12th NH Literary Awards

Last night the New Hampshire Writers' Project, in partnership with the Center for the Book at the NH State Library, presented the New Hampshire Literary Awards at a reception and ceremony sponsored by the NH Institute of Art. The readers' choice winners were selected based on the online votes of nearly 1,000 readers.

Reception before the ceremony began
(photo: Brenda Noiseux)

2016 Outstanding Work of Fiction

Awarded to a writer for a book of fiction published between June 1, 2013 and March 31, 2016. This may be a novel or a collection of short stories and may focus on a particular genre, such as mystery or science fiction. Brendan DuBois judged this category.

• Breaking Wild - Diane Les Becquets - WINNER
• Welcome to Frost Heaves - Ken Sheldon (Fred Marple) - READERS' CHOICE WINNER
• Gate City - Michael Davidow - FINALIST
• A Measure of Happiness - Lorrie Thomson - FINALIST

2016 Outstanding Book of Poetry

Awarded to a poet for an outstanding book or chapbook of poetry published between June 1, 2013 and March 31, 2016. Betsy Snider judged this category.

• Interval: Poems Based on Bach's Goldberg Variations - Alice B. Fogel - WINNER
• Snowman's Code - Midge Goldberg - FINALIST & READERS' CHOICE WINNER
• No Other Gods - Todd Hearon - FINALIST
• The Alchemy of Desire - Dianalee Velie - FINALIST
• Pretenders - Jeff Friedman - FINALIST

2016 Outstanding Work of Nonfiction Nominees

Awarded to a writer for a book of nonfiction published between June 1, 2013 and March 31, 2016. This may be creative nonfiction, biography, memoir, historical nonfiction, or books that focus on travel, education, and other nonfiction subjects. Katrina Kenison judged this category.

• The Nepal Chronicles - Dan Szczesny - WINNER & READERS' CHOICE WINNER
• Babe Conquers the World - Rich & Sandra Wallace - FINALIST
• A Berkshire Boyhood - Robert Begiebing - FINALIST

Audience members, including
Lita Judge and Marie Harris, listen to
Peter Biello's introduction
(photo: Brenda Noiseux)

2016 Outstanding Work of Children's Literature Nominees

Awarded to a writer for a work of children’s literature (picture book, chapter book) published between June 1, 2013 and March 31, 2016. Lita Judge judged this category.

• The Girl Who Heard Colors - Marie Harris - WINNER
• Albert's Almost Amazing Adventure - Marty Kelley - FINALIST & READERS' CHOICE WINNER
• This Orq (he cave boy) - David Elliott - FINALIST

2016 Outstanding Young Adult Book Nominees

Awarded to a writer for a work of young adult literature (fiction or nonfiction) published between June 1, 2013 and March 31, 2016. Joseph Monninger judged this category.

• Strange Sweet Song - Adi Rule - WINNER
• The Runaway's Gold - Emilie Christie Burack - READERS' CHOICE WINNER
• Chelsea Creek to Bunker Hill: Spring 1775 - Terri A. DeMitchell - FINALIST