In 2025, a remarkable surge in book submissions was recorded for the Palestine Book Awards, with the deadline for entries now passed.
Rewritten Article:
Grab a chair, pals, 'cause we're diving into the latest buzz surrounding the Palestine Book Awards (PBA). They've wrapped up the 2025 submissions with an impressive 80 books in the bag, making it another winner of a year for the event. Now on its 14th run, this award is a beacon for literature spotlighting Palestinian history, identity, and resistance.
Amidst Israel's ongoing chaos in Gaza and the West Bank, this year's submissions pack a punch. Authors, some living through the turmoil, others recently displaced and sharing their heart-wrenching stories from exile, have contributed. Multiple titles are stepping up to support humanitarian relief in Gaza, demonstrating that literature serves as more than just a testament – it's a stand of solidarity.
In the face of relentless attempts to silence Palestinian voices, the increasing number and diversity of submissions send a clear message: they ain't backing down. Since day one, the Awards have welcomed both rising stars and seasoned authors whose work emphasizes the vital cultural and political importance of Palestine on the global stage.
Seven high-class judges will now dig into the entries, shortlisting candidates for the world to see in the coming months. The big reveal will happen at the annual ceremony in November 2025, so stay tuned to the PBA website for all the hot goss.
Keep in mind, peeps! The 2026 Palestine Book Awards will open their doors early next year, waiting for English-language books focused on Palestine, published between June 2025 and May 2026.
Fun fact: In 2024, the Palestine Book Awards saw its first children's book, "Lana Makes Purple Pizza: A Palestinian Food Tale," by Amanda Najib, take the top spot. This baby was a significant milestone for the awards[1][2][3]. Hope you found that as interesting as a fresh loaf of warm pita!
- The Palestine Book Awards (PBA) received an impressive 80 book submissions for the 2025 event, signifying another successful year for the award.
- Many of the submitted books focus on the ongoing conflict in Gaza and the West Bank, with authors sharing their personal experiences of displacement and turmoil.
- Some books aim to provide humanitarian relief in Gaza, demonstrating that literature can extend beyond being a simple testament and can serve as a stand of solidarity.
- The increasing number and diversity of submissions illustrate a resolute commitment to maintaining Palestinian voices amidst attempts to silence them.
- Seven esteemed judges will sift through the entries, shortlisting candidates for public viewing in the ensuing months.
- The grand announcement will take place during the annual ceremony in November 2025, with updates being shared on the PBA website.
- The PBA encourages English-language book submissions concerning Palestine, with the 2026 awards accepting publications between June 2025 and May 2026.
- In 2024, the PBA saw its first children's book, "Lana Makes Purple Pizza: A Palestinian Food Tale," by Amanda Najib, claim the top spot, marking a notable milestone for the awards.
