The 75th National Book Awards took place on November 20, 2024, at Cipriani Wall Street in New York City, celebrating literature's vital role during politically turbulent times.

Host Kate McKinnon highlighted that literature serves not only as entertainment but also as a powerful source of illumination, provocation, and inspiration for change.

The event underscored literature's essential role in shaping historical narratives and advocating for social change.

Pulitzer Prize-winning author Barbara Kingsolver received the Medal for Distinguished Contribution to American Letters, while W. Paul Coates was honored with the Literarian Award for Outstanding Service to the American Literary Community.

Kingsolver is recognized for her diverse contributions to literature, particularly her focus on themes of climate change and social justice.

Coates advocates for marginalized voices in literature, emphasizing the importance of all stories in understanding history.

Jason De León won the Nonfiction category for 'Soldiers and Kings,' a work that discusses human smuggling and the urgent need for social justice.

Percival Everett took home the Fiction award for 'James,' which re-imagines 'Huckleberry Finn' from Jim's perspective, highlighting the significance of hope and strategy in storytelling.

Shifa Saltagi Safadi was awarded Young People's Literature for 'Kareem Between,' a book that advocates for the representation of Muslims as heroes.

Lena Khalaf Tuffaha received recognition for her poetry collection 'Something About Living,' which calls for activism against the oppression of the Palestinian people.

Winners in various categories were awarded medals and cash prizes, including $10,000 for each category winner and $1,000 for finalists.

Electric Literature aims to raise $25,000 by the end of 2024 to continue providing free access to their literary content for 15,000 daily visitors.