of offering bees protection now. Hanson's narrative style makes the information flow in an easily digestible way and readers will come away knowing and appreciating more about bees than they ever thought possible.—PNBA Awards Committee
"Buzz is an engrossing story. When Thor Hanson expounds about the bees and flowers, it feels like summer! Winston Churchill, Charles Darwin, and Sherlock Holmes, all smart fellows, found bees fascinating, I think you will too." —Deon Stonehouse, Sunriver Books & Music Hachette Book Group / Basic Books Shelftalker |
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Joy McCullough employs a searing blend of poetry and prose to tell the story of 17th century Roman artist, Artemesia Gentileschi. Daughter of famed painter Orazio Gentileschi, Artemesia inherited and surpassed her father's talent, but as a woman, she had no ability to support herself and enjoyed no recognition for her genius. Raped by her teacher, her reputation and sense of the world ruined, she relied on the stories her mother told her of ancient heroines Judith and Susanna--subjects of her future paintings--to guide her toward healing and redemption. —PNBA Awards Committee
A truly magnificent tale of a young woman battling to be heard in a world that does everything it can to silence her. Penguin Random House / Dutton Books Shelftalker |
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Eli Saslow has penned a riveting tale of the White Nationalist, Derek Black, who was tapped as "heir apparent" to the leadership of the KKK, but eventually rejected that role. Growing up, Derek's father was a grand wizard for the organization, and his mother was once married to David Duke. Sharing their stance was all he knew, but things began to change when Black enrolled in a liberal arts college and was confronted with ideas that were in opposition to his own.
Saslow does an impeccable job of describing the inner micro-adjustments that occurred daily for Derek, and his long, slow slide to the left is a thing of beauty. Do not miss this superbly profound study in human nature, politics, racism, and family.—PNBA Awards Committee Penguin Random House / Doubleday Shelftalker |
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Libba
The Magnificent Musical Life of Elizabeth Cotten
Laura Veirs
(illus. by Tatyana Fazlalizadeh)
Portland, OR
The Magnificent Musical Life of Elizabeth Cotten
Laura Veirs
(illus. by Tatyana Fazlalizadeh)
Portland, OR
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Musician Laura Veirs turns the spotlight on folk singer Elizabeth “Libba” Cotten for her debut picture book, tracing the story of a girl who was meant to play music despite the odds against her. Even guitars weren’t made for a left-hander like Libba, but the plucky strummer just “turned the guitar upside down and played it backwards.” Determination and innate musical ability would have Libba composing one of her most famous songs, “Freight Train,” at a young age. However, it would only be years later as a grandmother, after giving up music to tend to life, that Libba’s talent would be discovered and shared.
Tatyana Fazlalizadeh’s stunning illustrations are a perfect accompaniment to Veirs’ lyrical text, both paying loving tribute to a magnificent life.—PNBA Awards Committee Chronicle Books Shelftalker |
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