We are pleased to announce the Winners and Honorable Mention NEMBA Awards for books published in 2023.
Nominations were accepted in six categories: (1) Nonfiction, (2) Fiction, (3) Poetry, (4) Children’s Literature, (5) Middle Grade and Young Adult, and (6) Memoir. With only one nominee in Middle Grade and Young Adult, it was moved to Children’s Literature. There were just two nominees for Poetry, so only a winner was selected. Reading teams chose a winner and an honorable mention in each of the remaining categories. The winners each receive a $200 cash prize. The winning author and the honorable mention receive a beveled glass award as well as 100 NEMBA book seals.
A private awards ceremony to honor all nominees as well as Winners and Honorable Mentions was held on Tuesday, October 15. We are grateful to PBS North for sponsoring the awards presentation and providing their studio and set-up for the event, and to Friends of the Duluth Public Library for sponsoring the award plaques. Photos of the event are available here. You may watch a video of the ceremony here.
NOTE: Nominations for the 2025 NEMBA, honoring books published in 2024, will be accepted beginning February 1, 2025.
Listed below are the honorable mention and winners in each category with descriptions written by the reading teams:
Winner in Nonfiction
Making the Carry: The Lives of John and Tchi-Ki-Wis Linklater
by Timothy Cochrane
published by University of Minnesota Press
Describing this book as a biography of an indigenous couple is an understatement of this special submission. This work excelled in every category, hence our unanimous choice for this year’s NEMBA Non-Fiction Winner. Through history, interviews, photos and stories, Timothy Cochrane beautifully illustrates the lives of John and Tchi-Ki-Wis and aptly describes the metaphor “making the carry” first used in reference to John by Sigurd Olson. John and Tchi-Ki-Wis’s journey, bridging past and present while navigating multiple cultures and worldviews, offers a profound perspective on the resilience and wisdom of indigenous peoples. Their story of creating so much while maintaining humility, kindness, and humor and despite facing hardship and discrimination is truly inspiring. This book is a valuable read for anyone interested in the cultural heritage of Northeastern Minnesota.
Honorable Mention in Nonfiction
Minescapes: Reclaiming Minnesota’s Mined Lands
by Pete Kero
published by Minnesota Historical Society Press
Pete Kero delves into the rich history of the Mesabi Iron Range, exploring the journey from the initial discovery of iron ore to the innovative repurposing of these lands. Kero highlights the transformation of the Iron Range, where former mining sites have been converted into parks, ski venues, bike trails, and areas for fishing and hunting. He also tells the story of the people who have lobbied for environmental change, emphasizing the balance between economic stability and environmental sustainability. This book should be read by anyone interested in policymaking or with an inspiration to overcome obstacles to healing the earth. Minescapes brings us a view that is little mentioned elsewhere. The excavation and expansion of the mines is only a part of the story. Low-grade ores were stockpiled for later use. Cities were moved. And when the mines closed nature started to take back the hills and pits long before a new generation set about repurposing the area and lobbying for a new outlook for its use. Pete Kero does an admirable job of presenting the history of the mines and the area’s future.
Winner in Fiction
Clouded Waters
by Dianna Hunter
published by Holy Cow! Press
Set in a small Iron Range town, the conflict revolves around an international mining consortium’s desire for copper mining and some folks’ desire to preserve and protect climate, natural resources, and indigenous rights. The author deftly manages the drama of political and social differences, power struggles, and multiple story lines. A compelling page-turner, Clouded Waters weaves together the huge issues alongside romance, mystery, and grief.
Honorable Mention in Fiction
Where the Dead Sleep
by Joshua Moehling
published by Poisoned Pen Press
A well-written crime drama, the story brings danger and unwanted scrutiny to residents of a small northern Minnesota tourist town. There is a murder, and the possible suspects are many. There are power struggles, but will the good guys win? This novel is riveting and masterfully crafted. There are secrets, both historical and recent; a brutal crime; compelling characters; non-stop action, and an ending you can’t begin to imagine. Everyone has a secret, everyone is a potential victim, and anyone might be the guilty party.
Winner in Poetry
I Think I Know You
by Julie Gard
published by FutureCycle Press
These richly insightful poems are rooted in the Twin Ports but also reach out to the wider world, exploring the complex ways people forge bonds with each other and their communities. These ambitious yet approachable poems examine how people relate to one another, how we become estranged from each other, how our communities shape who we are, and whether we can ever truly know each other. From pleasant evening strolls through Duluth’s cozy neighborhoods, to political conflicts that threaten to divide us from those we love, Gard brings both wit and solemnity to the urgent question of how to communicate effectively in a diverse and ever-changing world.
Winner in Children’s Literature
Star Party
by Polly Carlson-Voiles, Illustrated by Consie Powell
published by Minnesota Historical Society Press
The concept of Dark Skies becomes an authentic experience for the reader as the author leads us through the dark woods to the lake to watch the stars. The illustrations make us feel like we are right there on the dock with Nora, gazing at the awesome night sky. If the story doesn’t get you outside for your own star party, then certainly learning more about Dark Skies in the resources at the end of the book will. The writer, through beautiful descriptive words, focuses on the joy of family sharing the wonder of the night sky and after reading this book, your own youngsters will want to have a star party every night. Get out the blankets and hot chocolate.
Honorable Mention in Children’s Literature
Northern Sights
by Tove Conway, Illustrated by Kari Vick
published by Beaver’s Pond Press
Through the eyes of woodland and stream creatures, this is a gentle story of discovery in the Northwoods. The words and soft paintings help lead us on an adventure through the woods and lets us see how the forest creates habitat and supports the animals within it. Young readers will be engaged with the repetitive phrases throughout the book as they follow the animals on each page. There is so much to look at in each picture and will inspire children to be observant as they explore the woods on their next nature walk. Even the bonus mini bookmark, included with the book, matches the inside cover plates and is nicely crafted.
Winner in Memoir
Campfire in the Basement: Reflections from a North Woods Lake
by Darrell J. Pedersen
published by River Place Press
Petersen’s witty, warm memoir embodies his love of Northeast Minnesota’s people and places, from growing up on the shore of Lake Eier to becoming a husband, father, pastor, and grandparent. In his easy-to-read memoir, he recounts stories of lake living from his midcentury childhood, often filled with humor and mischief. Reflecting on growing up, college, marriage, fatherhood, becoming a pastor, and being a grandparent, he shares acquired wisdom, fears, and his honest assessments of life.
Honorable Mention in Memoir
Lit Up: Out of the cubicle and into the real world
by Eddy Gilmore
published by Wandering Man Press
The author tells the story of how he left his Duluth cubicle and its consistent paycheck to pursue a dream to live in the “real world” as a microgreen farmer. Gilmore writes with keen detail of his journey to farming and the many people who helped him along the way, especially his Duluth community. Concurrent with his path, his wife Shawna became a successful visual artist. He relates the challenges and successes along the way for himself and his family, and the joy and freedom he has found.
NEMBA book seals
The NEMBA Awards are presented by Lake Superior Writers.
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