Jennifer Robin Barr’s “Thunder and Mercy” Wins 2026 Grateful American Book Prize

ARLINGTON, VA – October 8, 2026 – Jennifer Robin Barr’s electrifying novel, Thunder and Mercy [Astra Books for Young Readers/Calkins Creek], has been selected as the winner of the 2026 Grateful American Book Prize, according to co-founder David Bruce Smith.

Described as “fast-paced and full of twists,” this suspenseful middle grade novel transports young readers between the 1770s and 1970s as twelve-year-old Theodora “Thunder” Underwood uncovers the truth behind a Revolutionary-era spy network.

Two books received Honorable Mentions:

White House Secrets: Medical Lies and Cover-Ups [Astra Books for Young Readers/Calkins Creek] by Gail Jarrow – shocking, yet true, stories of presidential medical cover-ups from the 19th to the 21st century – a fascinating and provocative new installment in Jarrow’s acclaimed Medical Fiascoes book series.

The Four Seasons of Florence Wallace [Tommy Nelson] by Kirstie Myvett, a historical novel about a Black orphan girl grappling for a solid place in Civil War–era New York City.

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 (commemorating 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 recipients 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

October 2026 Newsletter

Magicians/Magic/Metamorphosis

Thanks to All Who Submitted Books to the 2026 Grateful American Book Prize

The eligibility period has closed. The 2026 winner will be announced in October.

The annual book prize is awarded to high quality, 7th to 9th grade level historical fiction, fiction, non-fiction, and biographies about important people–and events–in America’s History. more

Don’t Miss Your Chance to Be Part of History!

The Grateful American Book Prize is Accepting Submissions for its Prestigious Award
Submit your Book by Friday, July 31, 2026

 

Founded by David Bruce Smith and the late Dr. Bruce Cole, the Grateful American Book Prize seeks to promote engagement with American history among young readers.

According to Smith, the teaching of history has declined in recent decades, leaving many young people unfamiliar with foundational figures such as George Washington and Benjamin Franklin. In response, and in partnership with the late Dr. Bruce Cole, former Chairman of the National Endowment for the Humanities, the Prize was established to inspire historical literacy. As Dr. Cole observed, “we are a country of historical amnesiacs,” and engaging books may help address this challenge.

Prize Details:

Key Eligibility Requirements:

How to Enter:

For further details, visit the submission page.

Grateful American Book Prize winning books 2015 – 2025

Submit Your Book for the 2026 Grateful American Book Prize

The Grateful American Book Prize is accepting submissions for outstanding historical fiction, non-fiction, and biographies for readers, ages 11 to 15. Eligible books must be published between August 1, 2025, and July 31, 2026.

Founded by David Bruce Smith and the late Dr. Bruce Cole, the Prize seeks to promote engagement with American history among young readers. The winner will receive $13,000–in honor of the 13 original colonies, a lifetime membership to The New York Historical, and a medallion designed by artist Clarice Smith. Two Honorable Mention recipients will receive $500, each, and the medallion.

According to Smith, the teaching of history has declined in recent decades, leaving many young people unfamiliar with foundational figures such as George Washington and Benjamin Franklin. In response, and in partnership with the late Dr. Bruce Cole, former Chairman of the National Endowment for the Humanities, the Prize was established to inspire historical literacy. As Dr. Cole observed, “we are a country of historical amnesiacs,” and engaging books may help address this challenge.

Submissions must be made online via the Grateful American Book Prize Submission Form by Friday, July 31, 2026. Self-published books do not qualify. For further details, visit the submission page.

2026 Grateful American Book Prize Call for Submissions

The Grateful American Book Prize is now accepting submissions for outstanding historical fiction, non-fiction, and biographies for readers, ages 11 to 15. Eligible books must be published between August 1, 2025, and July 31, 2026.

Founded by David Bruce Smith and the late Dr. Bruce Cole, the Prize seeks to promote engagement with American history among young readers. The winner will receive $13,000–in honor of the 13 original colonies, a lifetime membership to The New York Historical, and a medallion designed by artist Clarice Smith. Two Honorable Mention recipients will receive $500, each, and the medallion.

According to Smith, the teaching of history has declined in recent decades, leaving many young people unfamiliar with foundational figures such as George Washington and Benjamin Franklin. In response, and in partnership with the late Dr. Bruce Cole, former Chairman of the National Endowment for the Humanities, the Prize was established to inspire historical literacy. As Dr. Cole observed, “we are a country of historical amnesiacs,” and engaging books may help address this challenge.

Submissions must be made online via the Grateful American Book Prize Submission Form by Friday, July 31, 2026. Self-published books do not qualify. For further details, visit the submission page.

Media Contact:
Grateful American Book Prize
info@gratefulamericanbookprize.org
703-688-2233

2026 Grateful American Book Prize Call for Submissions

The Grateful American Book Prize is now accepting submissions for outstanding historical fiction, non-fiction, and biographies for readers, ages 11 to 15. Eligible books must be published between August 1, 2025, and July 31, 2026.

Founded by David Bruce Smith and the late Dr. Bruce Cole, the Prize seeks to promote engagement with American history among young readers. The winner will receive a $13,000 award, a lifetime membership to The New York Historical, and a medallion designed by artist Clarice Smith. Two Honorable Mention recipients will receive $500, each, and the medallion.

According to Smith, the teaching of history has declined in recent decades, leaving many young people unfamiliar with foundational figures such as George Washington and Benjamin Franklin. In response, and in partnership with the late Dr. Bruce Cole, former Chairman of the National Endowment for the Humanities, the Prize was established to inspire historical literacy. As Dr. Cole observed, “we are a country of historical amnesiacs,” and engaging books may help address this challenge.

Submissions must be made online via the Grateful American Book Prize Submission Form by Friday, July 31, 2026. Self-published books do not qualify. For further details, visit the submission page.

Media Contact:
Grateful American Book Prize
info@gratefulamericanbookprize.org
703-688-2233