On May 11, 2024, authors, poets, illustrators, designers, publishers, and avid readers came together for a night to celebrate some of Oklahoma’s most talented literary standouts. Kelley Riha, president of the Friends of the Oklahoma Center for the Book, led the evening as the master of ceremonies. The Arrell Gibson Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to award-winning author, poet, filmmaker, and playwright LeAnne Howe, a citizen of the Choctaw Nation. 

Books are recognized each year for outstanding work in fiction, non-fiction, children and young adult, poetry, and the design, illustration, and photography combined category. To be eligible for consideration, books must be written by an Oklahoman, about the state, or have an Oklahoma theme. This year, the Oklahoma Center for the Book received 179 entries with 28 chosen as finalists.

The evening would not have been possible without the generous support of the sponsors: Bob Burke, Center for the Book in the Library of Congress, Adam and Betty Falato, Full Circle Books, and the Oklahoma Department of Libraries.

And now for the winners!