As always, all submissions were judged blind, without any identifying information. The finalist judges found it “an absolute pleasure” to read the submissions, and awarded four honorable mentions.
Andrea Jones Walker (Pensacola Branch) for her chapbook, “Altars of Wonder.” The judges wrote: “The poems in ‘Altars of Wonder’ are filled with the beauty of the natural world, from ‘a small fever of rays’ to clouds moving like ghosts. But, the poems aren’t set in nature alone. The poems capture the emotional stake of the human world as well, with the poet observing strangers — at the beach; at Walmart — to the musings on grief and loss, seen through the lens of death and the pandemic. These poems feel honest and genuine, and they are unafraid to capture complicated emotions with language that feels uncomplicated, but not uncomplex.”
Kari Ann Ebert (Holly Branch, Delaware) was recognized for her chapbook, “Alphabet of Mo(u)rning.” The judges wrote, “The poems in ‘Alphabet of Mo(u)rning’ are illuminating and exploratory. The language and imagery throughout each poem feel purposeful, from ‘an inch of wink’ to ‘a light that curls its finger.’ The author writes in one poem, ‘things might be freed blessed open unfettered rescued from their rot,’ and the judges felt these poems did exactly that, in a way that was unique and striking.”
Susan Livingston (Huntsville Branch, Alabama) for her short story, “Once Upon a Memory.” The judges wrote: “The short story, ‘Once Upon a Memory,’ does a heartbreakingly wonderful job capturing the emotions of losing a loved one to Alzheimer’s. The story carries its narrative effectively and clearly, while allowing the deeper emotions of the characters, particularly the protagonist Lucy, to shine through in a way that feels sentimental but never overwrought or overly dramatic.”
Patricia Black-Gould (Pensacola Branch, Florida) for her fiction book, “The Crystal Beads, Lalka’s Journey.” The judges wrote: “In ‘The Crystal Beads, Lalka’s Journey,’ the author presents the atrocities and horror of the Holocaust. The book captures a history that feels emotionally appropriate as a children’s book, but does not shy away from the terrible truth. Though it is a children’s book, it is essentially about courage and kindness, and captures a message that transcends age. All readers, children or adults, can take away a strong message about how we have the ability to spread light and stamp out hate.”