November 2025 Newsletter
To the Root of Right
Laurie Halse Anderson Wins 2025 Grateful American Book Prize for “Rebellion 1776”
Honorable Mentions awarded to Rebecca Brenner Graham and Debbie Levy
Acclaimed author Laurie Halse Anderson has been awarded the 2025 Grateful American Book Prize for her middle-grade historical novel, Rebellion 1776 (Simon & Schuster / A Caitlyn Dlouhy Book). It was presented at a ceremony held at The St. Regis Hotel in Washington, D.C., on October 30, 2025.
Rebellion 1776 tells the story of a young girl facing the dual challenges of a smallpox epidemic and the upheaval of the Revolutionary War.
“Winning the Grateful American Book Prize for Rebellion 1776 is a joyful honor,” Anderson said. “I write about American history to spark curiosity in young readers. The Grateful American Foundation shares this mission by supporting youth, families, and educators with quality resources about our nation’s history.”
Honorable Mentions were also given to:
- Rebecca Brenner Graham, for Dear Miss Perkins: A Story of Frances Perkins’s Efforts to Aid Refugees from Nazi Germany (Kensington).
- Debbie Levy, for A Dangerous Idea: The Scopes Trial, the Original Fight over Science in Schools (Bloomsbury).
“Receiving an honorable mention from the Grateful American Book Prize is especially meaningful to me because I believe more young Americans should know about Frances Perkins’s career, including her fight against American bigotry to support refugees from Nazism,” said Graham. “I was a full-time high school teacher throughout the process of writing Dear Miss Perkins, so I’m especially glad if the book resonates with younger audiences.”
“My purpose in writing about history for young people is to tell irresistible stories and to get kids to share my enthusiasm for my subjects,” Levy noted. “The Scopes trial is one of those irresistible historical events, and I am so pleased that the Grateful American Book Prize, which shares my dedication to creating enthusiasm among kids for history, has chosen to recognize it.”
Each year the Grateful American Book Prize honors outstanding works of historical fiction, nonfiction, and biography written for readers in grades 7–9 that illuminate important personalities and events in American history.
The winner receives $13,000—symbolizing the original 13 Colonies—along with a silver medallion created by renowned artist Clarice Smith, and a lifetime membership at The New York Historical. Each Honorable Mention recipient receives $500 and a medallion.
Founded in 2015 by David Bruce Smith and the late Dr. Bruce Cole, the Grateful American Book Prize encourages authors to engage young readers with America’s past. Submissions for the 2026 Prize open January 1, 2026.
“Rebellion 1776” by Laurie Halse Anderson Wins 2025 Grateful American Book Prize
Honorable Mentions Go to Rebecca Brenner Graham and Debbie Levy for Works on Frances Perkins and the Scopes Trial
ARLINGTON, VA – October 8, 2025 – Laurie Halse Anderson’s powerful novel, Rebellion 1776 (Simon & Schuster / A Caitlyn Dlouhy Book), has been selected as the Winner of the 2025 Grateful American Book Prize, said the co-founder of the prize, David Bruce Smith.
The historical fiction adventure plunges young readers into the American Revolution, following a girl struggling to survive amid a smallpox epidemic, public fear of inoculation, and the seething war. The New York Times described Anderson’s book as, “Filled with immersive detail, expert delineations of complex characters, and both harsh and loving reality, Rebellion 1776 provides young readers with a true experience of a historic moment in time that resonates with today’s world.”
Honorable Mentions Highlight American Trailblazers
Two exceptional books received Honorable Mentions:
- Dear Miss Perkins: A Story of Frances Perkins’s Efforts to Aid Refugees from Nazi Germany (Kensington) by Rebecca Brenner Graham, a fascinating portrait of the progressive female trailblazer and U.S. Secretary for Labor.
- A Dangerous Idea: The Scopes Trial, the Original Fight over Science in Schools (Bloomsbury) by Debbie Levy, which chronicles the 100-year-old debate ignited by a small-town science teacher over what students should learn.
About The Grateful American Book Prize
The Grateful American Book Prize is awarded annually for high-quality, 7th to 9th grade level historical fiction, nonfiction, and biographies that explore the personalities and events which have shaped the United States since its founding.
The $13,000 cash award, which commemorates the original 13 Colonies, also includes a lifetime membership at The New York Historical, and a silver medallion created by the co-founder’s mother, renowned artist Clarice Smith.
Honorable Mention awardees each receive $500 and the medallion.
David Bruce Smith, author and education advocate, co-founded the Prize in 2015 with the late Dr. Bruce Cole, the longest-serving chair of the National Endowment for the Humanities (2001 to 2009).
MEDIA CONTACT
Grateful American Book Prize
info@gratefulamericanbookprize.org
703-688-2233
Thanks to All Who Submitted Books to the 2025 Grateful American Book Prize
When we established the Grateful American Book Prize we had no idea it would generate such a high level of excitement. We had hoped for a warm welcome from authors, publishers, and agents, but the response has been overwhelming. It has been gratifying to discover the immense popularity of historical fiction, biography, and non-fiction. More important: history teachers, their students, and parents–throughout the country–seem to appreciate all of it.
We also want to commend the teachers, publishers, writers, and agents who have joined the “movement” to produce more–and better works that are interesting to adolescents, and provide them with choice and quality.
The 2025 Grateful American Book Prize winner will be announced in October.
FINAL CALL!
Don’t Miss Your Chance to Be Part of History!
Submit Your Book for the 2025 Grateful American Book Prize
Deadline: Thursday, July 31, 2025
The Grateful American Book Prize is accepting submissions for its prestigious 2025 award. We recognize outstanding historical fiction and nonfiction that captivates young readers, celebrating high-quality books and biographies about pivotal American history and figures.
Prize Details:
- Grand Prize: A $13,000 cash award (commemorating the 13 original Colonies), a lifetime membership to The New York Historical, and a silver medallion designed by renowned artist Clarice Smith.
- Honorable Mentions (Two): $500 each and the silver medallion.
Key Eligibility Requirements:
- Publication Date: Books must be published between August 1, 2024, and July 31, 2025.
- Target Audience: Writing style must appeal to 11-to-15-year-olds (7th to 9th grade levels).
- Content: Must focus on important American historical people and events. Historical accuracy is paramount; even fictitious stories must be thoroughly researched.
- Publisher: No self-published books will be accepted.
- Edition: Prior editions are not eligible.
How to Enter:
- Submission Method: Submit your book via our online form.
- Entry Fee: Free to enter.
- Submission Deadline: Thursday, July 31, 2025.
About the Grateful American Book Prize
David Bruce Smith’s Grateful American Foundation was founded on President’s Day 2014, with a mission to restore enthusiasm in American history for kids—and adults.
The Grateful American Book Prize was co-founded by David Bruce Smith and Dr. Bruce Cole, the former chairman of the National Endowment for the Humanities, in 2015. It is awarded annually to the authors of books for children, ages 11 to 15; they can be works of historical fiction, fiction, non-fiction, and biographies. “We are looking for excellence in writing and storytelling.”
Don’t Miss Your Chance To Be Part of History
Submit Your Book for the 2025 Grateful American Book Prize
by July 31, 2025
The Grateful American Book Prize is accepting submissions for its 2025 award, recognizing exceptional historical fiction and non-fiction books that captivate young readers.
The annual book prize is awarded for high quality, 7th to 9th grade level historical fiction, fiction, non-fiction, and biographies about important people—and events—in America’s history.
The Prize consists of a $13,000 cash award in commemoration of the 13 original Colonies, and a lifetime membership to The New York Historical. In addition, the winner receives a silver medallion designed by Smith’s mother, the renowned artist, Clarice Smith. The two Honorable Mentions get $500 each and the silver medallion.
Key Eligibility Requirements:
• Books published between August 1, 2024 – July 31, 2025
• No self-published books; writing style must appeal to 11-to-15-year-olds
• Historic accuracy is paramount; fictitious stories must be well-researched
Important Details:
• Deadline for entry: July 31, 2025
• Prior editions are not eligible
• Submit your book via our online form
• Free to enter
About the Grateful American Book Prize
David Bruce Smith’s Grateful American Foundation was founded on President’s Day 2014, with a mission to restore enthusiasm in American history for kids—and adults. The organization seeks to provide interest, insight, and to increase awareness about the people and events that influenced the founding of the United States. Smith has boundless enthusiasm for American History and a limitless longing to share it with America’s schoolchildren. So, it’s no wonder that the author and publisher co-created the Grateful American Book Prize the following year.
The Grateful American Book Prize was co-founded by David Bruce Smith and Dr. Bruce Cole, the former chairman of the National Endowment for the Humanities, in 2015. It is awarded annually to the authors of books for children, ages 11 to 15; they can be works of historical fiction, fiction, non-fiction, and biographies. “We are looking for excellence in writing and storytelling.”
The Ultimate Opportunity for Historical Storytellers!
The Grateful American Book Prize is now accepting submissions for its annual award, recognizing exceptional historical fiction and non-fiction books that captivate young readers. The annual book prize is awarded for high quality, 7th to 9th grade level historical fiction, fiction, non-fiction, and biographies about important people—and events—in America’s History.
Key Eligibility Requirements:
• Books published between August 1, 2024 – July 31, 2025
• No self-published books; writing style must appeal to 11-to-15-year-olds
• Historic accuracy is paramount; fictitious stories must be well-researched
Important Details:
• Deadline for entry: July 31, 2025
• Prior editions are not eligible
• Submit your book via our online form
About the Grateful American Book Prize
David Bruce Smith’s Grateful American Foundation was founded on President’s Day 2014, with a mission to restore enthusiasm in American history for kids—and adults. The organization seeks to provide interest, insight, and to increase awareness about the people and events that influenced the founding of the United States. Smith has boundless enthusiasm for American History and a limitless longing to share it with America’s schoolchildren. So, it’s no wonder that the author and publisher co-created the Grateful American Book Prize the following year.
The Grateful American Book Prize was co-founded by David Bruce Smith and Dr. Bruce Cole, the former chairman of the National Endowment for the Humanities, in 2015. It is awarded annually to the authors of books for children, ages 11 to 15; they can be works of historical fiction, fiction, non-fiction, and biographies. “We are looking for excellence in writing and storytelling.”
The Prize consists of a $13,000 cash award in commemoration of the 13 original Colonies, and a lifetime membership to The New York Historical. In addition, the winner receives a silver medallion designed by Smith’s mother, the renowned artist, Clarice Smith. The two “Honorable Mentions” get $500 each and the silver medallion.
Learn more about previous Grateful American Book Prize Winners and Honorable Mentions >
The Grateful American Book Prize Is Accepting Submissions for 2025
The annual book prize is awarded for high quality, 7th to 9th grade level historical fiction, fiction, non-fiction, and biographies about important people–and events–in America’s History.
The Grateful American Book Prize is accepting submissions for historical fiction, fiction, non-fiction, and biographies for adolescents—ages 11 to 15, and published between August 1, 2024, and July 31, 2025.
“Over the past several decades schools have gradually de-emphasized history in the classroom; as a result, many students do not know who Abraham Lincoln, George Washington and Benjamin Franklin were,” according to David Bruce Smith, Co-founder of the Prize. “It’s been a lingering problem for quite some time and so, at the behest and in collaboration with the late Dr. Bruce Cole, the former Chairman of the National Endowment for the Humanities, we established the Prize to re-engage young readers and ramp up interest. As Dr. Cole put it, ‘we are a country of historical amnesiacs’ and perhaps historical ‘page turners’ for kids may be just what the doctor ordered.”
The Grateful American Book Prize comes with a $13,000 cash award in commemoration of the 13 original Colonies, a lifetime membership to The New York Historical, and a medallion created by Smith’s mother, the renowned artist, Clarice Smith. Two Honorable Mention recipients receive $500 each, plus the medallion.
Submit your book online via the Grateful American Book Prize Submission Form.
Please note: the deadline to enter is July 31, 2025.
Media Contact:
Francesca Raimond
Grateful American Book Prize
info@gratefulamericanbookprize.org
703-688-2233
Submit Your Book for the 2025 Grateful American Book Prize
The annual book prize is awarded for high
quality, 7th to 9th grade level historical fiction, fiction,
non-fiction, and biographies about important
people–and events–in America’s History.
ARLINGTON, Va. – January 2, 2025 — The Grateful American Book Prize is accepting submissions for historical fiction, fiction, non-fiction, and biographies for adolescents—ages 11 to 15, and published between August 1, 2024, and July 31, 2025.
“Over the past several decades schools have gradually de-emphasized history in the classroom; as a result, many students do not know who Abraham Lincoln, George Washington and Benjamin Franklin were,” according to David Bruce Smith, Co-founder of the Prize. “It’s been a lingering problem for quite some time and so, at the behest and in collaboration with the late Dr. Bruce Cole, the former Chairman of the National Endowment for the Humanities, we established the Prize to re-engage young readers and ramp up interest. As Dr. Cole put it, ‘we are a country of historical amnesiacs’ and perhaps historical ‘page turners’ for kids may be just what the doctor ordered.”
The Grateful American Book Prize comes with a $13,000 cash award in commemoration of the 13 original Colonies, a lifetime membership to The New York Historical, and a medallion created by Smith’s mother, the renowned artist, Clarice Smith. Two Honorable Mention recipients receive $500 each, plus the medallion.
For more information and to submit your book via the online form, visit the Grateful American Book Prize website.
Please note: the deadline to enter is July 31, 2025.
Media Contact:
Grateful American Book Prize
info@gratefulamericanbookprize.org
703-688-2233