Awards: Ernest J. Gaines for Literary Excellence

Crystal Wilkinson's novel Birds of Opulence won the $10,000 Ernest J. Gaines Award for Literary Excellence, which is presented annually by the Baton Rouge Area Foundation to recognize "outstanding work from rising African-American fiction writers while honoring Louisiana native Ernest Gaines' extraordinary contribution to the literary world."

The Gaines Award shortlisted three books for commendation this year: The Side of Providence by Rachel M. Harper, Triangle Ray by John Holman and We Love You, Charlie Freeman by Kaitlyn Greenidge.

Powered by: Xtenit